Tax exemption sought on magic show

(ASHOK KAURA)

Our Correspondent

Phagwara, August 16

Rajasthan-based magician Naval Singh Rana, popularly known as Jadugar Ajooba, today hit out at people describing magic as occult and superstitious and said it was a pure form of art which could be mastered with intense practice and focused concentration.

Seeking the incorporation of the art of magic in the Lalit Kalas, he said it developed in ancient India. Talking to this correspondent at Shri Nath Palace in Phagwara on Saturday, Rana said the star magician of the USA, David Copperfield, had learned the art from India and had been duly recognized in the US, which had promoted his talent for entertainment purposes.

He said magic was based on tricks. A high level of concentration, was, however, required. He revealed that hypnotism was also used in magic. Concentration and hypnotism could be mastered with the help of yoga and meditation, he said, and added that he gave his first show in 1997.

The master magician said the art was passing through a rough patch owing to the onslaught of satellite channels and his aim was to remove the misconceptions related to the art of magic.

Magician Ajooba urged the government to exempt magic shows from tax to encourage the art.