Harivansh Rai Bachchan
Kuźnicza Wita Stwosza
The Harivansh Rai Bachchan dwarf at ul. Kuźnicza / Wita Stwosza honours India's greatest Hindi poet, unveiled in December 2019 by Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan — Wrocław's most internationally connected figurine.
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Story
Harivansh Rai Bachchan is one of Wrocław's most internationally celebrated dwarfs — a figure wearing traditional dwarf boots but bearing the unmistakable face of one of India's greatest poets. He arrived in the city on 16 December 2019 at the corner of ul. Kuźnicza and ul. Wita Stwosza, unveiled by none other than the poet's son, Bollywood legend Amitabh Bachchan, who told the gathered crowd: 'We will have in Wrocław a guardian of good Indian-Polish relations.'
History & Significance
The dwarf honoring Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1907–2003) was unveiled on 16 December 2019 at the corner of ul. Kuźnicza and ul. Wita Stwosza, near the Indian restaurant Masala. The event was organised by Honorary Consul of India in Wrocław, Kartikey Johri, and attended by Mayor Jacek Sutryk and Amitabh Bachchan, who played in more than 180 films. Unusually, the dwarf lacks the traditional cap and beard — the creators wanted the face to resemble the poet as closely as possible.
Inspiration
Harivansh Rai Bachchan is considered the greatest 20th-century poet writing in Hindi. His collection 'Madhushala' (The Tavern, 1935) is one of the most celebrated works in Hindi literature. Wrocław's connection to Indian culture, reinforced by its UNESCO City of Literature status in 2020, made the city a natural home for a tribute to the poet. The dwarf was placed near Masala restaurant to strengthen the Indo-Polish cultural link.
Fun Facts
- Unlike all other Wrocław dwarfs, this one has no traditional cap or beard — because the creators wanted his face to be a true likeness of the poet.
- Amitabh Bachchan, who unveiled the dwarf, has acted in over 180 films and is one of Bollywood's biggest stars.
- Harivansh Rai Bachchan's famous poem collection 'Madhushala' uses a metaphorical tavern to explore life, love, and the divine.
- During the 30th WOŚP charity finale in 2022, this dwarf became a fundraising landmark — a QR code next to it allowed donations from around the world.
- A square in the Brochów district of Wrocław was named after the poet in 2021, cementing his place in the city's geography.
How to Find This Dwarf
Head to the corner of ul. Kuźnicza and ul. Wita Stwosza in central Wrocław, near the Indian restaurant Masala. The dwarf stands at ground level. From the Market Square, walk east along ul. Kuźnicza for about 3 minutes — you will reach the junction easily on foot.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Harivansh Rai Bachchan dwarf in Wrocław?
The dwarf stands at the corner of ul. Kuźnicza and ul. Wita Stwosza in central Wrocław, near the Masala Indian restaurant. It was unveiled there on 16 December 2019.
Why does this dwarf look different from the others?
Unlike most Wrocław dwarfs, this one has no traditional cap or beard — the sculptors wanted his face to closely resemble the famous Indian poet Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan (1907–2003).
Who unveiled the Harivansh Rai Bachchan dwarf?
The figurine was unveiled by Amitabh Bachchan, the poet's son and one of Bollywood's greatest actors, during a ceremony attended by Wrocław's mayor Jacek Sutryk in December 2019.
Accessibility
Wheelchair AccessibleGround LevelOutdoor
Located on a flat pavement at a central street corner. Fully accessible.
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