Inheritance of magic

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They say a good magician is a perfect blend of an artist, a scientist and a physiologist, and when we met the famous illusionist and magician P.C. Sorcar Jr., we couldn’t agree more.

The world-renowned artist along with his daughter Maneka is currently visiting the capital to celebrate the 100 years of ‘Indrajaal,’ a theatrical show of magical arts that was started by his father P.C. Sorcar Sr.
The acclaimed illusionist, who performed a fascinating set of tricks at the FICCI auditorium and charmed the audience with his wit, mentioned that “magic can never be taught, it has to be learned.”
While speaking about this atypical art form, he says, “The magical and illusional techniques are passed on in my family down the generations. When my grandfather Bhagwan Chandra Sorcar taught my father, he wanted him to use this art to enlighten the society. In those days superstitions were rampant and it was hard to make people understand that magical tricks are nothing but scientific and illusionary art, hence he devised a theatrical look for the tricks and called it Indrajaal. My father was born in the year my grandfather performed Indrajaal for the first time.”
“This tour is dedicated to the centenary birth anniversary of my father, who continued the legacy of my grandfather and promoted magic as an exemplary art form,” he adds.
An illusionist by profession, Sorcar Jr, who has a doctorate and written 21 books on magic, believes in promoting magic as a scientific art and use it for women’s empowerment in all walks of life. He says, “We also plan to start a magic University in Agartala, where students can learn this subject and get a degree.”
In the current times, when crime against women is widespread, Sorcar feels that women in the country should wake up and use their inner strength to overcome their fears.
“My daughter Maneka is the ninth generation of magician in my family, and I want her to carry forward our legacy. My wife Jayashree also performs with me at the tours; women in our family never hesitated to enter the male-dominated world of magic. Women are very powerful, and they can do anything they want. If they use their strength and will power, no man can ever stop them,” concludes Sorcar.