Magic missionaries

Among the select Indians conferred The Life Time Achievement Awards in the field of magic on September 6, 2004 were three Zoroast­rians: Rutton Bharucha, Dara Madan (Milan the Magician) and Tehmul Mistry (alias Prof Hairat).

The oldest member of the Society of Indian Magicians (SIM) which he joined in 1942 at the age of 22, Bharucha has been entertaining audiences at birthday parties, club shows, hotels and other social functions. In honor of its past president the Socie­ty has instituted the Rutton Bharucha Rolling Trophy for magic competitions among its members, mentions the brochure introducing each of the awardees. After buying a few tricks from street magicians, Bharucha learnt magic from stalwarts like Minoo the Mystic and Eddie Joseph. He was reportedly the first magician in India to introduce and perform the art of card fanning in his shows. He has an unparalleled collection of playing cards in this country. Having joined the India Steamship Navigation Company as a marine engineering apprentice, a major fire in the Bombay Docks in 1944 had aborted Bharucha’s plans to make a career in the sea. He left the company to work for the next 33 years with ITC Limit­ed.

From left: Bharucha, Madan and Mistry

A self taught magician Madan assumed the name of Milan the Magician. Over the years he developed illusions like asra levitation, a lady appearing from a ribbon cage, time and space, Houdini Escape, sword levitation and dagger in the chest. Former honorary secretary of SIM, he was a founder member of the Magic Circle in Bombay. Often invited to grace magic conventions and judge magic competitions, Madan’s expression "Sim sala bin foo foo” had become a popular magical mantra in those days. A stage actor for over 20 years, Madan had contributed to popularizing magic as a great form of entertainment. After 43 years of working with Godrej he retired as personnel manager in 1987.

Mistry’s professional career started in Hotel Ritz and later his popularity spread to other hotels. Among his favorite magical effects were X-ray eyes, sword levitation, zig zag lady, Miser’s dream — with balls multiplying... One of his prized possessions is a thank you letter written by Mother Teresa. His interest in magic has grown ever since he saw a magician perform the vanishing milk pitcher in 1966. For 39 years Mistry was with the Union Bank of India before he retired in 1996.