The Daily Star's FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inbox Sign up today! Thank you for subscribing See our privacy notice Invalid Email

(Image: CATERS/GETTY)

Poor Kanai Das, 42, suffers with a rare condition that has left him with elephant-like features.

On a day-to-day basis he begs for change from commuters who think he is the Hindu god Ganesh reincarnated.

But despite his small-time fame, his health woes – that help pay his way – also make his life a living hell.

(Image: CATERS)

Kanai is at the end of his tether and is in desperate need of medical help.

The beggar is now hoping to cobble together the funds for a procedure that could save him from his torment.

He actually suffers from a rare condition called neurofibromatosis, which has left his facial skin sagging down past his chest.

(Image: CATERS)

So severe is his condition, that he has actually lost his right eye amid the folds of droopy flesh.

In the Hindu faith, the elephant god Ganesh is revered as a source of intellect and wisdom, and is worshipped worldwide.

And despite not having a trunk, Kanai – who lives in Baruipur, India – is considered by some to be the god in mortal form.