Last adieu for magician Jain Pallathettu

Jain Pallathettu (Photo provided by Magician Jowan Madhumala)

Thiruvananthapuram: Magic Academy has mourned the death of magician Jain Pallathettu (44) of Thirunakkara, Kottayam. He breathed his last at a massive heart attack. The deceased is survived by his wife Lisa and daughters, Namitha and Navya. A passionate fan of magical art, he found time for offering amateur magic shows in between his business responsibilities of running 'Pallathettu Group' of commercial firms. He is the founder President of Kottayam Magicians Art Society. "He was a friend and well wisher of magicians. He had special affection towards poor street magicians whom he used to help a lot", recollects P.M. Mithra of his departed friend.

Jain Pallathettu has followed the footsteps of his father the late Zakharia who had close business contacts in North India from were he learned magical art. Zakharia is considered to be the first magician to introduce blindfold motorbike riding in Kerala.

Magic to be included in the school curriculum to tackle superstitions: M.A. Baby

Magician P.M. Mithra receives 'Indrajaala Puraskaram 2008', the Magic Academy's first ever award for best contributions in the field of magic, from the Minister of Culture, M.A. Baby (second from right)in Thiruvananthapuram. Also seen are (from left) Academy's Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad, Secretary, Krishnapillai Foundation, Dr. Ezhumattur Rajaraja Varma, Patron of the Academy, O.N.V. Kurup and Director of the Academy, magician Chandrasenan Mithirmala.

Thiruvananthapuram: Education Minister, M.A. Baby has told that he was determined to include magic as part of the syllabus in schools. He told that even though he was unbothered of the possible criticism to boldly do this with the major aim of dismantling superstitions. "New generations should be free of misconceptions. Our generations should no longer fall prey to any God men who pretend to have some supernatural abilities", Mr. Baby added. The Minister was talking after presenting ‘Indrajaala Puraskaaram’, the first award instituted by the Magic Academy for gross contributions in magic, to magician P.M. Mithra. The Minister also told that he has already held discussions with Gopinath Muthukad regarding the inclusion of magic shows as a demonstration item during school youth festivals.

During his presidential address, the Academy’s patron, poet O.N.V. Kurup has praised Mr. Muthukad’s endeavour of admiring one of his counterparts, even as crab nature was a curse among all fields of life. Mr. Kurup's suggestin to give more recognition from the Cultural ministry to the art of magic, was readily accepted by the Minister.

Mithra gives award money for a noble cause



During his reply speech, Mr. Mithra dedicated his achievement to his parents who had helped him during the past and to his wife Ansa for her supports now. In an admirable gesture, he handed over the entire cash award of Rs.10000 to the Cultural Minister, as a donation for the Bumper Lottery promoted by the Cultural Ministry for the welfare of artistes in the State.

An enthralling performance by Magic Academy's Director, magician R. Raja Moorhty.

Secretary, Krishna Pillai Foundation, Dr. Ezhumattur Raja Raja Varma offered felicitations. Following the function a magic show by the Academy’s Director, R. Raja Moorthy became an enthralling experience. Earlier Mr. Muthukad welcomed the guests and magician Chandrasenan Mithirmala tendered vote of thanks.

Magic Academy's award for P.M. Mithra

Thiruvananthapuram: 'Indrajaala Puraskaram' the first ever award for outstanding contributors among magicians, instituted by the Magic Academy goes to P.M. Mithra. Mr. Mithra has been sleected for the award in recognition of the extensive contributions he has made for over three decades, towards the development and popularity of the magical art. The award consisting of Rs.10000 in cash and a certificate of honour will be presented by the Minister of Culture, M.A. Baby in Thiruvananthapuram on 16th of January.

Mr. Mithra has taken up magic as a means to battle with the challenges of life. He was born and brought up in the rustic town of Melukavumattom in Kottayam. When he started learning magic in 1972, Kichu from Vaikom was his first guru. His debut performance christened, 'Mayajal' in 1982 became a grand success, earning him a name as a professional magician. As a magician, his ascend chiefly owed to the qualities of sincerity and dedication. In 80s, Mr. Mithra's magic shows were inevitable part of cultural fairs in the State. Easy and perfect handling of complex illusions was a major quality of Mr. Mithra that became a model for his counterparts. In 2002, the State honour was bestowed upon this veteran magician in the form of the Sangeeta Nataka Academy's award. 54-year-old magician has his wife Aansa, also as an assistant during magic shows. Children: Ashish, Aleena.



Academy's Executive Director, Gopinath Muthukad announces the award at a press conference in Thiruvananthapuram. From left are magicians, Chandrasenan Mithirmala and Vaidhar Shah; on the right are magicians: Rajesh Chandra and S. Sreekanth.

Opinions of major magic organizations in the State including Malabar Magic Circle (MMC), Cochin Magic Society (CMS) and the International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) were considered by the Academy for selecting the award winner. The award announcement was jointly made by the Executive Director of the Academy, Gopinath Muthukad; Directors, Chandrasenan Mithirmala and R. Raja Moorthy; former Secretary of the India Ring of the IBM, S. Sreekanth; Secretary of the CMS, Vaidharsha and Director, MMC, Rajesh Chandra were present for the press conference.

P.M. Mithra's Perfection Class on 12th April

With over 25 years of experience as a leading magician, P.M. Mithra is about to offer his first Master course in Magic.


Thiruvananthapuram: Master of perfect illusions, the one and only P.M. Mithra will guide the 52nd Perfect Performer Course to the heights of magical knowledge on 12th April at Magic Academy. The veteran, well known for his perfection in meticulously handling complex illusions on stage, will be teaching on his favourite subject, ‘Perfection on magic stage’.

“During my class, I will be much frank in disclosing the techniques I have been adopting in performing and mending of illusions and also in marketing magic in this modern era”, Mr. Mithra, holding three decades of admirable career in magical art, told VMN. He also pledges that there will be at least one illusion technique taught to the participants. Mr. Mithra however has put forward a condition that all the participants in his class should be active magicians who are frequented with magic performances on stage.


“A class on illusions and stage perfection will go astray unless the participants have live contact with the magic stage”, he pointed.

Interested magicians can assure their seats by registering their names with email: magicacademy@gmail.com or telephone: 0471 2358910. Fee Rs.100 inclusive of lunch.