The Madame Tussaud's museum at Times Square will launch Ash's incredibly life-like wax model on August 15 when India celebrates its 60th year of independence.

The unveiling ceremony has been scheduled on Indian Independence Day as demanded by the actor's fans in the city, according to museum officials. "The event will feature a 15-minute performance by a local Bollywood dance troupe."

The museum has borrowed the model for six weeks from its parent Madame Tussaud's in London where the former Miss World's waxwork was unveiled in 2004, timed with the release of 'Bride and Prejudice' in which she played the lead role.

The other Indian film actors immortalised at Madame Tussaud's in London are Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan and Tamil superstar Rajnikanth.

Ash, now married to Abhishek Bachchan, will be the first Indian actor to feature at the New York museum.

Madame Tussauds in Manhatten has become the world's most renowned wax attraction since its opening in 2000.

The museum, with other locations in London, Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Hong Kong and Shanghai, attracts over a million visitors every year. It was set up by famous wax sculptor Marie Tussaud in London in 1835.