Magic shows lost prominence due to Internet: Magician

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, September 16

Magic s hows had a rich history and legacy in India, but with the influence of the internet, the art of magic had lost its prominence, believes magician OP Sharma Jr (Satya Prakash Sharma).

Kanpur-based OP Sharma Jr, son of famous magician OP Sharma, has been performing in Patiala since September 1. The magician said, “Now, with internet, people can watch any trick on phones — whenever and wherever they want — in no time. You search for one trick on Youtube and you will find 50 videos of the same.”

He also pointed fingers at demonetisation for the downfall of magic shows in India. He said due to demonetisation, many magicians were forced to shut their shows owing to cash crunch.

The magician felt magic shows were still surviving because it was one thing which could only be best enjoyed live. He said, “The best part of live magic show is that suspense and thrill cannot be experienced in any other medium and it is the only reason magic shows are still holding its grounds.”

Decline in footfall

OP Sharma Jr, who is touring Patiala for the second time, said the footfall was less this time. He had earlier visited Patiala in 2005. 

He said major reason for the decline could be the ongoing zila parishad and panchayat samiti elections in the state. The other factors could be the mid-semester exams in schools. He also blamed the venue — Malwa theatre — for the drop in the number of spectators.