By Tamlyn Canham
A Sri Lankan doll artist who created a doll inspired by Zozibini Tunzi has apologised for any “mistakes” he made.
Nigeshan Sivasundharam shared a picture of his Zozibini doll on Instagram. The doll was wearing the same Biji dress she wore for her final walk at the recent Miss Universe ceremony.
READ: WATCH: Mrs Sri Lanka gets crown pulled off her head
While scores of the artist’s followers thought the doll looked amazing, many South Africans thought it looked nothing like their golden girl.
Some went as far as saying the doll was “ugly”.
https://twitter.com/TemptingTony_/status/1398583916781576195
But not all South Africans hated the doll. Some said they would love to get their hands on one of Nigeshan’s NIGYDOLLS.
i'd like to have a Zozibini doll. i wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway 😍
— Seezy (@lesedisebolai) June 1, 2021
Can anyone provide any previous proof of dolls looking excatly like who they are intended to look like. Growing up with action figures, I’ve never seen a doll that looks like the person. What exactly are people expecting here? Picture perfect DNA duplicate of Zozi? 🤷🏾♂️🤷🏾♂️
— @TakeUpSpace_sa (@bangi_yes) May 29, 2021
Doll artist says sorry
While Nigeshan is proud of his creation, he says he did not mean to offend anyone.
“Hi everyone.. In previous post most of them commented in Twitter that “This doll is not like Zozibini Tunzi”. Yes how it can be? I’m not a canvas doll maker. If there is any mistakes I’m sorry. I think this face is ok?”
But many social media users told him he had no reason to be ashamed of his creation.
“This is amazing. You don’t worry. They are jealous that’s why they might be telling nonsense,” one Instagram user commented.
It has also been revealed that Nigeshan does not paint the dolls himself. He just designs their outfits.
Here’s a look at some of his other creations:



