Celebrate the magic at the all-new 2,500 sq ft zone with state-of-the-art interactive experiences

SINGAPORE- Media OutReach - 4 April 2019 - Madame Tussauds Singapore officially launched the UltimateFilm Star Experience (UFSE) today. The launch was officiated by A-lister andiconic television personality, Karan Johar, who unveiled his first and only waxfigure at this new zone.

With Indian cinema culture surging inpopularity, the Ultimate Film Star Experience is an exciting 2,500 sq ft interactiveexperience that aims to bring this vibrancy to life -- from the moment guestsstep into the standalone experience, they will be immersed into the glamorousworld of the Indian film industry, replicating a stars own journey through afilm set.

Designed with a host of special effects andtechnology for a truly interactive attraction, visitors will start in thedressing room with Madhuri Dixit, move on to an interactive hologram auditionsession with Karan Johar, practice their dance moves with Varun Dhawan, act onset with special effects and AR technology, and have many more excitingexperiences and discoveries along the way, including exclusive content from ourcelebrities. Cinematic legends Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan and Priyanka Chopra willjoin the attraction throughout 2019.

In honour of the launch, Karan Johar -- famed actor,producer and director unveiled his unique wax figure in Ultimate Film Star Experience.Best known among Indian audiences for his popular celebrity talk show, guestscan now do audition with him through the interactive hologram room, as well asgetting up close to his wax figure, taking selfies together with his phone heis holding!

"I remember going withmy parents to Madame Tussauds as a wide-eyed kid. Unveiling my statue at MadameTussauds today was a really special moment, made all the more special by mymom's presence on the occasion," said Karan Johar.

"Madame Tussauds Singapore is thrilled tolaunch the new Ultimate Film Star Experience, which will captivate ouraudiences, whether they are long-time Indian cinema fans, or discovering it forthe first time with us. We are very honoured to have Karan Johar here topresent his new figure, and have an exciting pipeline of more industry legends andexclusive celebrity content coming your way throughout 2019, so stay tuned,"said Alex Ward, General Manager, Madame Tussauds Singapore.

The event was also supported by TheInternational Indian Film Academy Awards. Andre Timmins, the Founder andDirector of IIFA said, "We are proud to be associated with Madame Tussauds for20 years now in bringing fans closer to beloved stars like Karan Johar. As oneof our long serving IIFA advisory board members and most prominent figures inthe industry, we are delighted that he is receiving this accolade and takingIndian cinema to new heights with Madame Tussauds. They are playing anexcellent role in making visitors experiences even more memorable and enjoyed."

Dress like a star with Madhuri Dixit

A classic dressing room housed in a trailer startsguests on their journey as budding stars finding the perfect outfit for theirmovie or premiere. Take the opportunity to snap a photo alongside one of Hindicinema's most popular actresses, MadhuriDixit.

Audition to be a star with KaranJohar

Guests can test their acting chops in front of a holographic projectionof exclusive celebrity content from Karan Johar as their family and friends watch on through a livefeed outside the audition room. The holographic projection includes prompts fromKaran to visitors; encouraging them to strike a pose - from acting angry tofrightened and being in love, they'll get coaching from the veteran.

Experience special effects broughtto life with Shahid Kapoor

Bringing to life a classic scene from Indian cinema, fans findthemselves in a traditional railway train station in the midst of a digitallygenerated earthquake made possible with AR technology, audio-visual effects andreal-time camera capture.

Have a dance-off with Varun Dhawan

Step intothe limelight & dance alongside VarunDhawan with exclusive celebrity content filmed especially for MTSG. Using Kinect interactive features with real-time camera capture, visitorshave the chance to be part of a Bollywood chorus of dancers and have theirmoves projected directly on a digital wall.

Record your first single with Kareena Kapoor

Rock the mic, make some noise and"record" a single or dub over a film track with Kareena Kapoor.

Star in your own movie poster

Upon finally reaching stardom towards the end of the attraction, fansget to star in movie posters, such as being partof an iconic scene from the Krrish movie.

A star's interview with Karan Joharon his interactive set

You've arrived at stardom! To end the exciting rise to fame, fans cansit with Karan Johar where so manyother celebrities have sat before, and take a selfie from his phone.

About Madame Tussauds

MadameTussauds is the ultimate celebrity experience and the world's best known andmost popular wax attraction. There are currently 21 Madame Tussauds attractionsaround the world.  Each of theattractions is unique and tailored to the host city and visitor demographic tofeature both local as well as international figures. These attractions arecontinually endorsed by celebrities, sports stars, royalty and globalpoliticians.

Foundedin London in 1835, Madame Tussauds' amazing wax figures are so high quality andso lifelike that even the celebrities themselves do a double take when they seethem -- and all in stunning interactive themed sets designed to excite, amaze,and surprise, including some with unique animated features! And, with no bars,ropes or barriers around the figures, visitors will have no problem believingthat they really are standing beside their heroes and the photographs takenwith favourite stars will be a special memory for ever.

Theresult of 200 years of expertise and painstaking research every figure takesMadame Tussauds' gifted sculptors a minimum of three months to make, and costsmore than $300K (Singapore dollars). Most contemporary figures are alsoproduced following sittings with the celebrities themselves and are the resultof hundreds of separate measurements, hours matching skin tone, eye and haircolour -- with every individual hair inserted separately. Celebrities and filmstudio wardrobe departments often supply clothing for their figures, ordesigners will reproduce significant or iconic outfits as exact replicas, onlyfor Madame Tussauds. Inclusion in one of Madame Tussauds attractions around theworld is seen as a huge honour and recognition of an individual's contribution,status and achievement.

About Merlin Entertainments plc

MERLIN ENTERTAINMENTS plc is the leading name inlocation-based, family entertainment. Europe's Number 1 and the world'ssecond-largest visitor attraction operator, Merlin now operates more than 110attractions, hotels and holiday villages in 23 countries and across 4continents. The company aims to deliver memorable and rewarding experiences toits almost 63 million visitors worldwide, through its iconic global and localbrands, and the commitment and passion of its managers and 26,000 employees(peak season). 

Merlin currently has different brands in Asiaincluding Madame Tussauds, LEGOLAND Parks and Resorts, Sealife and LEGOLANDDiscovery Centre Visit https://www.merlinentertainments.biz/for more information.