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.

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.

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.

Magicians dumbfounded at Licy Jacob’s debut in magic

Former Chief Secretary of Kerala is now adept in magical art


Thiruvananthapuram: Dumbfounded at former Chief Secretary, Licy Jacob’s debut magic show were not the laymen, but 150 adept magicians. After four months of magic learning, her first performance was before the magicians who gathered at Vailopilli Samskriti Bhavan here to pay tributes to Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Namboodiri. Mrs. Jacob enthralled one and all by rightly predicting where exactly one of her viewers will ask to cut a strip of newspaper. [Photo: Licy Jacob performing her debut magic.]
Like an experienced magician, Mrs. Jacob began her show, bowing before the audience, senior magicians and more importantly, before Gopinath Muthukad and Rajamoorthy – her masters. In order to weave an appropriate context for her presentation, the former Chief Secretary referred to a recent incident of her dream becoming a reality. Being also a painter by herself, hers was a disturbing dream about the death of her favourite paiter Adimoolam. Precisely a week later, she could not believe her eyes when the painter’s demise appeared in an English newspaper.
Held in one of her hands was the newspaper strip containing this news. She then handed over a ‘prediction’ envelope to magician Haris Thaha, who was on the front row of audience. Then Mrs. Jacob invited Prof. Vadakkeppad to the dais and entrusted the job of telling where she should cut the newspaper strip with scissors. She then started moving the scissors up and down over the paper strip. When Prof. Vadakkeppad gave the signal, she cut the paper exactly at that point. The cut portion began with the sentence: “to be noticed…”. Then Mr. Thaha was allowed to open the prediction. It was a piece of paper on which was written in the magician's own handwriting: “You will ask me to cut above the sentence starting, ‘to be noticed…’. Even though the trick was not unknown to many of the veteran magicians gathered there, what has captivated them was the unique style of presentation adopted by Mrs. Jacob.
As the performer returned with a reverent bow, her audience, mainly magicians, offered a big applause acknowledging the new entrant as one among them.

Moscow magician mesmerised at Malayali magic

Elsin Alexander, magician from Russia during Vazhakunnam magic day in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: On seeing the traditional decorations made from tender leaves of coconut tree and stems of banana trees, Elisin Alexander, young magician from Moscow was greatly baffled. A guest from Samara in Russia, he was seen actively roaming from one venue to the other, mingling with the magic friends and taking video footages of the activities during the 25th Vazhakunnam memorial magicians’ get-together organised by Magic Academy in association with the Vailopilli Samskriti Bhavan and the Public Relations Department of Kerala.

A traditionally bedecked venue

He was on time present as one among the Malayali magicians for a door opening ceremony that marked the day-long celebrations. Mr. Alexander was engrossed by rounds of teaching classes, competitions and streams of magic shows. Noon arrived and Mr. Alexander for his meals had a traditional Kerala feast comprising of spicy curries and cooked rice. Eating the chilly-mixed dishes was never a piece of cake for him, it seemed. For example, Sambar, the typical south Indian preparation with chilly – red and green – aplenty, was found burning the Samara magician's mouth too much that his face turned red within moments.

Magic from Russia: Elsin Alexander getting his Malayali counterparts hooked to magic.

After lunch he had to heed to affectionate requests from native magicians for showing a few tricks. Under the cool shade of a ‘Nalukettu’ Mr. Alexander opened his magic bag. Flying cards, vanishing coins and multiplying currencies… one after the other, tricks bloomed at this deft Russian magician's fingertips. Thus led to the magnificence of Moscow magic were the native magicians.
Juggling by magician Pradeep has captivated Mr. Alexander like anything. Between his agile hands and keen eyes, Mr. Pradeep skillfully tossed objects in the air. Revolving around, as if in a magnetic attraction, was Mr. Alexander, taking ample footages of this awesome performance.

While returning to his homeland, this Russian magician will have a camera full of amazements and a mind filled with newly knit dreams. Hugely inspired by Vazhakunnam memorial magic day, this member of Moscow Club of Magic, now ambitiously wishes to add similar traditional elements to make his Club’s meeting in March noticeable.

Kerala to pay glowing tributes to its Magic Guru

On 9th February Kerala magicians will have their family fair


Thiruvananthapuram: Golden petal of the monthly Perfect Performer Course on 9th Feb. will find 150 Kerala magicians getting together and paying their glowing tributes to the doyen of Kerala magic, Vazhakunnam Neelakantan Nambooodiri. The day being the 25th death anniversary of Vazhakunnam, the 50th episode of the PPC will be titled as ‘Gurupranamam’ to offer varying sessions of magic learning, competitions, open forum etc. There will be display of a video documentary on the Magic Guru too.

The event is organised by the Magic Academy in association with the Kerala Sangeeta Nataka Akademi (KSNA), Vailopilli Samskriti Bhavan and the Information and Public Relations Department of Kerala.

Renowned Karnataka magician, Prahlad Acharya will offer his master class on some of the newer aspects in magic. Having established his image as a talented performer of Karnataka’s indigenous magic, Mr. Prahlad will be offering his show in the evening to mark a captivating end for the day-long events.

Magic competitions will be held in senior and junior categories to find out the best young magician.

Winners will be awarded with an ever-rolling trophy sponsored by the Yugami Club of Thiruvegappura, a medal instituted by the Magic Academy and certificate given by the KSNA.

Magicians who have already registered for the get-together should report by 8.30a.m. on 9th Jan., at Vailopilli Samskriti Bhavan off PMG Junction in Thiruvananthapuram.