"Gili Gili" wizard Prof. Shankar: 'Shankarabhivandane' today in Udupi

Udupi: The coastal region of Karnataka holds fond memories of the international magic convention “Gili Gili Magic,” which was hosted three times in Udupi and left an indelible mark on its history. Prof. Shankar was the driving force behind this monumental event.

Despite holding just a degree, Prof. Shankar’s dedication to the art of magic elevated him to the status of a professor long before international conventions took root. Today, December 14, Prof. Shankar will be felicitated in a public ceremony at the Yakshagana Kalaranga IVC Hall in Udupi. Through glimpses into the past, the event will bring alive the grandeur of yesteryears.

Milestones in Magic

In 1994, the first convention in Udupi saw participation from 360 magicians worldwide. By 1997, the “Gili Gili Magic” convention attracted 600 magicians from 12 countries. Among the notable mentions is the legendary Indian Rope Trick, famously performed by Prof. Shankar.

During his travels abroad, foreign artists dismissed the Indian Rope Trick as folklore or fiction. This prompted Shankar to take up the challenge. At Malpe Beach, he demonstrated this traditional illusion: a coiled rope unravels and ascends straight up, reaching a height of 15–20 feet. A boy climbs the rope like scaling a tree, reaches the top, and descends the same way. Witnessing this, the audience was spellbound. The feat was recorded by a researcher from the University of Edinburgh, validating that the Rope Trick was not a myth but an achievable performance.

The 2001 “Gili Gili” convention broke records, drawing over 700 magicians. One of the highlights was Canadian magician Dean Gunnarson’s Straightjacket Escape, performed at Ajjarkadu Ground before 50,000 spectators. Suspended 200 feet in the air with a flaming rope tied to him, Gunnarson escaped his restraints and leapt to safety, leaving the audience in awe.

In 2015, Gunnarson returned to Udupi to perform another daring feat: being buried alive for 24 hours at the Christian High School ground, under constant surveillance by CCTV cameras.

Prof. Shankar’s Legacy

Hailing from Gerukatte in Belthangady taluk, Prof. Shankar’s magical journey began with a connection to Syndicate Bank. Impressed by Shankar’s talent during a pharmaceutical company’s promotion in Japan, Syndicate Bank chairman K.K. Pai recruited him to the bank. Earlier, Pai had even sanctioned a loan to Shankar, encouraging him to become a full-time professional magician.

Prof. Shankar has performed in over 15,000 shows across India and abroad, a testament to his dedication to the art. Magic, he emphasizes, requires a robust team, and his family—including his children, wife, and a large circle of friends—forms the backbone of his craft.

Even post-retirement, Prof. Shankar continues to guide his team, spreading joy and a sense of calm through his magical performances. He uses his art to help individuals combat stress and mental anguish, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.

Translated from a Kannada article by Matapadi Kumaraswamy