Magic
for Profession
R. Lakshmana Samy & Sudhansu Das
Since ages magic has been a part of our entertainment stream in India and
the Magicians have been making the show as a remunerative economic activity.
But in recent days magic as a profession is being used as a showpiece to
attract gatherings and make money by using non-professional tactics and
tricks. Such so-called magic shows lose their value and importance among the
general public. In ancient time, magic was taught as a subject in Nalanda,
Takshila and Avantipur Universities.
The field of magic survives today because of the efforts of a few magicians
all over India. Prof. K.C. Pandey, President of Magical Academy of India and
a practicing magician for 33 years, expresses his grief by saying that it is
a "dying art." In India magicians have personally preserved this art without
any support from the Government. The Government could have played a major
role in promoting and developing, this art by opening academies/museums/
institutions. However, Mr. Sudhanshu Das a practising magician from Guwahati
feels that
there is still scope. "These days ft is difficult to find a magician who
takes to the art of magic as a profession*. Magic is an art based on science
and techniques. Prof Pandey takes immense pride in magic. It is beautified
with the dexterity of hands and creates an illusion for eyes. One can do
wonders with magic. It is a science of fun & frolic. The performance of
magic eliminates superstition from the society and provides healthy
entertainment, which is good for viewing of family members. It can be
understood in spite of language barriers.
Of the younger lot, there are some who have the inclination to take magic
seriously. However, they bear several misconceptions in mind. Once
confronted with reality they wander away. Prof. Pandey says " Several young
people come to learn magic since they believe that it's all about casting
spells. They want to learn the magic to hypnotize a girl/boy of their
choice. But when they come to know that magic is an art based on pure
science and techniques, which requires investment in magical instruments and
intensive practice, they disappear".
Competition in the entertainment industry is getting complicated day by day.
Mr. Sudhanshu Says " with so much entertainment available, Magicians need to
change and equip themselves suitably with latest magic materials and
instruments, which involves huge expenditure. So any magician who has the
talent of marketing • his magic performance needs good sponsors to make the
show with illusive items and costumes". He may also practise magic in the
from of Magic Therapy. It has worked wonders in the field of medicine.
Moreover, the Physically disabled persons have gained lot through this
therapy. If one has an innovative mind in this field, he/she has an
attractive career even now. Prof. Pandey
claims that it is good career option is these days and in metro cities like
Delhi, a magician can make anywhere between Rs. 5000/- to Rs. 10,000/- for a
simple small scale show at birthday parties etc. " For corporate shows and
other functions charges vary from Rs. 40.000/- to Rs. 3 lakhs and in either
case a good magician can easily make a minimum monthly income ranging
between Rs. 30.000/-to 50,000/-.
The younger generation generally gets training in magic personally from a
magician. One cannot expect to learn magic only through books Prof, Pandey
adds.' The practical training under the supervision of a good magician is a
must to become a good performer and magic- entertainer". He suggests that a
bachelor's degree in the fine art of magic should be offered by the Indian
Universities after seeking necessary approval from University Grant
Commission."
Abroad a Ph.D is available in the field of magic.
If disabled persons are given a suitable training with practical experiences
by a Master trainer, who is otherwise a well known practising Magician, they
can perform magic shows in colleges, schools, corporate houses, hospitals,
jails and even in birthday parties and wedding ceremonies. By realizing its
economic potential, VRS, Guwahati approached NABARD to recognize magic as an
economic activity under Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programme and
succeeded in the attempt. The Training has two modules, one for solo
performance and another for Group performance and the duration of
performance ranges from 1-3 hrs. The training programmes for the disabled is
suitably designed by Shri Sudhansu Das, a well know practising magician who
is otherwise an Engineer by profession. Such training for the disabled gets
the attraction of the media and they in turn popularize their magic skill
and abilities. It is worth viewing a hearing impaired person do the magic by
following the music tune accurately during training period. Advance booking
of magic shows are being done by corporate houses, schools and colleges.
Magic troopes are also in use and practice of Govt. departments such as Song
and Drama Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for propagating
various policies, programmes and themes such as peace, national integration
and communal harmony, Health and Family Welfare, eradication of Social
evils, prevention and control of AIDS/malaria/leprosy/T.B., Rural
Development, education, women empowerment etc.
(R. Lakshmana Samy is Asstt. Director (Rehab. )VRC for Handicapped,
Ministry of Labour & Employment. Guwahati and Sudhansu Das is a practising
magician.)
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