“There may be threat in every part,” says Pratima, as she elements her gleaming tresses to disclose a spot on her scalp the place a educated lion as soon as unintentionally scratched her. “The animals are gone, however the present should go on,” provides the agile 40-year-old Nepali bike owner and gun shooter from Jamuna Circus, which is visiting Tiruchi for the primary time for a month-long schedule.
Based in 1901 by Sardar Gurdeep and Ratnadeep Singh in Punjab, Jamuna Circus faces the identical challenges as different conventional circus corporations—a gradual decline in patronage. With new types of leisure capturing public curiosity, the circus, as soon as an integral a part of India’s people performing arts, is struggling to draw audiences. Restrictions on the recruitment of kid artistes have left many circuses with an ageing crew, whereas the ban on performing animals has additional exacerbated the scenario.
“After I first joined the circus, there was a buzz round our arrival within the metropolis. Youngsters can be thrilled to look at our acts. Now, they appear extra engrossed of their telephones,” says Rajesh Yadav, a trapeze artist at Jamuna Circus for the previous 12 years.
“I began my journey in Punjab with Komal Circus as a younger boy. My mother and father had been farmers in Fatehpur Thana, Bihar. Over the previous 40 years, I’ve labored with varied circus corporations throughout India. All our stunts are unique and reside—there’s no trickery, no particular results, simply years of dedication and onerous work,” says Rajesh.
Breathtaking stunts
Stunt biking artists at Jamuna Circus.
| Photograph Credit score:
M. Moorthy
On a latest night, Jamuna Circus performers had been busy entertaining a small however captivated crowd at Morais Metropolis grounds. Popcorn was momentarily forgotten as a Malaysian artist carried out a deadly knife-edge act, mendacity flat on the factors of sharp spears whereas the viewers watched in breathless anticipation. A dramatic drum roll later, he repeated the feat—this time mendacity on his again—and in a flash, simply as the gang gasped, he leapt down gracefully with a flourish.
Keerthana then took the stage, presenting an exciting curler act that had spectators rooting for her to take care of her stability. As she manoeuvred a hula hoop along with her ft, sending it over her head and out, she precariously balanced herself on a rolling base. Her act continued as she lay down on a bench, expertly balancing long-handled candlesticks on her ft and palms. The flames flickered, but Keerthana remained unfazed, whilst a mild breeze drifted by means of the tent.
“I realized these methods from my father. Every thing is troublesome at first, however with time, you get used to it,” says the younger performer.
“We respect an attentive viewers,” says Lakshmi, a Bengali ring dancer whose mother and father had been flying trapeze artistes. “However no matter how many individuals are watching, we at all times full our act. It’s our obligation,” she provides.
At 23, Lakshmi has already spent 14 years within the circus. She is married to Amar Kumar, who works within the firm’s workplace. “I plan to enrol my son in class subsequent 12 months and handle him. We’ve spent our lives travelling from metropolis to metropolis, and he has grown up within the circus. However I need him to have a correct training,” she says.
Lots of her colleagues share related hopes for his or her kids’s futures. “I’m working onerous in order that my children don’t must face the uncertainty of my life. I need them to check and safe good jobs,” says Yadav, whose spouse, additionally a former circus artiste, stays in her native village in Guwahati, Assam, elevating their son and daughter.
Inside the circus, many marriages are love matches between fellow performers. “We marry different artists as a result of they perceive our life-style higher. My spouse was my companion in Komal, Jumbo, and Jamuna Circuses earlier than she retired,” says Rajesh.
The present goes on
Circus artists are employed on yearly contracts, incomes a month-to-month wage of roughly ₹15,000 to ₹18,000, relying on their experience. Meals and lodging are supplied by the corporate.
“Our circus employs artists over the age of 20, from Bihar, West Bengal, Malaysia, Nepal, and different locations. Enterprise is nice throughout vacation breaks. We will likely be in Tiruchi till mid-February and can supply group concessions to varsities and faculties,” says Nazar Ali, the supervisor overseeing Jamuna Circus’s schedule in Tamil Nadu.
The circus operates from early morning, with rehearsals operating from 8 am to 10 am. The Huge Prime opens at 1 pm for the primary two-hour present, adopted by further performances at 4 pm and seven pm. Round 70 artists participate, presenting 17 acts per present.
“I really feel happiest after I carry out, and the circus has taken me to so many locations. My most memorable second was performing a particular act on the truth TV present India’s Received Expertise in Mumbai in 2018. We even obtained to satisfy some movie stars—we had been all so excited!” says Pratima.
Juggler and clown carry out their acts within the Jamuna Circus present at Morais Metropolis in Tiruchi.
| Photograph Credit score:
M. Moorthy
Printed – January 31, 2025 07:10 pm IST
