Who’s Heading This?

Sohal Khatwani wants India to use its head(s). So much so, that he returned to the Motherland from Australia a few months ago to start Head Knockin, a new company that converts desi celebrities into bobblehead dolls and puts them on your desk. Gods and Demi-nods?

But the 27 year-old entrepreneur doesn’t want to run Head Knockin like a Bollywood doll shop. He’s got big plans, ones that involve ventures with Bollywood stars, cricket teams, politicians and you. Most recently, Sohal bagged an official merchandising contract to create Don 2’s SRK bobblehead, as well as another for the Royal Challengers IPL team.  “A chap just came to see me about making RCB Bobbleheads...what do u all think? He made a sample of me...will post pic... This is me in Bobblehead form!” Sidhartha Mallya tweeted a while back. How about some cheerleader bobbleheads to go with the team?

How Shelf-ish!

Sohal, who previously worked in the digital marketing space, believes there’s a huge market for bobbleheads in India. “Worldwide, everyone from Obama and superhero films to the NBA have used bobbleheads as part of their campaigns. In India, a country that loves its celebrities, this concept will be a hit!” says Sohal, who’s hoping to sign on more IPL teams soon. 

If you’d rather not assign shelf space to a 6.5 inch, gun-toting Shah Rukh Khan (available December 15 on their website for Rs 999), you can put yourself on a pedestal. But like all narcissistic activities, this too shall cost you. Anywhere between Rs 9,000 to 25,000 for a single, non-bulk order bobblehead (depending on time of year, size etc). Designed in the US and made in China (where else?), the bobbleheads bear a striking resemblance to its real-life models (made using photo references) and are crafted from polyresin clay.

Head Knockin’s individual orders include cute wedding cake toppers, voice chip bobbleheads that announce wedding proposals, birthday back presents and corporate gifts.  “We can even do life-size bride and groom bobbleheads (it’ll cost you about two lakhs) that will greet guests at your wedding entrance.

Yoko’s Sizzlers

While a galaxy of stars will join Sohal on the professional front soon, his personal bobblehead collection, which spawned this business, promises to swell as well. “Let’s see, I have the Joker and Iron Man, there’s Salman Khan and Hank Moody,” he says, going over his 50-odd bobbles. Acquiring a limited edition Beatles bobble doll at USD 800, is the next goal. Give this piece a chance, we say.

Getting there: Head Knockin, call 9820047205/ 26510595, visit www.headknockin.com or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , Rs 999 for the Don 2 doll.