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A TWIST IN THE BALLOON
- 'PUYAL' GANESH
 He
blows, twists and turns. Bingo! - a new animal emerges out of the
long, inflated Balloon.
Meet 'Puyal' Ganesh (meaning 'Storm Ganesh') - perhaps
the only Balloon sculptor in south India. He is called Puyal,
not because he is adept at blowing Balloons, but because of
his speed in talking. But, the storm has mellowed over the years
to a light breeze, otherwise it would have been hard to catch up
with him!
But, he still remains a storm when it comes to sculpting animals.
An adorable cat, piglet, mouse, teddy bear, giraffe, swan, lion
- all these shapes appear, as the long inflated Balloon is sculpted
by his skilled hands. His wife adds the finishing touch by painting
eyes and whiskers wherever needed. And he learned all this through
some books and the internet!
When did it all begin?
He recollects with a smile. " Two years ago, I found a book
on Balloon sculpting along with some Balloons at a bookshop. I was
curious, and bought the book." So, he practised the techniques
given in the book and his first shapes emerged so well, that he
decided to learn more of this art, which is practised by few in
India.
He is a bit unhappy that not many people are aware of this art,
which is popular in the U.S and the U.K. He also regrets the fact
that he has no competition in the city.
Where does he obtain the tools of the trade?
 "I
import the long tubular balloons from the U.S, because locally-made
Balloons are thick and not as strong." And he uses an imported
pump for inflating balloons. "You can blow them with your mouth,
but that requires lung power, practice and a special knack."
He is willing to share his knowledge, if students are really keen
to practise it on a professional level. But, material has to be
provided by the pupils as these are not locally available. And,
believe it or not, he wants his students to emerge as his future
competitors in the city.
This energetic Balloon sculptor, who is working at All India
Radio, is also a master (note - Master, not Jack) of many trades
- an actor, script writer, director and a well known magician.
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