Magic Academy at lucky 13

Thiruvananthapuram: Magic Academy, the hub of magic in India, turns 13 on 31st of May. A magical evening and many welfare schemes for magicians and the public, would make the anniversary celebrations remarkable for this Academy known to be the first of its kind in Asia.

Magical evening
As part of the celebrations, a unique magical evening will be held at 6pm on 31st of May. Minister of Forests and Housing, Binoy Viswam will inaugurate the function presided over by the Academy’s Patron, O.N.V. Kurup. Following this will be ‘World of Illusions’ an illusion extravaganza presented by the Academy’s Executive Director Gopinath Muthukad and team. Admission is free for all.

Free magic shows
Since the Academy is entering its 14th year, offered to 14 charitable social service organisations in the State will be free performances of Muthukad’s magic show. Voluntary organizations working on a no-profit motto can avail these shows for raising funds for their charity. Ambitious organisations have to submit their applications enclosed with copies of their activity report and forwarded by a letter from the M.L.A. concerned. Out of the applications received, one voluntary organisation in each district will be selected.

Free insurance
Magicians of the country, too have benefits to enjoy. Magicians of age 5-70 can avail free accident insurance worth Rs.25000. Annual premium will be paid by the Academy. This is provided in association with the New India Assurance Company Ltd. Insurance would be granted on a monthly basis according to the applications received. Term of insurance will be for one year.

Free Table Hop training
10 magicians of age group 18-35 from the State will be provided free training in Table Hop magic that is hugely demanded by hotels and resorts. Well-known Table Hop teacher and the Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy will be the trainer. Magicians of the above age group having experience of performing Table Hop in a hotel during the last one year, can apply for this free training.

Applications for the above schemes should be sent to Magic Academy, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram 695012 Kerala so as to reach on or before 10th of June. Tel: 0471 2358910.

Magical composition to relive spells of an ancient magician

Glorious tale: A scene from ‘Vismay Malhar’. (From left) Gopinath Muthukad as Kaipuzha Thampan; Devan as Swathi Thirunal and Poojappura Radhakrishnan as Kottarathil Sankunni.

Thiruvananthapuram: The Magic Academy can take pride from the very fact that its 13th anniversary celebrations are preceded by a tribute paid to an ancient magician. Conceived by the Academy’s Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad, is a magical composition named,‘Vismay Malhar’, based on the 100-year-old book, ‘Aithihyamala’.

Tale of Thampan
Written by Kottarathil Sankunni who lived during 1855-1937, the fifth book in the Aithihyamala tells about Kaipuzha Thampan, a magician, who used to entertain Travancore King, Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma during 1829-1846.


The book, Aithihyamala

“Ours is a tribute to both Kaipuzha Thampan, a predecessor to magicians and Kottarathil Sankunni, the blessed writer who made legends immortal”, says Mr. Muthukad. King Swathi Thirunal was also great contributor and fan of classical music. The name Vismay Malhar is derived from the classical Hindustani Rag, ‘Megh Malhar’, believed to have power to bring rain wherever sung. The coming together of the three characters would be the most captivating visual treat. In a function chaired by the Academy’s patron, O.N.V. Kurup, Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan will inaugurate the show at 6pm on 30th of May at Tagore Theatre.

Film stars
Noted film star Devan comes as Swathi Thirunal whereas the writer Kottarathil Sankunni’s role is played by Poojappura Radhakrishnan. Mr. Muthukad appears as Kaipuzha Thampan. The script for this unique composition is made by Sreekanth Kottakkal. Playback singer, G. Venugopal has recited a poem penned by O.N.V. Kurup.


Team behind Vismay Malhar during a video session.

Jawan jadugar

Different uniform: When Rajesh Babu, a Jawan of Indian Army, appears as magician Manoor Rajesh.

Thiruvananthapuram: Commanding Officer, R.K. Choudhury of 16 Madras, his officers, jawans and their families at Pangode Army Camp here had an evening of magical merriment on 20th May. On a well festooned, brightly lighted up stage inside the Kariappa Hall, enthralling them was none but a young Jawan bearing a huge passion for magic. He is Rajesh Babu a jawan determined to safeguard the Nation with all courage and valour. But on the magic stage, clad in a glittering Maharaja dress, this jawan would prefer to be called as magician Manoor Rajesh.

It is his 8th year in Army and 9th in magic career. Days in the camps are hectic and hardly provide any time for learning magic. Mr. Rajesh but takes up all these with a pleasant mind and satisfied heart. For him hardships are as enjoyable as a Volleyball play – his favourite game.

May be he would be the only magician to serve the country atop Siachen Glaciers. Out of his army service, 2 years were spent in Siachen ranges. He has offered 3 months’ service at the top post, too. His burning passion for magic had all the warmth, even in the lethally cold climate of this Karakoram ranges.

“Army has only supported my passion for magic. Everywhere, my officers and colleagues encourage me”, says Mr. Rajesh who has already staged 13 shows at army camps.

Presently he along with a 15-member troupe presents a 2-hour-long show comprising of illusions. The show ends with an item for national integration.
Some of his colleages joke at him saying, “Force se discharge jao. Civilian jaake jadu dikhake paisa khamao”. Yes, Mr. Rajesh has a dream of becoming a full-fledged magical entertainer - not now, only after retiring from the Army.

Indian magician enjoys a mid-sea magic fiesta

Dream comes true: Rakesh Syam with Jeff McBride inside the cruise ship, Carnival Valor.

Miami: You sit and relax. World renowned magic masters come one after the other to your table, serve you the latest lessons in magic, and allow you perform before them as well as their co-passengers… Magic dreamers, please understand, this is neither kidding you nor talking an impossible dream. These were exactly what 33-year-old magician from Madurai, Rakesh Syam could experience for a full week at his home ship.

He was there in the cruise vessel, Carnival Valor that offered an international magic convention onboard. The mid-sea magic fair was organized after a long gap of 7 years by the David Sandy Productions. The ship left Miami on 3rd of May and docked back on 10th.

In between, happened were things that would fascinate any magician on this Earth! About the dream-like situation, Mr. Syam would say in short: “by all luck I and other few Indian magicians were gifted couple of weeks back on our ship with lectures, shows etc., of world’s greatest magicians.”

He had the whimsical experience of being in the crowd of bigwigs including Jeff McBride, John Carney, Jon Armstrong, Mike Cavney, Tina lenert, Dave Kaplon, John Shyrrock and Don Wiberg to recall a few.


Close with magic: Serving a dose of walk around for magical stalwarts including Jeff McBride, Dave Kaplan, John Carney and others.

He is still not out of the thrills. Mr. Syam was even requested by Mr. McBride to give a walk around magic show for the guests!

“Jeff liked my performance very much and I have been to all magicians table every night. Jeff was so enthusiastic and energetic like he just joined in the magic community” Mr. Syam said to VMN. Of the seven days, most of his time was spent with Mr. McBride. “He [Jeff McBride] is really a master and living legend. He has a multiple talent – in Magic, Dance, Martial Art, Ventriloquism etc.” adds Mr. Shyam who attended a master class of Mr. McBride.

Mr. Syam has been a house magician of the ship for over four years. His is the title of being the first magician to dish close-up magic in cruise vessels. It was not so long before that Mr. Syam had a magically rejuvenating experience at the Magic Castle.


Ship of fortunes: The vessel, Carnival Valor

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