Gemini Circus started in Coimbatore

Fire dance by African artists at Gemini Circus Photo Credit: Periyasamy M

An autocratic artist runs on a wheel that rotates under a spotlight – literally as fast as he can run – at a speed of 20 miles per hour. He soon mastered acrobatics on the wheel and then began performing blindfolded. The audience is mesmerized. “This is the newly introduced Mexican wheel act that you enjoy only in Gemini and Jumbo Circus,” says Ajay Shankar, managing partner of Gemini Circus. His father, the late MV Shankaran, also known as Gemini Shankaran, Hai, was the pioneer of modern Indian circus. “It’s death-defying acrobatics that’s all about balance. Three years ago, our artists were trained by a Mexican troupe. We had something similar before called the Ring of Death. But it is too fast and protective harnesses and wires would be impractical,” he explains.

His father is the late MV Shankaran also known as Gemini Shankaran, who was a pioneer of modern Indian circus. “It’s a death-defying acrobatics that’s all about balance. Three years ago, our artists were trained by a Mexican troupe. We had something similar before called the Ring of Death. But it is too fast and protective harnesses and wires would be impractical,” he explains.

A women’s team performing acrobatics while riding a bicycle. Photo Credit: Periyasamy M

Pahaiya is one of the most thrilling new acts in the ongoing Gemini Circus that has returned to the city post the pandemic. Guddi The acting is interesting – a man covered in a cloak appears as a male doll admiring a female. A group of life-size animal statues welcome people at the entrance, which acts as a selfie point to make up for the absence of wildlife. “We have to keep innovating to draw crowds. The display of hippo, lion, giraffe, zebra and other robotic animals delight children,” says Ajay, adding that the circus will continue.

“It is not like an exhibition, an annual event or a live music show lasting a few hours. We live 365 days a year, which is a unique achievement. Circus is an art form that requires the patronage of the government and the general public to survive. We get concessions while traveling in railways. We also get a special circus special train to go to Delhi for the show. Concessions like free water and free electricity during performances will also be very helpful,” he said, adding that recognition for the artistes in the form of the Best Actor award will motivate him.

Good balance of body and mind while performing stunts with white cloth hanging from the ceiling. Photo Credit: Periyasamy M

The Indian circus industry, which once had hundreds of troupes, is now down to only a handful. The first blow came when tigers, leopards, bears and monkeys were banned. After this, child artistes were banned. “Training from a young age is important to develop skills. One can do acrobatics only if he is given rigorous training at an early age,” explains Ajay.

Jokers keep the excitement going with their mischiefs. Photo Credit: Periyasamy M

The big tent near the Venkatalakshmi Kalyanamandapam grounds is lit with decorative lights. Inside, a group of able-bodied men and women fly like birds in the air, and move their bodies gracefully. They show a good balance of mind and body while performing stunts with a white cloth hanging from the ceiling. Soon, African performers take center stage, performing impossible stunts on poles and are welcomed with loud cheers. The stage becomes a splash of colors as the women are seen spinning, twirling, jumping and dancing while riding their bicycles. Jokers keep the excitement going with their mischiefs. The Coimbatore troupe is a 160-member team that includes artistes from Assam, Siliguri, Nepal, Jammu, UP and Karnataka. Some of the jaw-dropping feats include juggling, weight lifting, and acrobatic performances on rolling boards, hula hoops, and fire dancing by African artists. World of Death, where motorcyclists roar upside down inside a steel-mesh ball, is another adventure.

African acrobatics team Photo Credit: Periyasamy M

For a circus artiste, Ajay says life is never mundane. There is always something to learn, something to celebrate and every day ends with the applause and cheers of the crowd. “It’s any artist’s dream. We live like a family.”

Recalling the legacy of Gemini Circus, started by MV Shankaran and K Sahadevan in 1951, Ajay says it served as the backdrop for Raj Kapoor’s films. My name is Joker (1970) and Kamal Haasan’s Apoorva Sagodharargal (1989). “We have to remain relevant by introducing new performances, new costumes and clown acts. Continuous training is the key. Apart from government support for artistes, the general public should come out in droves and cheer us,” says Ajay, “This way, our art will survive.”

Gemini Circus will continue till February 25 at Kolatheri Venkatalakshmi Kalyanamandapam grounds in Coimbatore. There are three shows a day at 1 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm. Tickets on BookMyShow. Also available at the venue. For tickets call 8921261017