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Jewel Aich: Illusionist extraordinaire

Cultural Correspondent
Anywhere in our country, if you are talking about 'magic,' die name Jewel Aich is bound to come up. Aich has set an example in showmanship and performing illusions. At a time when no one would consider taking the art of performing magic as a profession, Aich not only proved it possible, but, throughout his illustrious career, achieved international acclaim.
Aich has performed in many countries and recently enthralled audiences in Nepal with his breathtaking illusions. The show was held on March 26 at Hotel Radisson in Kathmandu to mark the 38th Independence Day of Bangladesh.
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Nepal, Uperndra Yadav and the Bangladeshi ambassador in Nepal, Imtiaz Ahmed Chowdhury jointly inaugurated the event by cutting a cake that resembled the map of Bangladesh.
Nothing seemed impossible at the show where the accomplished illusionist wowed the audience with almost twenty magic tricks. Pieces of blank paper turned into dollars, making a woman float In the air with the help of a flute, saving a man's life even when he has his head in a guillotine and several other illusions captivated the audience at the show. Even the simple card tricks performed by Aich turned extraordinary with the seasoned magician's superb oratory and persuading skills.
During a recent conversation with The Daily Star, the illusionist said,
"I've often faced the question what made me interested in this particular an form. I think it is a bit difficult to explain why you nurse a passion for anything. For me, I was drawn to magic at an early age, watching the local circus
groups and street magicians perform. I tried to execute those tricks myself. Particularly, I remember reading those fantasies by poet Bande Ali Miah; I wanted to be like the magicians in those stories who travelled all over t he world.”
From the very beginning, Aich wanted to take his performing skills at an international level. He was a freedom fighter, and right after the country earned its independence, Aich wanted to do something to brighten the country's reputation in the world. He chose magic, which, according to him, has its origin deeply rooted in our culture and heritage.
A leading figure in our cultural arena whose earnest efforts took magic from the streets all the way to the homes of the affluent and to grand public stages, Aich has performed in every district of Bangladesh. He always tries to
come up with something new for the audience -- a reason behind his unchallenged success. But he finds very few new artistes interested in taking up magic as a profession these days.
“Of course there are many talented illusionists in this country, but, as it requires talent and devotion, the number is less than it should be. This generation seems more interested in living in a world of fantasy rather than create fantasies for others. A negative impact of the rapid growth of electronic media and Internet is that it takes away the power of imagination. Everyone wants to concentrate only on what is being presented before them. But there have always been some people who take the lead and initiate a movement,” says Jewel Aich.
No doubt, Aich belongs to this group of people.