Sand artist magically transforms Burj Al Arab to Burj Khalifa in seconds

Abu Dhabi - He also stunned the audience by creating the magnificent Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Indian sand artist Udayan Edappal produced some wonderful moments with his magical works during the UAE-India Fest organised by Indian Social and Cultural Centre.
The Emirati audience among the guests was left dazed as Udayan transformed Abu Dhabi's leaning Capital Gate Tower to Aldar headquarters' circular building and then to Burj al Arab and eventually Burj Khalifa all in matter of minutes. He later created Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque too.
Udayan's masterstroke was the work of Founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Even as Udayan started with an eyebrow of Sheikh Zayed, sweet whispers were heard from all the corners: 'Hey, it's Sheikh Zayed'.
When he finished with Sheikh Mohamed waving with one hand, there was a round of thunderous applause. His thread and nail work done on Sheikh Zayed is also exhibited at the fest.
"I came here on short notice from India but have spent enough years here to know what Sheikh Mohamed's visit means to both Indians and Emiratis here," Udayan, who had worked in Mussafah from 2009 to 2013 before moving to Kerala, told Khaleej Times.
He is a cine art director and has worked in many movies.
"My thread and nail work on Sheikh Zayed was appreciated by many Emiratis. This is my tribute to this great country," he added.
Udayan also made historical Indian monuments of Taj Mahal, Qutub Minar among others.
Actress and classical dancer Lakshmi Gopalaswami, who had finished her performances, sat on the stage watching the sand-made story unfold on the big screen.
In closing minutes of his 40-minute show, Udayan created and delighted ISC president M. Thomas Varghese and general secretary John P. Varghese.
Among other events were songs by artist in various Indian languages. Splendid dance performances by children and Kerala martial art form Kalaripayattu were well received.
And the last fest day of Saturday was packed with instrument show by artist Sabreesh Prabhaker, magic show, martial arts performance, Khaleeji dance, classical Indian dances among others. The night's headline event was Indian playback singer Naresh Iyer's concert and sand art by Udayan.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE
• Abu Dhabi