Pure Magic

INDIA’S first street magician,Ugesh Sarcar,manages to fox even the most careful observers,with his deft hand and quick reflexes. The kohl-eyed and long-haired performer’s illusions and tricks guaranteed him a viewership for two seasons and as we’re tentatively informed,it might run into a third season. Heather Gupta,channel head Bindass,says,“The concept of a street magician is new in India,so people are naturally interested. And Ugesh Sarcar is very good at what he does; he can draw people in. He just looks so intriguing. People are automatically drawn to him.”

Criss Angel Mind Freak,AXN

HIS most famous illusion was probably the one where,Jesus-like,he walked on water. But from jumping off a speeding car to cutting himself in half,Angel is more than just an illusionist; he is also a stuntman. While the show was on air,it was extremely popular with those who like their magic to be spontaneous and edgy. “The old chestnut about magicians distracting the audience to create illusions never seems to apply to Criss

Angel,” says viewer Ajay Menon. “Even if you paid attention to every corner of the screen,he would somehow fool you. Also,with his Goth persona,he makes magic seem a bit like a religion and gives it glamour. That’s why his show was so compelling.”

Breaking the Magician’s Code,AXN

VAL Valentino is a brave man. As the masked presenter on this show,he has a lot to answer for to the notoriously secretive brotherhood of magicians. The sets of Breaking the Magician’s Code are smoky and dimly-lit — aptly mysterious,in short. But what the show actually does is demystify the jaw-dropping stunts that most magicians use — such as walking through a block of concrete to appear on the other side and cutting up their assistants. Explaining every step of the stunt,Valentino,or as he prefers to call himself,The Masked Magician,manages to erase the smoke-and-mirrors effect of even the most impossible-looking stunts.

Spellz,Nick

THE more pared-down version of the previously mentioned show,Spellz,explains the magic of basic tricks. Presenter Jay Sankey,along with his kid assistant,Bridget Hall pepper the show with humour,even as they demonstrate tricks using the simplest of items like coins and paper clips. Need to learn how to pull a coin out of your friend’s ear? Tune into this fun,fast-paced show that not only entertains,but also educates. “It’s a great way for children to learn not just magic tricks,but also to understand how science can be used to create great effects,” says viewer Kalpana Gupta,“Besides,of course the history segment where they talk about sorcerers through the ages.”

David Blaine:Street Magic and David Blaine:Vertigo,AXN

BLAINE is the television age’s answer to legendary escapist Harry Houdini. He is not a traditional magician — the kind who pulls rabbits out of a hat. Although,he does,enthrall with his sleight of hand and mind-reading tricks,what really makes Blaine popular are the levitations; besides,of course,his ability to escape from coffins and chains. The American magician,along with his compatriot Angel,can be credited with making the concept of street magic in India popular even though his shows are now off-air. Blaine’s notable stunts include imprisoning himself in a water-filled sphere and standing atop a 100-foot high pillar for over 24 hours. It’s not your everyday magic trick,but it does draw eyeballs.

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