Even as politicians across Maharashtra are engaged in a battle of one-upmanship over a memorial and statue for Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray, a little-known sculptor in the quaint neighbourhood of Andheri has gone one up on the leaders.

Vijay Shirgaonkar, a second-generation sculptor, has already made a 4-ft tall bust of Thackeray as a dedication to the leader. Shirgaonkar began work on the model last month, well before the news of Thackeray’s illness hit headlines.

Rich tribute: Vijay Shirgaonkar has made a 4-ft tall statue of Shiv Sena Supremo Bal Thackeray at his studio in Mahakali Caves Road in Andheri (E). Pic/Rane Ashish