Kumaran Shunmugam Naidoo with the murthis he sculpted.
Image: Supplied
What began as a hobby has transformed into a full-time livelihood for 54-year-old Kumaran Shunmugam Naidoo, a former chief lab technician who now dedicates his days to crafting intricate religious sculptures known as murthis.
Naidoo, of Ilovo, says his sculpting journey began a decade ago, driven purely by a love for art.
“I started sculpting murthis 10 years ago. It was a hobby. The first statue I made was of Radha and Krishna. It was for my wife," said the self-taught sculptor.
However, life took an unexpected turn in July 2024 when Naidoo was retrenched from his job. What could have been a setback instead became a turning point.
“After I got retrenched, sculpting became my source of income."
Naidoo’s determination to succeed in sculpting was partly fueled by criticism he once faced.
Recalling an encounter with a local temple committee, he said: “One day I approached a temple committee in Ilovo to make a murthi for them. However they spewed negative comments at me, saying that local Indians cannot make the sculptures the way Indian people in India can because we have no talent.”
Kumaran Shunmugam Naidoo's Shiva murthi.
Image: Supplied
Rather than discouraging him, the remarks strengthened his resolve.
“I decided to prove to myself that anything is possible and that is when I started."
Today, Naidoo has created approximately a dozen murthis, depicting deities such as Ganesha, Siva, Muruga, Amman, Narasimha, and Radha Krishna.
His work has even extended beyond Hindu religious figures.
“I even made Jesus for a church for this Easter,” he added.
His creative process, he says, is deeply intuitive.
“The intricate designs are not easy to do. Many people ask how I do it. I merely say the murthis speak to me. They tell me what to do and I do it. Sometimes I wake up at odd times to cut or create the murthi because they had told me what to do.”
In the early days, a lack of tools did not deter him.
“The first time someone asked me to make a Ganesha, I had no tools, so I cut the polystyrene with my wife’s bread knife."
Kumaran Shunmugam Naidoo's Saraswati murthi.
Image: Supplied
Each sculpture is carefully crafted using polystyrene, which is shaped and reinforced with a damp seal and membrane, followed by a mixture of concrete and paint to ensure durability.
“It can be left outside."
With more time on his hands now, Naidoo says production has become faster.
“It takes about a week to make now that I am at home and have more time. When I worked, it would take a month, and if I had no inspiration to work, I never did.”
Hanuman sculptures.
Image: Supplied
Prices for his murthis range between R1,500 and R2,500, depending on size. Some of his larger creations, including 2-metre-tall sculptures, are used for religious processions.
“My son pulls a chariot for kavady and fire walking, so I make 2m tall murthi’s for his chariot,” he said.
Naidoo’s family plays a central role in his work. His wife, Monica, and eldest son, Vinai, assist with restoration and painting.
“We also restore murthis. If there’s a broken arm, we make an arm and repaint. I used to do it for free but now that it is my sole source of income I have to start charging."
Despite the challenges, Naidoo remains committed to his craft.
“This is my passion and my family are my biggest fans. I just love art and I always believe if someone else can do it, I can do it too. I believed I could, so I did. As long as I am breathing, I will continue making more murthi’s,” Naidoo said.
Jesus sculpture for Easter.
Image: Supplied