February Flirts...

Twas great when I got a call from good friend and fellow magician Kruti Parekh sayin that she was in town. I picked her up and brought her over to my residence and we had a great time talking magic and catching up on old times. Kruti, Mom and myself then went to New Market and also feasted on puchkas..Kruti having Kolkata Puchkas after a decade. Another day, Kruti, our moms and I visited the magic shops and then feasted on Pizzas and ice-creams along with her dad in hobby centre. Twas really great having you here Kruti and a big thank-you for all those wonderful times in Mumbai!!

Kruti and I during the shoot of India's Magic Star

On the 3rd we had a performance at the Thakurpukur Cancer Hospital. The performance was meant for cancer affected children but unfortunately, a few moments before the performance was to begin, one of the children passed away. The wave of grief that swept over the other children and parents in the ward prevented them from coming over to the auditorium. However I performed for the other patients, doctors and nurses. I was honored to have in the audience, Dr. Sanmoy Ganguly ,who had treated me after my accident which occurred during my Escape from Inferno. After the performance, Mom and I went to the children’s ward and I performed close up magic at many bed sides and distributed goodie bags to all the children. The sight of such young children being victim to such a deadly disease brought tears to my eyes.

The next day, the 4th, we performed at a cancer awareness programme at City Centre. Organized by the Global Cancer Trust, this programme was aimed to create cancer awareness among all. Cancer, if detected at an early stage, is curable. The event was emceed by Rj Arnabi, there were plays by the doctors and their families and dance performances by Padatik and Twist n Turn.


Colors.....



The sign of Cancer appears...

I performed 2 slots. The first themed on cancer awareness where I made cigarettes disappear and then produced a hookah. Now though most think that the hookah is safe, it is actually just as dangerous as cigarettes. So after a short talk on the dangers of the hookah, I smashed the hookah on the ground to thunderous applause. I then made a crab, the sign of cancer, appear and disappear. The second slot was pure entertainment, my signature routines, streamers from the mouth, snow etc. The performance ended with the levitation of a girl from the audience.



Dr.Vikash Agarwal and I



I must congratulate Dr.Vikash Agarwal, chairman of the Global Cancer Trust for his exceptional work and devotion in the field.

The 5th saw us performing once again at Swabhumi, The heritage park, for the 9th anniversary of Bhagirati Neotia hospital. Titled ‘Babies Day Out’, the event was for all the children born over the past 9 years at the hospital. We performed to a crowd of over 5,000 people. Birds appeared, girls appeared, a doll came to life, my signature routines, geometrically impossible, the voodoo box etc. I must specially thank the emcee of the event, Pamela, who was gracious enough to be part of my show. When I approached her with the proposition to levitate her, she immediately agreed. Thanks Pam, it was really sweet of you.

This year was the best Valentine’s Day ever as I spent it doing what I love the most. We performed at Shreeram Ozone mall in Dhanbad,Jharkand. We drove 7 hours on the morning of the 14th and arrived at the venue at 2 in the afternoon. After lunch and a quick freshen up, we set up the show. After being introduced by old friend MC Vanisha, I hit the stage.

Ambika and I post the Quick-change act

Creating a poltergiest..

 It was one of the most challenging situations that I have performed in. on a small stage in the middle of the ground floor of the mall with over 4,500 people watching like hawks from all sides on the ground floor and on 4 floors above me. Besides this, there was another personal challenge, one of the Judges of India’s Magic Star had performed for the same client recently, he had been booed of the stage in 5 minutes… However I managed to sweep through my hour’s performance with ease.. The show was a huge hit. I performed my favorite effects and illusions, streamers from the mouth, snow, geometrically impossible and the levitation of a girl from the audience. We drove back that very night..very exhausted but very satisfied.



I was absolutely overjoyed when my old friend, Anna Sarkar was in town for a couple of days.. We have shared a good six years of friendship. Way back in 2005 I had cum up with an original illusion which I had called “The Pentecost”. Anna was the first girl who allowed me to set her hair on fire on stage! Her support is awesome and I must say that she is one of the few who helped shaping the Amazing David that exists today.



I launched the latest model of Hi-Tech Mobiles on the 27th at The Park Hotel. I started the launch sequence with my light manipulation routine followed by 2 of my girls appearing in a smoke filled chamber with cutouts of the phones. My streamers from the mouth routine turned out really well as I had a wonderful lady from the audience assisting. Pay, one of the special guests from china, garlanded me on stage with the streamers… I was following suite but stopped stating if I did the same, then we would be married!! We also performed Instant Magician, the volunteer was a guy called Atul. He reminded me of my friend Magician Atul from Mumbai! Snowstorm and Costume Quick-changes followed before I wrapped up the show with a favorite illusion of mine-Geometrically Impossible.



Well I apologize for this post being so late… well I have also performed an escape stunt n a few good things are in store…. All this n more next month….see you soon….Believe in magic!!!

January Jumpstart!!

2011, Revolutionizing my Magic…My new-years resolution, as far as my magic is concerned is not to invest in stock illusions unless absolutely necessary. That is I would not build any existing illusions unless required for a particular event….all my new illusions would be my own inventions. So far there are ideas a plenty but I haven’t started building any of them yet.


A private party for children kick–started the new year. It was a grand show and was appreciated by children and adults alike. Most of the audience knew me from my television and school appearances and all the smiling faces were a great way to start 2011.

I was really honored when NCS launched the BIZ-MAGIC calendar 2011. It is a desk calander with one of my illusions featuring each month along with the Biz-mantra of Manohar Ji, CEO of Navigating Concepts to Soultions. The calendar is being circulated to NCS clients all over India and abroad.



The Biz-Magic calendar has found a permernant place on my shelf..

 On the 9th we boarded the Garib-Rath kolkata- guwahati express. The final wing of Biz-Magic was to be held at Guwahati.( see details of Biz-Magic in the preious post) Though the train arrived three and a half hours late, it was a decent journey and the view from the compartment as we were entering Assam was breathtaking.As always it was a tedious task carrying the illusions across the platforms to the parking lot and we reahed the hotel pretty late.


Geometrically Impossible amidist smoke

 Early the next morning we got to the venue, a beautiful banquet hall at the Vishwaratna Hotel. After seeing that all was in order, I took Mom and my girls to KFC for lunch. Just like I do in the KFC at Kolkata, I had to perform magic there for my fans.The magic was great and the chicken was finger licking good!! The performance started as scheduled.


The team backstage at Guwahati

 The crowd was awesome and as always the audience participation routines were well received. The illusions went off exceptionally well. The audience went wild with my closing illusion – Illuminati: The manipulation of intangible light. Post the show, there was a rush for photographs and the crowd pulled me on stage to dance with them……!!


Chief assistant Jagat, Mr.Disembodied Hand and I fool around just before hitting the stage.

 Our train back to kolkata was late by 10 hours and instead of leaving Guwahati at noon, we left post 10pm. It was a rather boring ride back home with the team dozing off and on while I racked my brains on designing new illusions. The train pulled into Howrah station past 8:00 pm.

The 15th saw me hosting the annual company picnic for Danieli India Ltd, an Italian company that deals in metals. Of course I couldn’t go through the event with a touch of magic so I performed a lot of street magic for both the kids and adults.

On the 17th, I was invited to perform at the annual family night for Areva. Its always great to perform on the makeshift stage at Nicco Wet-O-Wild infront of the splendid artificial waterfall at this water park. It was my second year performing at this event. We performed a couple of illusions along with costume quick changes and my signature routines. Other performers on the show were The Violin Brothers, Padatik dancers and track singer Mou Mukherjee. The show went well, but imagine my surprise when I got an invitation from Areva to perform for their family night in Baroda. It was a double treat when I learned close friend, India’s leading female illusionist, Suhani Shah would be in Ahmedabad for a family get-together. We made plans to meet after my performance. Mom and myself, along with two of my team,flew to Baroda on the 22nd of January. We were checked into a wonderful hotel. The performance was in the evening and saw a crowd of over three thousand people. I debuted a fire manipulation routine and a new illusion called the Voodoo box. The Voodoo box is a compact illusion created by magician Andrew Mayne. It was appreciated well by the audience. My instant magician routine was the hit of the show, but it was Ambika, my assistant who got most of the applause!!! My performance was followed by stand up comedian,Sunil Pal. Post the show, I booked a car to Ahmedabad and arrived at 1:00am. I was greeted by Suhani and her family. We had dinner and after dinner I performed close-up magic for Suhani and her family. Suhani, her mother and I sat till early hours of the morning talking magic and exchanging secrets. Im must say that during my stay in Mumbai, while we were shooting for ‘India’s Magic Star’, Suhani’s mom took care of me like her own son. Thank you Aunty. We flew back to Kolkata on the 23rd, in time for me to emcee a private party at swabhumi, a heritage park. As usual I spiced up the event with a little bit of magic.

A grand illusion show for Manthan Broadband happened at their annual family carnival. This year the entire carnival was themed on magic. While my friends, Kaushik and Raven took to strolling magic, I took the stage with my illusions. I performed in two slots, the first having dove productions, audience participation routines and costume quick change illusions. I themed the second act on the orient and performed my fan act for the first time after India’s Magic Star. Here is the video in case you missed it..

Besides I also performed the snowstorm, and vanished a floating girl. The crowd went wild. Other performers on the show were The Crescendo dancers, Sanjay Mondol and troupe of India’s Got Talent, Chinese Lion Dancers and Chau Dancers of rural Bengal. Overall it was a grand event.

Well it’s been a rocking January, looking forward to a great year ahead!!!

God bless all and happy magic!!!

BIZ-MAGIC!!

I was still an overcooked Amazing David when a series of meetings between me and NCS(Navigating Concepts to solutions) happened at my residence. The company was looking for a custom show for a few events to be held all over the country. The concept of having a business principle behind each if my presentations was the idea that blossomed into “BIZ-MAGIC”. A whole bunch of illusions were researched and created and a final show was decided. Mr.Manohar Malani, CEO of NCS is truly a business magician. The business principles that he related to my illusions were really amazing.

The first performance was at Kolkata, in one of the cities finest auditoriums. The illusions and routines were very well received. Many of the audience came backstage to meet me after the show was over. It was the first time that I had performed some of the illusions and I was glad that it was well appreciated.


Launching Quickheal Antivirus 2011

 On the 12th of December we left for Bhubaneshwar. Our private bus loaded with tons of illusions, light and sound and camera equipment left my residence in the evening. We reached Bhubaneshwar at around 8:00 am. After a quick freshening up and breakfast at the hotel we left for the venue, a couple of kilometers from the hotel. The venue was a very small conference hall.



abracada-BRA!!

 I had to scrap a couple of illusions from the show as the makeshift wings that we had to create were too small to accommodate them.



The finale to the sleight of hand routine..

 However the show turned out to be a grand one. I have never received so much of applause for my sleight of hand act. The illusions and the audience participation routines were really appreciated.

Manohar ji and i levitate furniture on stage..

 The following morning we left for Raipur. It was a bumpy ride. We stopped for fuel at a petrol pump and nature started calling.So I asked the attendant where the toilet was. He just kept staring at my face. I asked again and he responded “are you Amazing David sir? Can I have a photo with u please?” “of course” I responded “now please show me where the bloody loo is…..” Well after my little chat with mother nature I posed for pictures with the petrol pump attendants feeling a lot relieved. After meals at roadside dhabas and a tiring journey we reached the hotel at 3:00 am. I called my old friend Swapna, who now resides in Raipur and she came to the hotel to meet me. After a long and tight hug we sat and chatted about old times. Then Mom, Swapna and I went for breakfast followed by ice-cream.After checking out the venue we went to Swapna’s residence and had a most delicious lunch with Swapna and her family. I invited them and their friends for the performance. During the performance I called Swapna up on stage and produced a bottle of wine for her.

Swapna and I enjoy ice-creams together..



Magicking on stage with Swapna..

 The performance was grand and a press person commented that Raipur had never experienced such a unique show.
The following day the wheels started turning for Jabbalpur. We didn’t have a performance there but we sheduled to take a day’s break. As usual we arrived there in the wee hours of the morning.After a nap and a freshen up mom and myself went for a walk exploring the local handicraft stores. Had coffee at a café that over looked cliffs and the Narmada River. It was breath taking. Later we were joined by my chief assistant Jagat and my girls. On the streets of Jabbalpur I felt like a real celebrity with every second person recognizing me and asking for photographs or autographs. I was mobbed by a bunch of children and ended up performing magic on the steet for about 20 minutes.

Magic on the streets of Jabalpur

 After feasting our eyes on the waterfalls and mountains and feasting on lunch at the same café we boarded the bus for Jaipur. On the way to Jaipur I called up my friend and fellow illusionist Jadugar Anchal from Rajasthan and informed her that I would be in her state for a couple of days. She was overjoyed and invited me to see her show at her own tent. The venue was a two hour drive from Jaipur. We arrived in Jaipur at around 12:30 pm. I immediately hired a car and left for Sikhar. I arrived just in time to catch the 3:30 pm show. As soon as I got off the car I was greeted by Anchals team. After meeting her father I was taken backstage and was greeted by a smiling Jadugar Anchal. A few words and greetings from her family and team and I was given a front row seat to see the performance. It was Awesome!! I was stunned by many of the illusions and effects presented by this young lady illusionist. Just before her final illusion her father called me up on stage and I was presented with a bouquet by Anchal. I was really honored. Post her performance we sat and chatted backstage.


Jadugar Anchal and I post Anchal's performance


I posed for photos and signed autographs for her team and also showed them some close up magic. We hugged goodbye in time for Anchal’s next performance and I stayed back to see her opening illusion and then left to drive back to Jaipur. The following morning Mom,Jagat and I went sightseeing. We bought traditional rajasthani puppets and merchandise and returned to the hotel in time to leave for the performance. The auditorium was splendid and we had enough backstage space to store all the illusions.

A shrouded lady levitates....

We had a fantastic performance and the crowd went wild. It was the best performance of the entire tour. The usual photographs and autographs followed. 

Mom and I, Backsatge at Jaipur


A person came up and introduced himself as an astrologer an offered free consultancy any time. As soon as the bus was loaded, we left for Lucknow. Though the roads were better, we still had a tough ride. We arrived in Agra early in the morning and spent a couple of hours at the Taj-Mahal.We arrived at midnight in time to celebrate the event-managers 40th birthday. We had a horrible conference hall to perform in, in Lucknow. However we managed to get makeshift wings and greenrooms arranged. Even under these circumstances the show was a hit.



Geometrically Impossible..

 The audience participation routines were well appreciated and many came backstage to meet me.



Instant Magician and Beautiful Assistants..

 My team celebrated the victorious end to the BIZ-MAGIC tour by dancing and I had secretly taken snow spray with which I sprayed everyone including Manohar ji!! We had a pleasant ride back to Kolkata , most of us sleeping peacefully in the bus. We arrived home at 5:00 am on Christmas eve.

I would like to thank all at NCS specially Manohar ji, Minal ji, Subhajit sir and Sundeep sir for having the faith in me to pull of a specially crafted show for their company. Many thanks to Parag ji, the event-manager and to the entire team.Thanks to Mom, the pillar of support and thank you God for everything. Amen

Wishing you all a magical Christmas and a prosperous New Year ahead. God Bless!!





THE 'ESCAPE' FROM INFERNO..

The rehearsals went as smooth as smooth as silk. The stunt was perfect. Though the element of danger prevailed, I was confident I would get out of the fire unharmed. The 29th of October arrived sooner than expected and before I knew it, the Mc had announced me…


It was the annual Diwali bash at my old school. It was my seventh year performing there.

I took the stage to thunderous applause. Doves appeared in flashes of fire, giant fans out of nowhere, the birdcage and doves vanished, a table eerily floated in the air and light was manipulated with the greatest of ease. Then time came for – Inferno…

A committee from the audience inspected the handcuffs, chains, locks and sack that were to restrain me. They passed the test. I was handcuffed and chained and then taken to the centre of a circle of hay that had been made in the middle of the field. There I was placed in the sack and its mouth was tied. My assistants placed a cardboard carton over me….total darkness. As soon as I felt the carton around me, I began working on the handcuffs, in about thirty seconds I was out. My hands were free; in the meanwhile, my assistants were busy dousing the hay and the carton with fuel. I could hear the voices of the audience, the smell of the petrol reached my nostrils, the music blaring in the speakers. Over the din, my mother voice suddenly reached my ears, “that’s enough, done pour anymore” she shouted. Damn, I though, they’ve poured too much of fuel. I frantically began to undo the knots that held the sack shut. Straining my fingers through the canvas sack and getting the knots loose. As soon as I was out, I felt the heat around me, the fire had been lit. I shook off the remaining chains and got my ankles out of the tangle of metal. Then there was a sudden explosion around me, I had no idea what happened but the outer layer of the carton just burst. A wave of flames gushed in from under the carton. The inside was ablaze and I was standing in the fire. I felt the hair on my arms singe off, heat around my left arm… the escape was definitely not going the way it was planned. Calling out to God I grabbed the bottom rim of the carton through the flames and threw it over my head and made a dash forward. I felt something burning hit me on the face, I felt the skin starting to peel off the lower half of my face. I took a bow and tried to exit and the next thing I knew, mom had poured a bottle of water on my head… I didn’t realize but my hair was on fire. The applause was still on as I made my way to the green room, a few of the teachers realized that something was wrong and came to the green room, however to most of the crowd I had performed a heroic escape. A very favorite teacher of me started crying. My face was burning. Horrific blisters started erupting on my waist and left arm… but I was glad I was alive…Thank You God.

First aid was applied in the form of ice and Silverex ointment. The principal, his wife and m any of the teachers came to see me. I knew I would not be able to perform anytime soon and started calling clients and canceling my performances.

I got home and the family doc was called. He prescribed a ton of antibiotics. The next day, talks were on to hospitalize me, I was however against the idea. We called Dr.Sanmoy Ganguly, one of the cities best doctors who is also a magician of his own right. A prescription of six antibiotic injections per day followed. News spread in the magic community like wild fire and fellow magicians are still coming over to see me. Thank You. I am quickly recovering as the stage calls out to me. I like to thank St.James school, Mr.Ireland and Mr Chako, for their contribution towards my treatment. My friends Rajat da, Didi, Ruchira Rongit and Pisimoni, Deepmala, Sweepy, Sachin, Jenny, without whose constant love and support my recovery wouldn’t be so quick, specially Sweepy. Dr. P.Biswas and Dr.Ganguly for their medication.

Thank You Mom for love and care.

Thank You God for giving me the strength and bravery to come out of the inferno alive.

God bless you always……

Note: haven’t got photos of the escape yet, and post accident photos of me are too graphic to post here….

Performances Performances Performances

Oooooooo!! Wotta tym!!!

Well it been a very busy past couple of weeks Performances performances performances….

I started of with performing at the Centenary performances of Sika, a construction company, where I also doubled up as an offstage emcee as the one book by the client ditched them at the last moment. It was fun performing and most of the crowd knew me from my tv appearances.



That was followed by a performance at a private party at the same venue a couple of days later. It was a tough performance as most of the stage was taken by the band’s setup. But anyway, the performance was well received.



With my poster promoting the shows, and signing autographs..



Product launches were up next in the various schools. Titan relaunched their line of ‘Zoop’ watches for kids. We did 10 of the cities top schools. I was back to performing bright and colorful magic for kids… parasols, flowers, scarves etc….. We ended the performances with an illusion where I turned a doll and plastic watch into a girl wearing a Zoop watch. The rush for autographs was amazing….. well I almost got killed in most of the schools but anyway…

Over the last weekend I did a couple of corporate shows. The first was for ICICI Prudential Mutual Fund where I also doubled up as an emcee along with my friend,Pooja.

It was a really fun audience and the audience participation effects were really well received.

The very next day, at the same venue, I did a product launch for ELF. I launched their two new products, both engine oils, one for bikes and the for cars. Pooja appeared from an empty box with the products. Besides I also performed a 20 minute entertainment programme at the event. Post the event, client said “ David, all these days we just knew Sorcar, but now we’ve found someone who’s going to be greater…very very soon…(dunno if I should have typed dat!!)


Product Launch!!




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Product Launch !!

















Durga puja followed…I did just one show this year at Samadrita, a housing complex. This was my third year there. I debuted a few new effects there. My original version of a signed currency note which was burnt and then appeared in an apple was a hit.(the audience really went ku ku ku..) I also performed a mentalism routine involving the whole audience and an improved card manipulation act. My floating table had the audience gaping in awe…. Post the performance, a bunch of girls came backstage for photographs. So much so that one of the guys commented.. “David, we are after these girls all year round, but you just come for one evening and they are all under your spell”

Pandal hopping was a different experience this year, on ashtami and nabami I accompined my friend Deep Mala from the Times of India and about 300 underpriviledged children pandal hopping around the city in the morning. It was family time in the evenings with Mom, Rajat da, Didi,Ruchira and Rongit. We visited the cities famous pandals…. And I had to pose for photos with fans at every corner… Amazing!!!

Well a lil free now….Looking forward to more work… See you soon..

May there be sunshine always…….

Another poem.... oh no!!!!

Some people know i love writing poems for them.....
Well this is dedicated to 'some people'...
I did write it though...

THE CONJURING HUSBAND

The nicest husband in the land,

Is one who lives by sleight of hand

At morn for instance – one two three

Coffee and cream are flowing free

And with a few more magic thumps

He fills the sugar bowl with lumps

While sausage, rolls and all of that

He takes of course, from his old hat

Though there may be of wood a dearth

He builds a fire upon the hearth

And turns a pair of worn out shoes

To meet as good as one could choose

All else that a feast would please

He takes from a nightcap with ease

And without trouble or ado

Himself can roast or boil or stew

At noon and evening tis the same

She cares for naught that lucky dame

What e’er is needed for her use

His magic wand will quick produce

Fresh toilets in the newest style

Are ready in a little while

Wraps, gold and jewel; in short, all

That she may long for, grate or small

Scarcely has she the wish complete.

Before he lays it at her feet

And yet- you’ll wonder it should be-

The two will sometimes disagree

And whatsoe’er he may provide

She will remain unsatisfied

In such case, as in others too

His sleight of hand will help him through

If unendurable grows she

A cloth thrown o’er her- one two three-

And silently she disappears

The household war no more one hears.

Just thought i'd share something

Hello again,


A couple of years ago, my favorite magic shop had a sale of old books. There were a quite a few good books and even though they came at throw away prices I could only afford a couple at that time. One of the books I bought was ‘The Magicians Handbook’ by Herrmann the Great. It was still well bound, but the pages had turned brittle and yellow, however for 25 rupees, it seemed a fair bargain. Like all the books in my modest library, I never read the book cover to cover but in bits and pieces here and there.

I came across the book today, it contained a poem which was published in the New York Journal as a tribute to the author on his death. I thought is was great and want to share it wth you…. Here it is….

THE MAGICIAN’S ART

Saint Peter sat at the gates of gold

And the winter’s night had gone

He was thin and old, and the earth lay cold

And black with December dawn.

But presently over the hills of snow

A heaven bound spirit came,

It paused by the saint, and bending low

It whispered a mystic name

Saint Peter started “what, Herrmann the Great?

Then why do you pause?” said he.

“Your magic might open the finest gate

With never a word from me.”

“Not so,Saint Peter,” the shade replied,

“My magic was but of earth;

It was well enough on the other side

But here its lost its worth”

But the good saint answered, with earnest air

“I pray you will have no fear,

For you practiced another magic there

That counts as well up here.”

“You offered hope to the weary heart

In Charity’s sacred name;

You brightened the world with a blessed art

That counts up here the same”

Saint Peter mused by the gates alone,

And his face looked old and thin

As he thought of the dearth of the art on earth

That had let the magician in.

Hoping that touched you, like it touched me...

God bless.

See you soon…