A TALK WITH KING OF JADU- JADUGAR ANAND

We've featured the Indian magician Mr. Anand in the past for his skill as a performer and ability to generate interest in his show and magic in general. Daijiworld took considerable time and care with their feature on this great magician from India. Plus it has a great hook: Mr. Anand is the Fastest Magician on the Planet. Anyone can make an elephant disappear quickly, but how many can make it appear in a matter of seconds. He makes the Statue of Liberty disappear in slow motion, a trick performed for the first time in India. His world of illusion has been hailed by audiences and critics alike as one of the greatest magic shows of Asia, which is not merely performing tricks but creating miracles beyond your wildest imaginations. One can watch in awe as the Jadugar cuts a girl in half using high speed electric saw blade. Pigeons fly out of seemingly empty baskets, a dog goes into a box and out emerges a girl. Jadugar Anand's set of new tricks include passing through a rotating fan mounted on a table, girl balancing on a bamboo pole. He even brings an elephant onto the stage, much to the amusement of children. Girls floating and vanishing in mid air, birds appearing from his fingertips and many more breath taking illusions are what Anand offers. Appropriately the first question dealt with the state of Magic in India today. Viju: What is the present status of magic in India? Anand: It's indeed sad that there are no many takers for magic, which has still to be accepted as an art, rather than a mere entertaining profession. Between the two performing art forms held high globally are the Russian Circus and Indian Magic. But the younger generation has to be motivated to take up magic. Viju: As the All-India Magic Federation national president you have been in the forefront in the campaign to set up an academy for magic. Why and how far have you progressed? Anand: There is a need to form an academy for magicians, as this will help those from the new generations to learn the art. People should know more about this art as it could help get rid of many superstitions that exist in society. Every year, around 1,000 people get killed in our country because of misconceptions and superstitions related to black magic. The formation of an academy will help people have a clearer idea about magic and also encourage youngsters to learn the art. The ground is ready for the formation of an academy in Jaipur and setting up an academy in Bangalore is also on cards. Mr. Anand believes Magicians are neglected in India and need to be encouraged by the government . He commends the Government of Karnataka for not imposing entertainment tax on magic shows. "However, government policies have not been encouraging and we don't even have an academy to teach the art to our future generations." If there is anyone who can help bolster Magic's place in India, it is Mr. Anand. It may not be done in the blink of an eye, but it will happen if Mr. Anand is involved.