Eco-Friendly Ganpati Idol: Mumbai Sculptor Nishant Sudhakaran Creates Ganesha from Automobile Scrap

Rajkumari Sharma Tankha

As the vibrant celebrations of Ganesh Chaturthi begin, Mumbai-based sculptor Nishant Sudhakaran has unveiled a stunning eco-friendly Ganesha idol made from automobile scrap, capturing both artistic brilliance and sustainability.

Created for Ford Motors in collaboration with Madhvi Pittie of Workshop Q, the six-foot-tall sculpture is a unique blend of devotion and innovation.

A Sustainable Tribute to Lord Ganesha

Crafted entirely from over 900 kg of automobile scrap, the idol is a remarkable example of recycled art in India. The sculpture incorporates a variety of car parts including:

• Disc brakes and fenders
• Clutch plates and flat gears
• Shaft gears and spark plugs
• Connecting rods and crankshafts
• Chains, nuts, bolts, and piston blocks

Even the mooshak (Lord Ganesha’s mount) has been creatively designed using gears and mechanical components, complete with a wrought iron tail.

A Personal Expression of Gratitude

For Nishant Sudhakaran, this project goes beyond artistic expression—it is deeply personal.

The sculptor created the idol as a tribute to Lord Ganesha, expressing gratitude for the birth of his daughter. Despite the complexity of the structure, he completed the sculpture in a record time of just one month.

“Ganpati Bappa removes all obstacles,” he says, crediting divine inspiration for the smooth execution of the project.

On Display at Oberoi Mall, Mumbai

The eco-friendly Ganpati idol is currently installed at Oberoi Mall, where it has been drawing admiration from visitors for its creativity and environmental message.

The installation highlights a modern approach to festive celebrations—combining devotion with sustainability.

Redefining Art Through Recycling

Nishant Sudhakaran transforms scrap metal into extraordinary artworks. His reputed clients include:

• Shapoorji Pallonji
• Holiday Inn Mumbai
• House of Masaba

Some of his notable works include:

• A three-headed lion-faced alien sculpture made from machine parts
• An 11-foot kinetic metal tree showcased at the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival
• Wrought iron chandeliers and creative lamps made from recycled materials
• Large-scale wall murals featuring metal butterflies and maple leaves

A Step Towards Eco-Friendly Celebrations

With increasing awareness around environmental impact, eco-friendly idols are gaining popularity during Ganesh Chaturthi. Nishant’s creation stands as a powerful example of how art, sustainability, and spirituality can come together.

“It is a new way to recycle and create something timeless,” he says.

What’s Next for the Artist?

After completing this six-foot Ganpati sculpture, Nishant is now working on an ambitious 11-foot-tall kinetic wind sculpture, continuing his journey of innovative metal artistry.

This eco-friendly Ganpati idol not only celebrates the spirit of Ganesh Chaturthi but also sends a strong message about sustainability. Through his work, Nishant Sudhakaran proves that devotion and environmental consciousness can go hand in hand.