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.

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.

Vazhakunnam commemoration in Kochi

Kochi: On 9th of February 2010 that marks the 27th death anniversary of grandfather of Kerala magic, Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Namboodiri, a solemn commemoration will be organised by the Magic Society. Secretary of the Society, magician Vaidharshah has informed the Magic Weekly that the day will be marked by a feast of magic at the Town Hall, Ernakulam. There will be a state-level competitions participation for which is exclusively reserved for Malayali magicians. Teaching classes by eminent magicians including the Magic Champion of Vismayam 2008, Dhayanithi is another attraction of the event. Gala shows will be a five star event with leading magicians including Yona presenting the best of their stocks. Special sessions will be marked by a lecture by Prof. V.J. Antony on the ‘Psychology needed for magicians’ and shadow play by Mrs. Cijam Jammu. Kerala magicians can take part in competitions whereas their counterparts from other States can register as spectators. For details, contact Mr. Vaidhar Shah at Mob. 9447176314.

Mourning Murali's departure

Grandeur in every look: Murali

Thiruvananthapuram: Magic Academy mourns the death of talented actor and Chairman of the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi, Murali. Kerala is the only State in the country to have magic recognised by the Sangeeta Nataka Akademi as an art. Murali was having a good number of ideas to further the status of magic performers in the State. His untimely departure comes before the realisation of such ideas. Death of this devoted artiste was at 8.30pm on 6th of August at PRS Hospital here.


In this file photo Murali (left) gives keynote address during the closing ceremony of 25th Vazhakunnam Day celebration under the auspices of the Magic Academy on 9th February 2008 at Vailopilli Samskrit Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram.

Class on classic Close-up

Veteran magician gets ready to share the knowledge he has gained for over 4 decades in magic.



Thiruvananthapuram: A.M. Anthru aka magician Anthru Perumattom, will be leading the 64th session of monthly Perfect Performer Course at the Magic Academy on 11th April. Mr. Perumattom belongs to Muvattupuzha in Ernakulam district. 40 years of experience as a magician, has provided for this veteran, a unique position among magicians.

For the PPC, he will be teaching a few innovative magic tricks that fall under the category of ‘Close-up’. “I have my own original presentations” says Mr. Perumattom. This magic teacher is well known for the variations he has introduced to make the usual routines unusual. Hence the next PPC becomes inevitable for those who look for indigenous alterations for making their close-up performances special.

One-day convention rekindles Vazhakunnam memories

Thrissur: A one-day meet of magicians organized jointly by the Institute of Magic & Allied Arts, here and the Yugami Arts & Sports Club, Thiruvegappura has relived memories of Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Namboodiri, the doyen of Kerala magic. As reported by the convenor, T.V. Balakrishnan, the event titled, ‘Maanthrika Sparsam 2009’ had a packed schedule of assorted activities. The day’s programme began with an inaugural function presided over by the Executive Director of the Magic Academy, Gopinath Muthukad. Noted caricaturist, Jayaraj Warrier inaugurated the event. Secretary of the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademy, Prabhakaran Pazhassi offered felicitations. Memorial talks were given by magicians, Junior Mandrake, Joy Oliver, Sreekumar Kalathil, Pachu and Raghavan. Convenor of the event, T.V. Balakrishnan welcomed the guests and Sarang recorded thanks.

Winners

In the State level competitions held soon after, Sreenath R. (left), son of magician Sreekumar Kalathil emerged first to clinch the coveted Vazhakunnam memorial ever rolling trophy. The second and third places were owned respectively by Yadunath Palliyath of Kasaragode and Leons George of Pala. Mr. George, who is closer to the Academy as a magic trainer and performer, has informed VMN that the win has made him happy.

In the junior level competition, Sanjusha Sathish (photo, right, Vatakara) has outshined other contestants to bag first prize. Second and third prizes went to Aswin Raj (Ernakulam) and Madhu Manohar (Thrissur). Master Richin (Kottayam) got a consolation prize. Prizes were sponsored by Dubai-based Kerala magician, Tomy Manjooran.

Palladam Yona, Nilambur Pradeep Kumar and Pradeep Houdino were present. K.S. Ramesh presented ‘Journey through magic’, a seminar.

Magic Academy announces list of beneficiaries

Thiruvananthapuram: The Magic Academy has announced names of magicians who have become eligible for receiving various welfare measures instituted by it. Minister of Forest, Binoy Viswam will be distributing the benefits at Kozhikode Press Club on 21st of February. Following recipients are required to reach the venue at 11am on the day.

Financially backward magicians eligible for getting free magical equipments worth Rs.5000 are: M.K. Bava (Malappuram), T.B. Haridas (Thrissur) and P. Balakrishnan (Palakkad).

Magician’s children who have been selected for a two year scholarship of Rs.2500 per annum are (father’s name and district in brackets): Abee Shejirik Fasla (N.K. Mustafa Hajee, Wayanad), Nikhila O.T. (O.T. Shanmukhan, Malappuram), V. Lijina (V.C. Kolath, Kannur), Saboora T.S. (Saleem T., Alappuzha) and K.S. Sujith Kumar (V. Sivadasan Nair, Thiruvananthapuram). Further information can be availed by contact telephone: 0471 2358910.

A ‘constable’ of people friendly policing

(Home Minister, Kodiyeri Balakrishnan being escorted by the 'magical constable' on the stages of a magic show held to launch the new 'Community Policing' programme at Chandrasekharan Nair stadium, Thiruvananthapuram.)

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Police had a historic day on 26th March. The day witnessed the milestone launch of radical initiative called ‘Community Policing’ or ‘People friendly Policing’.

The State-level launch of this programme found a ‘constable’ conjuring up the message through a nifty ‘Police here, Police there’ trick. The constable, inevitably, was none other than the maverick of magical messaging, Gopinath Muthukad.

It was a brief, baffling performance. After the official launch by the Chief Minister, V.S. Achuthanandan, the stage was vacated. Two pedestals stood at distant corners of the spacious stage. When Mr. Muthukad came clad in Khaki, even his close fans needed a few moments to identify him.

The ‘police man’ then invited the Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnan to testify that the pedastals were perfectly vacant. The ‘constable’ then stepped on to the pedestal on the left of the viewers. Its sides were then covered with white of clothe.


(Police here, police there: Magician, in the form of a shade inside an elevated cabin on the left begins his magical transportation)

Lights were switched on and seen was a moving shade. The magical policeman was now apparently penetrating the curtains. To the disbelief of all, he then suddenly appeared on the pedestal on the other side.
On the first platform, written clearly was ‘Police’ and on the other, ‘Community’. The message was then clear: The police moving towards the community from its traditional stands.

Knowing the smart combination of magic, science and art

Dr. C.P. Aravindakshan guiding a girl identify interesting aspects of science in magic.

Thiruvananthapuram: Children who attended ‘Science and Magic’ class by renowned science teacher, Dr. C.P. Aravindakshan on 16th February at Magic Academy’s Wonder World auditorium, were introduced how magic and science make a ‘smart’ pair.
“Science and Maths, when added to Art becomes, Smart”, he told to children. Children were then led to fascinating facets of magic that were closely linked to science. When they learned their new trick of unhooking two mutually coiled iron pieces, they were also reminded that it was the same science that keeps the compartments of a train firmly chained together.

When a young participant secretly kept one of the many colour chips scattered on the floor, the magic teacher was there rightly predicting the hidden chip’s colour leading kids to the concept of VIBGYOR in Physics.
Director of Magic Academy, R. Rajamoorthy handed over a memento to Dr. C.P. Aravindakshan.
Earlier, ‘INDIA: Magic of Harmony’, a video souvenir of the Vismay Swaraj Yatra conducted by Gopinath Muthukad and team, was screened.

Magicians’ service to be used in water conservation mission: Premachandran

N.K. Premachandran, Minister, inaugurating the closing ceremony of Vazhakunnam day programmes. From left (Front row): Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi Chairman, Murali, M.L.A., V. Sivankutty and senior magician, Cheerakuzhi Unnikrishnan. (Back row): Vazhakunnam Sankaranarayanan, Prof. Vadakkeppad, K.C. Thulasidasa Raja, Gopinath Muthukad and Secretary of Vailoppilli Samskriti Bhawan, K.S. Sudha.

Thiruvananthapuram: Water Resources Minister of Kerala, N.K. Premachandran has announced that his department was planning to explore the potentials of magical art in spreading the messages of water conservation in the State. He was inaugurating the closing ceremony of 25th Vazhakunnam memorial programmes here on 9th Feb.

KSNA Chairman’s promise


While giving his keynote address, Chairman of Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi (KSNA), Murali assured that the Akademi was pursuing to hold the Vazhakunnam memorial magic competitions under its aegis from next year onwards. An ingenious actor by himself, Mr. Murali during his animated speech also referred to his experiences of being stunned by the spell of magicians. The meeting was chaired by M.L.A., V. Sivankutty.