Magic couple amazed at Amogh's paintings

Colourful memories: Amogh B.J., student of the Magic Academy had a blessed occasion of presenting his paintings to magicians Luna Shimada and Losander during the day of Maya 2010. Amogh needed nearly 3 months for perfecting the portraits of the celebrated magic couple.

Nadhiya's debut convention earns her double success

Nadhiya SM during Stage Magic Jr. competitions at Maya 2010.

Thiruvananthapuram: Nadhiya S.M., 14-year-old girl magician from the City has fared well in Maya 2010, the female magicians’ meet organised here on 30th of May by the Magic Academy. She clinched second prizes in two categories of competitions, Close-up magic and Stage magic. Close-up magic required her to acquire skills in difficult sleights of hand and deftness of fingers – something that only experienced magicians does.

In Stage magic, she had to take care of mixing magic, music and dance, but keeping the secrets intact. There was huge tension in here mind when she stepped into the stage. “But I had a strong belief that I can do it. This belief helped me a lot ”, Nadhiya recalls.

Her prize winning performance included Parasol Act. When the results came, she could not control her happiness. During the closing ceremony of the Maya 2010, the Minister of Law and Sports, M. Vijayakumar presented her trophies and certificates in front of a huge audience that comprised of her mother Mymoonath and elder sister Shahathiya. The news has already been informed to her father Sainulabdeen who is working in Riyadh. Now Nadhiya is waiting for an appropriate occasion for presenting the great magic tricks she could get from the training offered by the magic couple from U.S.A., Luna and Losander.

Nadhiya is a class IX student at the St. Mary’s Residential Central School. When she joined for a Summer Magic Camp in 2009 at the Magic Academy, she had little idea on magic. As days went she came closer and closer to the art of magic whereas some of her friends left the field. Gathering strength from the knowledge received from classes offered by Gopinath Muthukad and other masters at the Academy, Nadhiya and four of her friends, Asmin Nayara, Anamika Gilton and Alina Gilton formed a magic troupe. Not to be considered as a girl’s troupe, they inducted their friend Mohammed Shanu and named their troupe as ‘Five Fingers’. Her latest achievement has become a reason for the Five Fingers to celebrate.

These words sketch Maya 2010

In his recent mail to the e-group, Indianmagique@yahoogroups.com, magician Clifford N. Parekh had this much to say on his experience at the Maya 2010:

Thanks to Magician Gopinath Muthukad for making the Maya 2010 a Golden lettered day in the history of Indian Magic!

With an attendance of only 150 delegates, to undertake such a mammoth task and to go full steam ahead with all the events as scheduled is once more, a testimony of the strong foundation on which the Magic Academy stands tall.

Maya 2010 was a dream come true for the Indian Magicians who got the opportunity to meet the king of Levitation Losander from Las Vegas. The delegates witnessed excellent tips on levitation from Losander, and a top notch Gala show which showcased Losander's world famous levitation acts and Luna's unique fire ball zombie effect. After his lecture, Losender's original Levitation kit (3 CDs+props) was available for 1/3 the price in the international market.

The lady contestants/participants were really great with some surprises coming up like Mrs Jayam Jammu's mesmerizing Shadow Play, Perl Bhumgara's stylish return as a magician (First prize winner in senior Conjuring & second in kitchen), some baffling and rib tickling Ventriloquism by Indushree and the cherry on the cake – Mrs. Yona's first prize winning kitchen magic act. ( You had to see it to believe it !!!)

Three cheers to Magic Academy, Three cheers to Magician Gopinath Muthukad & Three cheers to Magic.

Moral of the story: When Magic Academy organizes a convention - Don’t miss it.
- Clifford

Maya 2010 winners

On the victory stand: (From left) Magic Mano, Tamil Nadu (First, Kitchen Magic); Pearl Bhumgara, Maharashtra (First, Stage Magic Sr.; Second, Kitchen Magic); Ramyasree, Andhra Pradesh(First, Stage Magic Jr.); Zenia Bhumgara, Maharashtra (First, Close-up Magic); Indushree, Karnataka (Second, Stage Magic Sr.); Nadhiya S.M., Kerala (Second, Stage Magic Jr.; Second, Close-up Magic). Find a special report on the newly introduced Kitchen Magic below.

Grand finale for Maya 2010

Burning passion: Luna Shimada performs on the stages of Maya 2010.

Thiruvananthapuram: With all its grandeur, the world’s first convention of woman magicians came to a close at 6.30pm on 30th of May. In front of an august gathering, stage was turned aglow with flames of vibrant magic by the world's most celebrated magic couple, Luna Shimada and Losander.

The magic couple definitely lived to the huge expectations of the audience. It was a bliss for the eyes to see show smoothly the parasols were created one after the other by the deft hands of Mrs. Shimada.

Emperor of Levitation: Losander's graceful show of levitating table, his own creation, during Maya 2010 finale.

For Mr. Losander, each item was his own brainchild. When he presented the levitation table inviting a small boy to the stage, it was one of the loveliest scenes. He simply floored the spectators with tremendous lot of grace, beauty and skill. Even his thumb tip act could give the feel of watching a show far ahead of some of the great illusions. And at the conclusion, there was the most fitting gesture to express the whole respect and boundless of love for these guests who travelled a long distance to make Maya 2010 brighter with magic: a standing ovation.



Magic couple honoured: Kerala's Minister for Health, P.K. Sreemathi honours Las Vegas magic thrillers and guest performers of Maya 2010 by presenting mementos. On the dais are (from left): magician and former chief secretary of the State, Lizzie Jacob, patron of the Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup and the chief organiser of the Maya 2010, Gopinath Muthukad.

The function thereafter on stage was attended by the Minister for Health, P.K. Sreemathi, Minister for Law and Sports, M. Vijayakumar, Chairperson of the Kerala State Women's Commission, Justice D. Sreedevi, former Chief Secretary turned magician, Lizzie Jacob, Magic Academy's Patron, O.N.V. Kurup and the Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad. Mementos were presented by Mrs. Sreemathi in honour of the magic duo. The function had a duration just to honour rest of the lady stars of the two days. Consequently, mementos of honour were presented to the magical trinity, Ammu, Indushree and Pear Bhumgara who rode mopeds blindfolded on the previous day as a forerunner to the event. Then it was time for showing respect for ventriloquism artiste, Jayam Jammu and composer, Nitha for setting an attractive group dance for the inaugural function held in the morning.

Following first and second prize winners were also handed over with trophies and certificates. Kitchen Magic: Magic Mano, Coimbatore (1st); Pearl Bhumgara, Mumbai (2nd)Close-up Magic: Zenia Bhumgara, Mumbai (1st); Nadhiya S.M., Thiruvananthapuram (2nd)Conjuring Jr: Ramyasree, Hyderabad (First); Nadhiya SM, Thiruvananthapuram(2nd)
Conjuring Sr.: Pearl Bhumgara, Mumbai (1st); Indushree, Bangalore (2nd).

Magic spread its wings of wonders once again with the performance by first prize winners. The feast for the eyes was further garnished with a mesmerising shadow play by Mrs. Jammu. Ms. Indushree has literally spellbound viewers with her much skilled ventriloquism deputing three puppet assistants.

They are historic winners

Historic winners: The first prize winner in the newly introduced Kitchen Magic category in the world's first woman magicians' convention, Maya 2010, Magic Mano (Manonmani) from Coimbatore receives her trophy and certificate from the Minister for Health, P.K. Sreemathi at the closing ceremony of the convention. From left: Magician and former Chief Secretary of Kerala, Lizzie Jacob; world's No. 1 lady magician, Luna Shimada; the Minister of Law, M. Vijayakumar; Patron of the Magic Academy, O.N.V. Kurup and Chairperson of the Kerala Women's Commission, Justice D. Sreedevi.

Below, the runner up of the category, Pearl Bhumgara of Mumbai receiving her trophy and certificate from the Minister for Law and Sports, M. Vijayakumar. Emperor of Levitation art, Losander is also seen.

Kitchen Magic with spicy sequels

Introduced for the first time, Kitchen Magic proves peppy.

The magic oven: Magic Mano of Coimbatore during a thrilling sequence of her Kitchen Magic competition show during Maya 2010.

In her daily chores, taps running out of water and shelf without vegetables won't deter the woman magician from Coimbatore, Manonmani. Not that she is the wife of renowned Tamil Nadu magician, Yona, but because of her own magic kerchief which has the might to produce everything needed in daily life, from thin air. With this ability, she won't mind even if there is little cooking gas in the cylinder. By waving her kerchief she can kindle flames anywhere and produce not only cut vegetables, but also a live hen with an egg. Or else this is exactly was what she has demonstrated on the stages of the newly introduced Kitchen Magic competitions during Maya 2010.
The show had all the grace and excitement. There was not even a single moment when people thought that it was th debut public performance by a lady who had hitherto been a talented assistant to her magician husband. Adopting the name 'Magic Mano' on stage, she could drive her effort into fruition. If the audience, who were experienced magicians from around the country gave a thorough round of applause, the three judges had unanimously adjudged her show as the best.

Recreation at their kitchen: Zenia Bhumgara (left)and her elder sister Pearl Bhumgara showed how kitchen can be a place for recreation if the ladies learn some magic.

Scoring just behind Magic Mano was a lavishly talented Maharashtrean girl, Pearl Bhumgara who came to the stage in a typical wear of her region. In fact it was a neck to neck fight between Pearl and her sister Zenia Bhumgara. If Pearl produced a cabbage and floated it in air, Zenia turned milk into milk powder, and water into rice.

The Kitchen Magic received rich backing from the delegates during a debate held in the break time.

Ladies do magic with thier life: Sugathakumari

For the women of wonders: Poetess Sugathakumari (second from right) lights a ceremonial lamp to mark the inaguruation of the world's first convention of woman magicians in Thiruvananthapuram on 30th of May. She is flanked by (from left)Secretary, Department of Social Welfare, Usha Titus; the Minister for Health, P.K. Sreemathi and Member, Kerala State Youth Welfare Board, Latha.

Thiruvananthapuram: Acclaimed poet and environmental activist, Sugathakumari has opined that in this modern time, ladies do lot of magic to manage with the chores of their life. She was speaking after inaugurating the world’s first woman magicians covention, ‘Maya 2010’ joingtly organised by the Magic Academy, Kerala State Youth Welfare Board (KSYWB) and the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation. Both at home and at places of work, ladies are forced to pull the cart alone. Among them were talented magical artistes who needed support. The Maya 2010 was hence an admirable endeavour from the part of Gopinath Muthukad, his Academy and the Government agencies that support this event, Mrs. Sugathakumari added.

Radiant show: Group dance by girls provided an enchanting start for the whole event.

There are a number of ladies who have proved their talent in the arena of magic. But Maya 2010 is the first event of its kind to encourage them, said the Minister of Health, P.K. Sreemathi during her presidential address. Social Welfare Secretary, Usha Titus and Member of the KSYWB, Latha spoke on the occasion. Los Angeles magic theatres’ thriller, Luna Shimada was present.

The inaugural function was resplendent of women excellence. For example, the magicians were led to the venue by a team of ten female percusionists. The reception counter was also deputed with lady staffs. The function began with a dance performance by a group of seven danceus to the tunes of a song written by O.N.V. Kurup and composed by M.G. Radhakrishnan.

Female percusion: Magicians gathered for the Maya 2010 are being led to the venue by a group of energetic woman percusionists.

These girls dare traffic blindfolded

Amazing riders: Three blindfolded girl magicians reach their finishing point in style over brand new TVS Scooty Streaks in this act held from Government Secretariat to Gandhi Park in Thiruvananthapuram on 29th of May, marking the beginning of world's first woman magicians convention 'Maya 2010'.

Thiruvananthapuram: Ammu, 17year old girl magician from Harippad; Pearl Bhumgara at her 21 from Mumabi and 24-year-old magic star Indushree from Bangalore met in front of the Government Secretariat with a single purpose: to stage blindfold motorbike ride and herald ‘Maya 2010’ the world’s first convention of woman magicians to be held on 30th of May under the auspices of the Magic Academy, Kerala State Youth Welfare Board and the Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation.

Executive Director of the Magic Academy and Chief Organiser of the event, Gopinath Muthukad offered a welcome speech marking the beginning of the whole event. Then there was a member of the Academy, T. Divya who took a lead role and helped her counterparts to do things flawlessly. Chief guest, I.G. of Police, R. Sreelekha and the people who gathered there, watched all these curiously.

First step in the show was to convice the spectators that the three sacks used for covering the faces of the magic girls, were intact and did not permit vision. Ms. Divya took these bags and got the non permiablity of these bags placing them over the faces of few media personalities and some of the viewers. Mrs. Sreelekha then came forward and covered the faces of the girls with these thick dark sacks. Mouths of the sacks were then tightly tied. With little vision possible, the girls needed assistants to help them climb on the brand new TVS Scooty Streak mopeds. They were carrying slogans of the international women’s day, ‘Equal Rights’, ‘Equal Opportunities’ and ‘Progress for all’. With the girls getting their grips firm on the handles of their bikes, things were set for the beginning of a magical ride. Mrs. Sreelekha waved a white flag of Maya 2010 signalling the start for the trip. The three girls then drove away their mopeds slowly, but without affecting or getting affected by a heavy evening traffic of the city.

IG of Police, R. Sreelekha blindfolding one of the three girl magicians.

An announcement vehicle moved ahead of them. They took it challenges as pieces of cake and reached the finishing point at the Gandhi Park jubilantly. Once they reached there, sack covers were removed from their faces by lady magician Kaizad, Raja Moorthya nd Chandrasenan Mithirmala. On seeing the winners, an apparently large crowd at the park gave a good round of claps in appreciation of the achievement. Three girls reciprocated by showing their talent in sleights of hand before the encouraging crowd. Of course they didn’t forget to send some good messages of national integration and communal harmony during this impromptu show.

Flag off: IG of Police, R. Sreelekha waving the 'Maya 2010' flag to signal beginning of the blindfold motorbike riding.

Talented girls

The three girls who completed the blindfold act successfully were possessed with a successful career record in the arena of magic. Ammu’s talents in the art of magic was proved when she vanished a bright red scooter in daylight during a Panchayat programme a couple of months ago. Pearl Bhumgara has become Mumbai’s magic girl when she clinched the junior title at the age of 11, in competitions organised by the American Society of Magicians in U.S.A. Indushree’s fame in the world of magic was chiefly due to her talking dolls with which she performs ventriloquism in leading TV channels. The trinity is very much happy with the chance they received to perform a curtain raiser event for the historic Maya 2010 confluence.

Young achievers: Girls magicians (from left) Indushree of Karnataka, Ammu of Kerala and Pearl Bhumgara of Mumbai pose before media cameras in front of the Government Secretariat in Thiruvnanthapuram before beginning their astounding blindfold ride.

Magic-rich Maya

Luna-Losander duo heightens hope. Jayam Jammu, Poornima Prahlad, Indushree, Pearl Bhumgara and Ammu to display country’s female strength in magic. Kerala State Youth Welfare Board and Kerala State Women’s Development Corporation back the unique event.

Thiruvananthapuram: “The one day that benefits you more than a thousand days” was the slogan raised by the Magic Academy, ever since it announced the female-oriented historic event, ‘Maya 2010’. And now the programme schedule is finalized to keep up the essence of that slogan. 30th of May will have a bright beginning at 7.30am when all the delegates gather at the reporting spot set up at the Hassan Maraikar Hall, adjacent to the main venue, A.K.G. Memorial Hall.

Beginning session will have everything for the mind and body of the participants. Scrumptious breakfast, soulful performance by a handful of leading magic dealers and pretty convention bags are to provided for the delegates to give the first impression.

The first ever festival of female magicians will be then inaugurated at 9.45am at the main venue by the Minister for Health and Social Welfare, P.K. Sreemathi. Secretary, Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Usha Titus will be present.

The brief function will be followed by one thing that is anxiously awaited by the delegates – erudite lecture class by the world’s No.1 lady magician, Luna Shimada. Before a delicious lunch is served at 12.30noon, peppy competition events in Close-up magic and very newly introduced Kitchen magic will happen.

The afternoon session begins at 1.30pm with competitions in Stage Magic by seniors that will be followed by a pedagogic teaching session by none other than Losander the ‘Emperor of Levitation Art’ in magic.

Stage Magic competitions for junior candidates will be held before the closing ceremony starts at 6.30pm. Then an array of leading female magic stars line up and present the best of their talents.

The gala begins with a spectacular performance by the magic couple, Luna and Losander.

Jayam Jammu with her famed shadow play, Indushree and her renowned talking dolls and Poornima Acharya with her stylish illusions are also among the performers.

Not over, the first and second prize winners will also display their winning performances.

Maya 2010 aims to be women dominent and rich in programmes

Thiruvananthapuram: The organising committee of ‘Maya 2010’, the world’s first convention of woman magicians, has met here to plan programmes for the historic day.

Enough numbers of contestants have enrolled for the four categories of competitions. More are expected to register before the extended last date of April 30th. “This is going to be the world’s first endeavour where only woman magicians are allowed to compete. Also only woman magicians are allowed to lead groups”, said Honorary Director of the Magic Academy, Chandrasenan Mithirmala. He said that more organisations will come in future with similar events for which Maya 2010 should set a benchmark.

In fact the ‘Vismayam’ international conventions organized by the Academy continue to inspire others to keep up with quality standards in the conduct of magic conventions. This time, the participation of the world's most famous lady magician, Luna Shimada and her husband and world's most famous levitation magician, Losander would surely make the event more attractive.

Women dominance
The programmes are being charted to ensure dominance of women on and off the stage. “We are planning to depute a team of able ladies for the total conduct of the event. Our ambition is that the reception, front office and dais have due female presence”, says Divya T., who has been looking after registrations.

Help desk of the event is open at womanmagicians@gmail.com.

Love for lecture classes

Poll Result (2010 March 3)

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What do our readers look forward during Maya 2010?

50% expect Lecture classes

18% wait for Competitions

16% hope to see Evening gala shows

8% wishes to have Good food

8% would love to have All the above

Vote on issues of still more interest!

2010 January (1 2 3)

2010 February (1 2 3)

2010 March (1 2)

2009 RESULTS: (2009 Jan. - Dec.)

2008 RESULTS: (2008 Jan. - Dec.)

Luna Shimada and Losander to land for Maya 2010

Thiruvananthapuram: The world’s first woman magicians’ meet will be held on 30th of May in Thiruvananthapuram by the Magic Academy. The Academy's main inspiration for going for such a unique event is simply the theme - Equal rights, equal opportunities: Progress for all – of this year’s International Women’s Day.

World's no. 1 magic family

As registrations start mounting up, world's no. 1 woman magician, Luna Shimada has confirmed her presence with family for the Maya 2010. She will offer a daytime class for her counterparts and an evening gala performance. A Las Vegas thriller, Luna is daughter of legendary Japanese magician Shimada. Her entry to the world of wonders was at the age of 12, as an assistant for her father. For Maya 2010, Luna will be accompanied by her husband Losander, who is widely described as the emperor of the art of levitation, and their eight-year-old daughter Tara. With his majestic appearance similar to the ancient Nordic Wizard, Mr. Losander is sure to keep his Indian counterparts under his spell. He is also coming ready to take a class and give an evening performance.

Competitions only for ladies

Another attraction of the event is that all categories of competitions are exclusively reserved for woman magicians. Besides regular Stage and Close-up categories, there will be Kitchen Magic, a thoroughly new section for the participants to contest. Contestants for this category have to appear in the guise of a typical Indian housewife and work magic using more kitchen utensils and vegetables than common magic equipments. And the jury, of course would comprise of a female member.

Dealers have started lining up

Three major dealers have already registered for the event. More dealers are in the queue. Male magicians can also attend the event. Groups comprising of two or more participants must be led by a female magician. Magicians who wish to take part in the event may contact Maya 2010, Magic Academy, Poojappura (PO), Thiruvananthapuram 695012 India, phone 0091 471 2358910. A Magic Sister will be providing answers to queries at email womanmagicians@gmail.com

FAQs on upcoming Maya 2010

Clear your doubts on the world's first Woman Magicians Convention on the anvil.


Objective? To promote female performers of magical art

Males? Can register, but not in groups of two or more members.

Groups? In each group of two or members, one of them should be a female leader who should sign the form.

Competitions? Exclusively reserved for females. Categories are: Stage Sr., Stage Jr., Close-up (Common) and Kitchen Magic (Common)

Kitchen Magic? This is going to be a brand new introduction. Here the performer should resemble more to an Indian housewife than a magician. Majority of equipments should be kitchen utensils and vegetables than usual magic equipments.

Dealer Stalls? Males can avail. But Dealer’s Demo should be made by a female magician.

Application forms: Available for download on www.muthukad.com

Instant support? Call Tel: 0471 2358910 or contact your Magic Sister at womanmagicians@gmail.com

Food? Breakfast, Tea + Snacks (twice), Lunch and Dinner will be provided on 30th May 2010.

Accommodation: Not provided. But assistance can be made as per availability and rules of individual hotels of the locality, if a written request with enough payment is provided to the Academy on or before 16/04/2010.

Las Date & Payments? Registration forms with necessary enclosures must reach Magi c Academy on or before 16/04/2010. All payments by Bank Draf in favour of the Magic Academy, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram 695012 Kerala.

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.