Reality Bites – This time it’s magic!

Like it or not, one thing is certain: The Indian world of Magic has changed over the last three weeks. And clearly, this is only the beginning.

I am speaking of “India Magic Star” currently airing on Star One – a first for magic on Indian reality TV. Surely it is the first of many clones that will follow.

All in all, any exposure to magic on prime-time should be good for the art of legerdemain, unless it results in exposure or is so bad that people abhor it.

I have not watched all episodes (don’t blame me!), but what I saw has not left me feeling good. The magicians on the show – save one (or two) – are rather rusty and leave a lot to be desired. Plus, the initial acts performed were blatant copies of international acts.

If blatantly copying well-known acts was not bad enough, the performers unashamedly claimed these as their own creations! And if you took a magical pudin-hara to digest that lie, they claimed being the first and only ones to have performed these effects in the country!

What’s worse, the judges – erroneously referred as “master magicians” – go ga-ga and wah-wah over anything that is shown, irrespective of how it fared; even when the replay showed how the trick was done!

I remain hopeful that Franz Harare who joined the show this week brings respectability to the show. Our one chance to woo our audiences depends on the difference Franz brings to this bad show.

[This article was published in the 23 July 2010 issue of the Vismayam Magical News. Nakul Shenoy is available at nakul@nakulshenoy.com and twitter.com/Indimagi]

Wow! E-groups!!

Thiruvananthapuram: The Indian magician is becoming internet savvy. With the grace of Internet and computers fast becoming facilities inevitable, many native magicians have already become members of e-groups. A couple of e-groups borne in the IT hub of the country, Bangaluru proves to be hot places of interaction between magicians of the country.

The idea of establishing an e-group for the country’s magicians was the brainchild of young and famous mentalism performer, Nakul Shenoy. His Yahoo-group, ‘IndianMagique’ has been active since 2003 December. For the initial month it had just 14 messages going across. Currently around 150 magicians use it as an online podium for placing their views, tips and helpful information for the benefit of the magic community. Heated exchanges also occur between the members when the issue has got both says.

The group receives an average of 50-150 messages a month. “This eGroup has been set up to equip the Indian magicians with a common platform to discuss the art of legerdemain. Being a magician's eGroup, the membership is restricted to performing magicians from India”, says Mr. Shenoy. Those who are genuinely interested in the art of magic can try for a membership in this e-group by contacting nakulshenoy@gmail.com.

Another e-group in the fore is ‘TalkMagic’, conceived by star performer and manufacturer in magic, Uday Jadugar. This is a Google group that began its function since November 2009. Veterans in the field including A.K. Dutt, Cijam Jammu, Solyl Kundu* and Ramaswamy use to frequently post messages. TalkMagic statistics show that Mr. Dutt stands alltime topper posting over 500 messages. Major attraction of TalkMagic is a free exchange of tricks behind many new magic items.

If you are a magician and member of these e-groups, the time you spare online would be worthier.

[By the time the July issue of the Vismayam Magical News carrying this article was printed, Mr. Solyl Kundu was informed banned from the said e-group.]

Back from the paradise of magic

Nakul Shenoy on the magical experiences gifted by his recent visit to the U.S.


Delightful rendezvous: Magician Nakul Shenoy (left) is back after an exciting U.S. tour. In this photo you find him with legends of contemporary magic, Max Maven, Eugene Burger and Marco Fida.

My recent trip to Las Vegas, USA was characterized by meetings with the legends of magic, gaining inspiration and guidance from them. Max Maven, Eugene Burger, Jeff McBride, Banachek, Bob Cassidy, Andy Nyman, et al. under one roof for three days and late nights was a phenomenal experience.

My personal special highlight was the Indian contingent at Mindvention 2009 in a much larger strength – India being represented by Pradip Amladi, Rakesh Syam, and myself, plus a couple of international attendees of Indian origin. Catching up with some of the best performers from the world-over – good friends I had not yet met in person – was really special.

Las Vegas continues to charm with some of the very best magic in the world, with Luke Jermay’s MENTAL being the latest addition to the long list, while Mac King remains the most entertaining.

Visiting the Magic Castle in Hollywood was special too, for it hosts the best magicians and their acts, and a wonderful magical atmosphere. The perfect icing on the cake was my Guruji - Bob Cassidy’s lecture at the Castle, moderated by my friend and mentor Michael Weber.

After all this, I can only await my next trip with bated breath!


With Rakesh Syam and Pradip Amladi at Mindvention

(This is a reproduction from November 09 issue of Vismayam Magical News in which the author is a columnist.)

Hey! All the magic masters are here!

Are you a magician who dreams of all the masters of magical art in the country come together and groom your skills? If yes, the happy news is here.

The Magic Space (TMS) in Bangalore has on its anvil, a fabulous teaching session titled, ‘Master Class in Magic’ to be held on 28th of February and 1st of March. You guess, the master is there. The group of teachers for the occasion would include well-known names including Prahlad Acharya, Kudroli Ganesh, Nakul Shenoy, M.P. Hashim and the real genius of modern street magic, R. Raja Moorthy.

TMS, through its website informs that the class is offered on an exclusive basis to accredited performing magicians, and the participation is limited to a maximum of 20 seats. So rush in your name and tap the potential unlimited, at mobile: 9986-012-013 or email: workshops@themagicspace.net.

Magic for all at The Magic Space

At The Magic Space (TMS), Bangalore, it’s never a matter of concern whether you are an active magician or only an admirer of magic. Your mind inclined towards the art of wonders, can fetch you several surprises at this Space. Magicians can take in as much newer lessons in magic as they can whereas the beginners can learn the basics of magical art.

For magicians
A recent communiqué from TMS informs about a couple of exciting sessions on the anvil. One is a higher-level monthly orientation course for magicians, 9th in the series, to be led by Mumbai magician, Sanjay Balsawar. Mr. Balsawar would be there, sharing some of the top secrets of ‘General Magic for Stage/Platform’. If you want to get a share from Mr. Balsawar’s magical knowledge bank, be there at TMS on Sunday the 8th of February.

For magic fans
Magic fans who have set an eye on learning the arts of awe can take happiness from this part of the news: TMS has also offered an ‘ever-popular two-day workshop’ titled, Learn Magic. Given is a note of caution that magicians should never opt for this course that was absolutely meant for beginners. The two-day event is slated for 14th and 15th of February. Ambitious magic fans may email at workshops@themagicspace.net or make a call at 9900 970 099.

Mentalism enters the mainstream

Nakul's feat on 18th in Bangalore


Bangalore: Mentalism, the magic based on reading minds but hitherto been sidelined as one in the many categories of magic, would soon be in the limelight. Thanks to Nakul Shenoy, country’s leading Mentalism performer. Come 18th January, Mr. Nakul would present his full-fledged mentalism show at the prestigious Chowdaiah Memorial Hall here. “This is the first time that this highly successful show steps into the world of public mainstream entertainment” he states. The show named, ‘Beyond Magic!’ would be presented as an invitee-only event with a very few tickets available for sale.

The show described as ‘a realm of Real Magic where the ordinary and mundane cease to be’, would explore the uncanny, present the unusual and illustrate the paranormal. It is the youthful magician’s promise that the 60-minute gig would contain reading minds, projecting thoughts, predicting the future and a sweeping display of super-human memory.

Seats are so limited. Rush your request at the earliest at email: nakul@nakulshenoy.com or nakulshenoy@gmail.com.

Seminar on ‘Making Magic Money’

Yet another big session at The Magic Space.

Bangalore: The newly established The Magic Space has announced a one-day seminar titled, ‘Making Magic Money’ on 12th of Oct. In a message sent to its e-group, it is stated that the seminar will be dedicated to the professional secrets of marketing oneself and one’s shows. Panacea for achieving success as a magical entertainer in the current scenario, is going to be the theme for the day.
Entire gamut of professional growth including ways of getting more show, how to derive and demand a desirable fee for one’s performance, steps to enhance money through magic, basics of marketing, online marketing and much more await the participants.

Cartik the Conjuror, a disciple of Jeff McBride; owner of the online magic shop, Penguin Magic, Maxwell Murphy (U.S.A.); a professional financial advisor, Ganesh Shenoy are among the speakers. Those who wish to ensure one among the only 20 seats, may write to nakulshenoy@gmail.com.

A sojourn at a space for magic...

Director of Magic Academy on his debut visit to the newly established Magic Space, Bangalore.


Magical moments: Rajamoorthy at Magic Space

During the fifteen minute drive from M.G Road in Bangalore, I made two phone calls. One to inform my arrival and the next to ask for the right direction as I neared the destination. The excitement grew as the vehicle stopped and I got out to look at the long board on top of the building that read MAGIC SPACE.

I entered without prejudice to experience what can be called a hub for magic lovers. With a sensible décor and excellent space management, Magic Space turned out to be more than what it is intended to be. The welcome zone that includes the over the counter sales area is aptly segregated from the rest in a modest manner. Shelves display a variety of magic kits and other gadgets of the conjurer.

If one side of the area displays autographed posters of various magicians, the other carries a framed collection of signatures of magicians, who were present on the inaugural day of the Space. A good reference library for magicians is another attraction besides the wonderful caricatures done by two eminent artists of Bangalore. As assured, Nakul Shenoy was there to show me around along with a few of his friends.

The exploration ended as we sat on the table on the centre of the hall(which occasionally becomes a class room) to share a few lighter moments in close up magic before going out to lunch.

I returned with a full heart and stomach and with a promise to return there during my next visit which is inevitable as there is something addictive about the warmth of hospitality you get in Magic Space. You have to be there to believe it.
[Author is Director of the Magic Academy and Consultant Editor of VMN.]

54th Perfect Performer Course on 14th

Nakul to give a ‘Space’ for learning



Nakul Shenoy (left) with Giridhar Kamath and renowned flute player, Pravin Godkhindi during the inauguration of The Magic Space, Bangalore.

The newly launched The Magic Space (TMS) of Bangalore that was formally inaugurated on the 25th of May, is to offer an introductory session on its varied products and services during the 54th Perfect Performer Course slated for 14th June at the Magic Academy.

The envoy from TMS, Nakul Shenoy will be handling a special session on general magic based on cards, coins and ropes. But the major attraction will be the introduction of Mr. Nakul’s own exclusive creation, ‘Essential Card Magic’. He said that with ECM, it becomes easier to stage around 90% of the card tricks. ECM was one of the sold out items at the Vismayam 2008 dealer stall. Packs of ECM can be ordered online by emailing at info@themagicspace.net.

The Magic Space
At TMS, you can have magical education, entertainment or purchase of quality magic goods. You can even enjoy a cup of tea and indulge in chatting with your good friends in magic.

So here is a ‘Space’ for magical innovations. Now it’s your turn to make a room for benefitting out of it. For registrations to Nakul's class, contact: magicacademy@gmail.com