Young magician’s yeoman service on Internet

Bangalore: Young magician, Philip Tiju Abraham, a former student of the Magic Academy uses to provide yeoman service for magicians by tapping the bounty of Internet.

To the latest, utilising his talents in the online world, he has come up with a brand new website, www.worldofmagicians.com for magicians in and out of the country.

The new site looks so friendly for the Mouse and pleasing for the eyes. A number of native magicians are already there. A good number of foreign magicians are expected to line up.

With his unflagging dedication, it won’t be a big job for Mr. Abraham to make his new venture a big success. His earlier endeavour, www.indianmagicians.com has completed 6 years.

Kudos to www.magiciansindia.com

Poll Result (2010 February 2)
===============

Magic Academy has launched www.magiciansindia.com, a free website carrying information pages of around 2000 magicians of the country.

I have visited the site and found it an easy source for contacting Indian magicians, comments 56%

Yes. A free web data base for Indian magicians was so essential, remarks 31%

No. I am yet to visit, says 13%


Vote your opinion for issues of still more interest!

2010 January (1 2 3)

2010 February (1)

2009 RESULTS: (2009 Jan. - Dec.)
2008 RESULTS: (2008 Jan. - Dec.)

Writing in tears for Goutam da...

Here is a mail reflecting profuse love and profound distress on the death of Goutam Guha, a loving guru of respect in the native magicdom.


Goutam Guha has set in the magic horizons. But he has left an opulent collection of disciples to bring new dawns in magic.

Gautam Da! Guha by the family name… He passed away on the penultimate hour of dusk at 16:50 hrs on the 10th day of February of the last year of the first decade in the first century of the second millennium.

He succumbed to prolonged cancer. He was carrying the dreadful disease along. And that was the MAGIC in his life. With that life challenging illness, he neither stopped performing his most passionate magical art nor put an end to entertaining and mesmerizing people. Gautam da was a Magician Regal and proved it in his lifetime.

Gautam da was a disciple of legendary Jadu Samrat P.C.Sorcar. He was also fortunate to take lessons from an array of master magicians including S K Das, Asoke Roy, Bimalakanta Roy Choudhury, Roy D’ Mystic. Since his adolescent years he was a Magic buff, loved, performed, invented, created, popularized and taught the famous l’art de manipulation.

He lived to mesmerize us. Even though he is physically absent, abundant of fond memories of him continue enthralling us. Magician K. Lal acclaims Gautam da as the best Magician Teacher in the last half century!

Gautam da would live for ever with us. We do much higher than recalling you, the Guru. As you the best now rest in peace, we pledge to carry on the mantle of magic bequeathed from you!

[Provided by sanjoy@ideationts.com for the Federation of Indian Magic Associates, Kolkata.]

In memory of a guru

Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Namboodiri (1903-1983)

Magicians of the State of Kerala recall with reverence the doyen of magic, the beloved magic guru, Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Namboodiri who remains to be a guiding light in magical art. Today marks 27th anniversary of his demise. Eight decades of his life was brightened by sheer deftness in the art of legerdemain. He was an icon of simplicity clad in traditional dhoti and shawl, entertaining children and aged alike through the interesting meshes of magic. Great poets to politicians bowed in front of his amazing talent. Today, the Magic Society of Kochi convenes a commemorative funtion in Kochi where around 200 native magicians get together. And to this ever radiant luminary of sleights of hand, the Magic Academy pays respectful tributes.

Magical sojourn for NIT campus

How magicians engineer fabulous effects is being explained by Gopinath Muthukad at the National Institute of Technology, Kozhikode.

Kozhikode: Students and staff members of the National Institute of Technology here found a magical sojourn on 6th of February. Thanks to a Workshop on Magic organised by the Forum for Dance and Dramatics and CAD Centre of the campus in association with the Magic Academy. The workshop was a great success, says Hariram Shankar a participant. Impressive faces of magic and its interesting aspects were unveiled by the Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad and Honorary Director, R. Raja Moorthy.

About 300 students of the NIT, their faculty members and their family attended the 3-hour-long event. The programme began with a video show titled, 'India: Magic of Harmony' a national integration travelogue based on Mr. Muthukad's Vismay Swaraj Yatra of 2007. Magician Muthukad performed a few tricks and he didn't forget to teach how to do some of the tricks. Kept enthralled by this beginning session, the audience was then led to a still captivating second part of the event. It was an interesting lecture cum demonstration by Mr. Moorthy who clearly showed the tricks, technology and science behind magnificent magic tricks. "In total, it was an infotainment show which satisfied all the participants" said Mr. Shankar.

Magic fans laud Hritik learning magic

Poll Result (2010 February 1)
===============

Bollywood star Hritik Roshan is to learn magical art from an Ukrainian magician for the purpose of a cinema shooting. How do you feel?

Excited. It will make magic more popular: Lauds 73%

No. It should not do good for magic: Laments 27%


Vote your opinion for issues of still more interest!

2010 January (1 2 3)

2009 RESULTS: (2009 Jan. - Dec.)
2008 RESULTS: (2008 Jan. - Dec.)

Photo courtesy: http://www.tradebit.com

Woman Magicians' Convention registration forms

Thiruvananthapuram: The Magic Academy has released brochure, registration forms and terms and conditions for becoming delegates for the historic 'Maya 2010' Woman Magicians' Convention to be held here on 30th May. The event that would befittingly mark the 14th anniversary of the Academy gives prominence to female presence in the world of magic. Male magicians can register individually. In single registration form submitted for two or more magicians, it is a must that one of them is a female leader who has to sign the form.

Since the convention is held with the primary objective of encouraging female magicians, slots like competitions are exclusively reserved for them only. An innovative Kitchen Magic Contest is going to add difference to the entire event.

Interested magicians can download the registration forms and terms and conditions by click enlarging and saving the images uploaded here. Enough copies of these are also sent today to as many as 2500 magicians all over the country from the Academy. The terms and conditions should be red and clearly understood before starting to filling in the form. Duly filled in forms should reach the Magic Academy, Poojappura (PO), Thiruvananthapuram 695012 Kerala, India, on or before 16th of April 2010.

Muthukad's magic for U.A.E.

Magic in the air: The Baseline Advertisers, U.A.E. has augmented their publicity drive for making the upcoming magical extravaganza titled,'Magic in Arabia' presented by Muthukad and team a grand success in different cities of U.A.E. Seen above is an e-format of one of the posters of the impending event. The magic tour is scheduled for February 2010.

Magic Academy award for Junior Mandrake

Thiruvananthapuram: 58-year-old Mani Antony who during his childhood fantasized Lee Falk’s cartoon character, Mandrake and later became a famous magician named, Junior Mondrake, has won this year’s 'Indrajaala Prathibha Puraskaram', a lifetime achievement award for magicians instituted by the Magic Academy.

Hailing from Kothamangalam in Ernakulam, Mr. Antony’s contributions in the field of magic till December 2009 were considered by the Academy for adjudging him the winner. The award comprising of a purse of Rs.10000, memento designed by artiste Bhattathiri and a certificate of honour will be presented to him by the minister of culture, M.A. Baby in the last week of February. The first recipient of this award was magician P.M. Mithra.

Mr. Antony started his magical life in 1970 by becoming a disciple to the grandfather of magic in Kerala, Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Namboodiri. He is among a few lucky magicians of the State to earn the traditional routines of cups and balls magic by sitting in ‘Padmasana’ in front of guru, Vazhakunnam. As a school student, he was captivated by vagrant street magicians. Enormous enthusiasm for the cartoon character Mandrake earned him the nickname, ‘Junior Mandrake’ in school. When he grew into a famous magician, he adopted this as his professional name. A post graduate in Sociology, his debut magic show was in 1974. He has performed over 3000 stages in and out of Kerala. ‘Mahajal’, his 3-hour-long magic show with 12-member troupe became a big hit during the beginning of 1980s. Through these performances, he could attract several youngsters to the arena of magic.

Mr. Antony owns a huge collection of valuable foreign books on magic and rarely found magic equipments. At present he is on an investigation to find more impressive ways of presenting close-up magic – the one that requires tremendous skill.

His daughter, Margaret and twin sons, Michael and Antony are to magic like ducklings to water. Selin is his wife.

Awesome day for Australian guests

At the wonder world: Tourists from Australia, Mike Hill (centre) and Marden Dean (left) had a surprising as well as rousing welcome at the Magic Academy on 20th of January. No sooner they stepped into the Academy, Store-in charge of the Academy, magician Shahbaskhan Vilakath garlanded them with two floral chains produced from nowhere.


Grabbing the magic: Mike Hill and Marden Dean take footages of a magic show by the Honorary Director of the Academy, R. Raja Moorthy provided under 'Magic Tourism' project. "Terrific show. Looked amazing. Loved every moment. Thanks all at the Magic Academy", commented Mr. Mike before leaving.

Educational qualifications may not make a magician

Poll Result (2010 January 2)
===============

Is a higher qualification in formal education a must for becoming successful magician?

No: 69%

Yes: 31%


Vote your opinion for issues of still more interest!

2010 January (1)

2009 RESULTS: (2009 Jan. - Dec.)
2008 RESULTS: (2008 Jan. - Dec.)

Photo courtesy: http://www.tradebit.com

Be a magical kite!

Tone, tenor and composition of the days do not change with falling years. At the pomp of New Year eve, do not forget that the next day breaks in the same old way.
Ever since the evolution of mankind, days have been providing egalitarian 24 precise hours for all. Man according to his will and skill has been making use of them – either for sleeping or for working, for creativity or destructivity. Then what is such significant with a New Year? A lot.

New Year comes with a bag full of new hopes. This is the changeover time - the best occasion for correcting whatever mistakes that have happened in the past 12 months and produce yet another 12 meticulous months.

Dawn of a fresh year is an occasion for us to set new goals. For magicians, this is time for setting targets regarding number of shows and profile of audiences.
Those who would like to turn their magical skills into money at the entertainment market next year, planning should begin now. Making a roll of prospective organizers and keeping them alerted would reap excellent results.

The New Year too will have the salt of obstacles in life. If challenges are not there, life would be tasteless.

And for the year to come, let us remember the American writer Hamilton Wright’s words: “Don’t be afraid of opposition. Remember, a kite rises against, not with the wind”.

Be a kite on the skies of achievements throughout 2010. Good wishes at this Christmas-New Year season!
[Editorial of December 2009 issue of Vismayam Magical News]

Magical zest in Zurich

Gopinath Muthukad inaugurates Bharateeya Kalotsavam in Zurich, Switzerland on 9th of January. From left: Mercy Parassery, Babu Pullely, Susan Von Surry (behind Mr. Muthukad), Fr. Thadevoos Aravindath, Fr. Varghese Nadackal, Soby Vettickal and Celine Kakkassery.


Linked to magic: At the Bharatiya Kalotsavam, there was magic aplenty in the air with Gopinath Muthukad's presence.

Young magician Abhinraj astonishes his seniors

Eight years ago he was a 12-year-old boy attending a magic camp. Today, he has the genius to train magicians.


Teacher's mantle: Abhinraj trains active magicians at the 73rd Perfect Performer Course at the Magic Academy.

Thiruvananthapuram: When 20-year-old magician Abhinraj introduced an exciting new routine for magic with pen, veteran magicians were thoroughly amazed. The ordinary pen was made extraordinary first by making it elastic, then vanishing its cap and later disappearing the pen in total. The pen was retrieved in a jiffy from thin air and was used to pierce a currency note worth Rs.100 that to surprise of all, was found intact on withdrawing the pen. The pen along with the currency was then circulated among viewers for confirming the genuineness. Mind it, all these were performed right beneath the nose of spectators without a second’s break. And the audience was not laymen, but well-experienced senior magicians.

To Abhinraj, today it was his debut as a lecturer at the orientation class for senior magicians. There were a lot in his bag of magic including transporting coins bearing the signatures of the audience members from one place to the other and quick change of selected cards. Abhinraj was praised by his seniors for two reasons: one, the speed and skill behind his routines and the graciousness he has shown in sharing many of his pet tricks to others.

Describing Abhinraj's class as 'Excellent',31-year-old amateur magician from Lithuania, Augustas Kligys (right) added: "Interesting tips and remarks about performing close-up magic. Excellent presentation... Enjoyed workshop very much."

Abhinraj’s evolution into an erudite teacher in the art of awe within a short span of eight years, is thoroughly amazing. His area of teaching is ‘Close-up’ magic, a difficult one that demands impeccable skill in sleights of hand and rigorous practicing. Along with magic, this youngster pursues B.Sc. course in Nursing at the KIMS Hospital here.

It was eight years back that a 12-year-old Abhinraj came to the Academy with an inquisitive mind to learn magic at a children’s Christmas magic camp. Hailing from Manacaud here, Abhin’s first visit at the Academy was holding the hands of his father Rajendran Nair and mother Alphonsa. During the camp, Gopinath Muthukad, his favourite ‘magic uncle’ taught a few easy-to do tricks. The magic bug bit the boy, who remained gripped by the show. His love for magic grew day after day. Parents only supported and the boy joined summer vacation course in magic at the Academy.
In 2003, after watching a scintillating debut show of the boy, Mr. Muthukad took his magic hat and placed it on the boy’s head. It was a beginning.

Magician and retired government officer, T. Sadasivan hands over Magic Academy's certificate of honour to the teacher of the day, Abhinraj.

Now Abhin keeps magic closer to his heart along with his paramedical learning. For the patients of the hospital where he studies, Abhin is a darling nurse. He not only provides medicines and due attention for his patients, but also wipes out their worries by entertaining them through magic numbers. Last year, a documentary on Abhin’s story was telecast on the official TV of Japan in the slot titled, ‘Asian Smiles’.

Viewing magic shows live in 2009

Poll Result (2010 January 1)
===============

How many live magic shows did our readers see last year?

5 and below: 40%

10 and above: 20%

Between 6 and 9: 20% and
Nil: 20%

Vote your opinion for issues of still more interest!

2009: JANUARY: (1 2 3 4)

FEBRUARY: (1 2 3)

MARCH: (1 2 3 4)

APRIL: (1 2 3)

MAY: (1 2 3 4)

JUNE: (1 2 3 4)

JULY (1 2 3 4)

AUGUST (1 2 3 4)

SEPTEMBER (1 2 3)

OCTOBER (1 2 3)

NOVEMBER (1 2 3 4)

DECEMBER (1 2 3 4 )

2008 RESULTS: (2008 Jan. - Dec.)

Kerala magicians may apply for award and welfare

Magic Academy comes up with annual award and aid for magicians of the State

Thiruvananthapuram: The Magic Academy has invited applications from eligible magicians for its annual award for the year 2009. Applications enclosed with copies of newspaper reports and other testimonials in support of the eligibility, may be forwarded either directly or through orgnisations. The award comprises of a purse of Rs.10000 plus a certificate of honour. Contributions till December 2009 will be considered.

Financially backward magicians can submit their applications for availing free supply of magic wares. These applications must be enclosed with valid income certificates issued by the village officer.

Children of magicians who could secure meritorious results in S.S.L.C. or equivalent examinations in 2009 can apply for a two-year scholarship worth Rs.2500 per year. Attested copies of relevant mark lists should be submitted along with such applications.

All the above applications should reach the Chief Welfare Officer, Magic Academy, Poojappura (PO), Thiruvananthapuram 695012 on or before 15th of January. Phone: 0471 2358910 Email: magicacademyindia@gmail.com.

Abhin has a solution

To keep your magic youthful

Thiruvananthapuram: Youthful power to keep magic ever-green and impressive. This is what the New Year session of the monthly Perfect Performer Course has for magicians on 9th of January 2010 at the Magic Academy.

In order to offer this precious gift without loosing its value, the Academy has deputed one of its proud products, Abhinraj as teacher. Mr. Abhinraj, now doing his degree in Nursing at the Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences, has magic in his blood.

An ever enthusiastic experimentalist in the application of magic as a medium for counseling and therapy, this 20-year-old teacher has devised his own styles of presentation. His one-hour class during Onam session of PPC in August could evoke overwhelming response among magicians. This time, Mr. Abhinraj will be bringing a bag full of captivating close-up techniques.

2009, a good year!

Poll Result (December - 4)
===============

How was the year 2009 for magic?

GOOD: 40%

EXCELLENT: 30%

AVERAGE: 20%

and BAD: 10%

Vote your opinion for issues of still more interest!

2009: JANUARY: (1 2 3 4)

FEBRUARY: (1 2 3)

MARCH: (1 2 3 4)

APRIL: (1 2 3)

MAY: (1 2 3 4)

JUNE: (1 2 3 4)

JULY (1 2 3 4)

AUGUST (1 2 3 4)

SEPTEMBER (1 2 3)

OCTOBER (1 2 3)

NOVEMBER (1 2 3 4)

DECEMBER (1 2 3)

2008 RESULTS: (2008 Jan. - Dec.)

Have a fascinating New Year!

Carnival with a taste of cakes, tricks and more

Strings of mind: Magician Sherin V. George give a fine beginning for the second day.

Second day at the Christmas Magic Carnival began with a video show on Monsoon Magic Mission staged throughout Kerala in 2007 sensitizing people on the measures to prevent rain-borne diseases and mosquito prevention. Classes were held drom 10.30am to 4pm. A research scholar in psychology and magician, Sherin V. George explained on the relationship between psychology and magic in a lucid language palatable for kids. It was followed by magician Karamana Reghu’s class on the presentation of magic tricks. Both of them performed a few hand tricks to excite buds of magic.

In the afternoon environmental scientist Dr. Akhila S. Nair prompted children to think globally and act locally for conserving the ecology. She taught ten simple things that children can adopt for living a green life. Magic of Malayalam the mother tongue was the kernel of the teachings offered by language expert, Dr. Ezhumattur Raja Raja Varma. To impart the importance of learning Malayalam, he narrated the stories of luminaries worldwide who defeated disabilities through strong determination.

Magician Karamana Reghu explains presentation styles of magic.

At the fall of the evening, stage was set bright for ‘Five Fingers’ a team of five students of the Academy to present their magic show. The team comprised of child magicians, Asmin Nayara, Nadhiya S.M., Alina Gilton and Anamika Gilton – all girls – and Mohammed Shanu, the only boy. One after the other they came to the stage and floored the audience including children and their parents. For a conclusion, they came together in cadence and performed a national integration items.

Dr. Akhila S. Nair gives tips to eco-friendly living.

The valedictory function was presided over by the honorary director of the Academy, Chandrasenan Mithirmala. Dr. Ezhumattur Raja Raja Varma inaugurated the function whereas K.P. Sivakumar gave welcome address. “Magic is an art infinite that flows and flows through generations. You should keep on furthering your pace and potential in this great theatrical art”, he said to children.

Dr. Ezhumattur Raja Raja Varma explains the value of mother tongue.

Members of the ‘Five Fingers’ was duly honoured with Certificates and Christmas Cakes. All participants got a certificate of participation duly signed by Mr. Muthukad. It was then the occasion to honour the one who loved and captivated children the most. None other than the ever-smiling, Christamas Father who lavishly distributed not only the wonder of magic, but also umpteen of gifts. When magician Haris Thaha, who was playing the role of Santa Clause received a gift from Dr. Ezhumattur, there was a thunderous clapping by the Santa’s fans. The curtain then came down for the event that offered the merriment of the season and amazement of magic.

Shining stars: 'Five Fingers' a magic troupe formed by the students of the Magic Academy including (from left) Mohammed Shanu, Anamika Gilton, Nadhiya, Alina Gilton and Asmin Nayara gives a show marking the conclusion of the event.


Papa of gifts: Christmas Papa who was busy serving gifts and tricks to children on two days was honoured with a gift by the honorary director of the Academy, Chandrasenan Mithirmala to the claps of the participants.