How Covid-19 has dealt a blow to the circus

Like many other entertainment avenues, the circus has suffered due to the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent lockdown (Express photo by Pradip Das)

With their income almost completely dried up, circus owners are struggling to ensure that artistes and permitted animals do not go hungry. (Express photo by Pradip Das)

In 2013, the government banned the use of animals, one of the main attractions for audiences, and the pandemic seems to have finished what was left of the circus. (Express photo by Pradip Das)

Sujit Dilip, the proprietor of Rambo Circus in Mumbai, who had written an appeal for help to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, says he has not given up on a response. Dilip told The Indian Express that he had to sell off his flat to bail out his circus. (Express photo by Pradip Das)

There are a total 110 staff. Thirty of them have gone back while the rest 80 are staying in tents in a compound in Airoli, Navi Mumbai. (Express photo by Pradip Das)

“The government refuses to recognise our art. No help has come from the government or local bodies even during the pandemic. God is our last hope. We are just under the sky, waiting for our end,” said 49-year-old Biju Pushkaran Nair, who plays the clown. (Express photo by Pradip Das)

Now, there are two families with small children, 17 dogs, one pony, support staff, animal keepers, cooks, electricians, designers and tent makers. (Express photo by Pradip Das)

In the initial phase of the lockdown, those hailing from nearby towns in the state went back home. Others, who did not want to risk crossing state borders amid the pandemic stayed back. (Express photo by Pradip Das)