Artists performing tricks at Bingo Circus in Vepagunta, Visakhapatnam. | Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
The Bingo Circus has been running in Visakhapatnam for the past few weeks, with its traditional tented grounds and living quarters spread across the Vepagunta grounds on Pendurthi Road. On the road for nearly two decades, the circus, which follows the old touring format, operates as a self-contained entity. The cast and crew stay in temporary tented accommodation at the venue during the entire day of the performance.
An artiste performing tricks at Bingo Circus in Vepagunta, Visakhapatnam. | Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
Bingo Circus, started 17 years ago by fourth-generation circus owner Sunil Chauhan, operates as a single unit. A total of 104 crew members travel with the show and live in tented accommodation set up within the grounds of the venue. From the artists and technicians to the support staff, the circus remains completely mobile and recreates its ecosystem at every stop of its tour.
An artiste performing tricks at Bingo Circus in Vepagunta, Visakhapatnam. | Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
In Visakhapatnam, each show consists of about 28 acts, with some variations in show timings. The program includes a mix of familiar circus themes such as trapeze routines, globe riding, scarf hanging and other high-risk aerial and balance-based acts that rely on training and experience rather than digital effects.
Artists performing tricks at Bingo Circus in Vepagunta, Visakhapatnam. | Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
Bingo Circus is currently in the Andhra Pradesh leg and is scheduled to shift to Vizianagaram next month. Chauhan admits that the space for circus has reduced in the last few years. “Circus is no longer what it used to be,” he says. “But it is our ancestral profession. More than 100 families depend on us for their livelihood.”
Artists performing tricks at Bingo Circus in Vepagunta, Visakhapatnam. | Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
The challenges have become even more acute in recent years, especially after the pandemic. According to Chauhan, there has been a huge decline in new artists joining this profession. Those who enter often leave within short periods, unable or unwilling to adjust to the demands of constant travel, physical rigors, and limited rest. He adds that many senior artistes continue because they do not want their children to face the same difficulties.
Trapeze artists performing at Bingo Circus in Vepagunta, Visakhapatnam. | Photo Courtesy: KR Deepak
Chauhan believes that live formats like circus still have a role to play, especially for younger audiences. He says such exposure provides a view of a life shaped by discipline and perseverance, values he believes are increasingly absent in screen-driven childhoods. To remain relevant, Bingo Circus has introduced changes to its acts while maintaining its original structure.
In Visakhapatnam, the circus is organizing three shows daily at 1 pm, 4 pm and 7 pm. Tickets for the show are available at the venue and BookMyShow.
published – January 23, 2026 10:45 am IST