VIP pass seekers make a beeline to Empire Circus

The much sought-after VIP passes are intended for wives and children of the sahibs … who seemingly cannot afford to slice off Rs 60 for a ringside seat from their salaries.

“Ironically, this section of the society belongs to the well-to-do class whose children blow up Rs 70 for an hour of pool at a local club,” said a circus employee.

“We can’t help it, one has to oblige them too,” said one of the managers at the circus. Added another: “We actually don’t mind this practice, but if in the turn out of hundred persons, 25 are VIP guests, what do we earn?” asked another member of the circus staff. “Leave aside the profits, we won’t have anything to eat at this pace.”

Hari Pillai, one of the circus managers, disclosed that it costs Rs 50,000 (approximately) per day to run the circus. This amount includes electricity charges, ground rent, publicity expenses, veterinary medicines, medical aid for employees, food for both staff and animals besides other miscellaneous expenses.

“Since April 9, to date, we have been able to generate only Rs 1,25,000,” said Pillai. “This turns out to be Rs 15,000 per day against the daily expenses of Rs 50,000,” he said.

The organisers rued that they are running the show in loss. One of the managers lost his cool when a Chandigarh Police sub-inspector flashed his identity card at the ticket-window and asked for free entry. When he was asked to leave, he threatened: “I’ll see you.” He had hardly left the premises when two Haryana Police policemen and flashed their IDs. “We are special security officers, we want VIP passes for the families of our sahibs.”

The poor turnout of the audience has been disappointing for the artists also. “An artist is hungry for praise. If there is hardly any audience in the tent, the artist loses enthusiasm to act,” said Pillai.