Union minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi invites Pune’s Rambo Circus to perform at ‘Hunar Haat’

Rambo Circus will put up shows at Vrindavan in Uttar Pradesh from November 12 to 14, in Lucknow on November 17 and 18, and in Delhi’s Pragati Maidan between November 20 and 27.

Rambo circus artists performing in Pune. (Express File Photo by Arul Horizon)

FIRST, THERE came a phone call from the office of Union Minority Affairs Minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, asking Sujit Dilip, owner of Pune-based Rambo Circus, to come to Delhi for a meeting. Then, last week, Naqvi himself met with Dilip at his office and extended an invitation to artists from Rambo Circus to present an hour-long show at Hunar Haat, a government initiative in which Indian artisans and craftspeople exhibit and market their handmade products.

Rambo Circus will put up shows at Hunar Haat in Vrindavan from November 12 to 14, followed by performances in Lucknow on November 17 and 18, and Delhi’s Pragati Maidan between November 20 and 27.

“It is a proud moment for all of us at the circus. The ministry has taken an important initiative to treat circus and other art forms with dignity and respect. The minister told us that he understood how badly artists had been affected due to the pandemic and the government was supporting us through initiatives such as Hunar Haat,” says Sujit.

Also Read | ‘Hunar Haat’ playing key role in making ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign a mass movement: Naqvi

He adds that the performances will cover the entire gamut, featuring unicyclists, jugglers and a mirror man with a special reflective costume.

One of India’s foremost circus companies, Rambo Circus had to keep its curtains down during the pandemic. Despite online shows and a few performances as the country opened up, the ring was largely empty.

As soon as malls and cinemas opened, however, Rambo’s artists were on their feet, reworking their acts or flying on the trapeze, and the audience queues began to lengthen. Now, there are two shows being held every evening, at 4 pm and 7 pm, under the railway bridge at Mundhwa.

“A lot of people are coming to the circus after two years of closure and are really liking it,” says Sujit.

Story continues below this ad

The performances at Hunar Haat and other events are expected to provide a greater boost to circus artists.

Dipanita Nath

Dipanita Nath is interested in the climate crisis and sustainability. She has written extensively on social trends, heritage, theatre and startups. She has worked with major news organizations such as Hindustan Times, The Times of India and Mint. ... Read More

Click here to join Express Pune WhatsApp channel and get a curated list of our stories