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Indian circuses drawing crowds

Television and computer games may have replaced the traditional forms of entertainment, but all may not be lost, for circuses in India are drawing crowds.

New Delhi, Mar 11: Television and computer games may have replaced the traditional forms of entertainment, but all may not be
lost, for circuses in India are drawing crowds. After the debate on animal rights issues and restrictions on the use of animals, circuses suffered a setback. Some, however stayed afloat by replacing animal stunts with other acrobatic performances.

Many hope circuses will make a comeback because of the wholesome family entertainment they provide. It gives families a chance to spend some quality time together over the weekends.

"Earlier, we used to have a big open veranda in our homes for outdoor games. But today, people are living in flats and they need a place to go for an outing. They are not coming to the circus because the quality of one is better than the other... but actually, they want an outing, where they can go with their children. So, it's a clean family entertainment," said K M Dilipnath, owner of The Great Bombay Circus. Among the circus groups that have rejuvenated themselves, is a 13-member Russian Circus from Uzbekistan.

This troupe has done away with most animal performances and tailored its performances to please Indian audiences.

The difficult life notwithstanding, the circus artistes continue to come up with new ways to entertain their audience. They say the joy on the faces of the spectators is worth all the hardships they suffer.

"Circus is not a job but it's a life to me....very difficult, but very beautiful life," said Alexi, circus artiste from Uzbekistan.

"I like India and Indian people because they like the circus and they like us to perform here in India. That's what pulls me a second time here from Uzbekistan," said Almira, another artiste from Uzbekistan. Juggling and gymnastics, the tightrope and the plate, floor routines and other equilibristics - there's a tingling thrill in looking at it all live, before your eyes as it were, instead of a recording on a screen.

This is why, the Russian Troupe succeeds in making a lasting impression every time.

The circus as we know it today, has evolved, moulded by audience demand and silver screen depictions.

With the popularity of a few travelling circuses, that are still able to enthrall the Indian audience as they did before the onset of electronic media in the 1960s and 70s, a new ray of hope emerges for the Indian performers too.

Bureau Report