Magicians’ ‘Oscar’ goes to Muthukad

Renowned Indian magician Gopinath Muthukad has won this year’s International Merlin Award, billed as the magicians’ ‘Oscar’. The award, given every three years by the US-based International Magicians Society (IMS), the largest body of professional magicians with over 37,000 members, is coming to India for the second time - the previous winner was P C Sorcar. The Kerala magician will receive the award from the president of IMS Tony Hassini in New Delhi on June 23.The award is given to those magicians who have achieved the highest level in their craft, both on national and international stage. It comprises a statuette designed in 1968 by Carol Michaud.Magician Muthukad is being elevated to the ranks of celebrated names in magic including David Copperfield, Franz Harary, Criss Angel, Harry Blackstone, Doug Henning, Channing Pollack, Siegfried & Roy, Penn & Teller, Lu Chen, Luis de Matos and P C Sorkar Jr.The illusionist and stunt performer from Nilambur village in Malappuram district of Kerala, was selected for his contributions to the development and popularisation of magical art and science over the last 35 years. “No one knows more than your peers the hard work and dedication you have given to magic. To be honoured by your peers is the greatest compliment you can receive. We honour you and your achievement in magic,’’ said the commendation letter by Tony Hassini.Muthukad’s achievements include setting up of Asia’s first Magic Academy in Kerala in 1996; organising a series of international magic conventions titled “Vismayam” in 1996, 2000, 2006 and 2008; innovation in magical demonstrations; re-enactments of several Houdini stunts and magical sensitisation campaigns across the country to foster social values and Gandhian philosophy.Talent, showmanship, originality, skills and the rare ability to entertain under any conditions are among the major criteria considered for deciding the award, the award committee said.“I am so elated to be honoured by the magic fraternity. It is an honour to the magic art and its strong traditions of our country. This will definitely add to the popularity of the art and lure more young talents to take it up and spread sublime messages for the masses,’’ said Muthukad, who has employed the art of magic to fight against tobacco, alcohol and global terrorism.His resume says he graduated in mathematics from NSS College, Manjeri, followed by another degree in law. A disciple of several magic gurus, Muthukad believes that the process of acquiring knowledge from the vast ocean of magic is an endless one. His motto is ‘Magic with a Mission.’His performances for the cause of social uplift have earned huge admiration from national leaders of India, including former A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.He is also a recipient of several national and international honours including the first Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award for Magic from Kerala Government, International Magic Star Award from Monte Carlo, France, and Humanity Service Award from Anti-Smoking Society, Doha, Qatar.