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Magic master franz harary rocks the city
He made the Taj Mahal disappear in India, and the Kennedy Space Center in the US. But when asked about his biggest illusion, American magician and inventor Franz Harary, 50, says...
He made the Taj Mahal disappear in India, and the Kennedy Space Center in the US. But when asked about his biggest illusion, American magician and inventor Franz Harary, 50, says, “understanding my wife, and I am still working on it!” The renowned illusionist, who was in India to inaugurate a huge manmade lake in Noida’s Great India Place mall over the weekend, is no stranger to the country.
“I have been visiting India since 1998, and find it the most magical place. What strikes me the most is how content and happy people are, here, compared to the West. That is why I love performing here. I have produced more magic here than anywhere else.”
Talking about Indian magic trickery, Harary says, “Indian magic is street magic. Different regions have developed their own style. However, it is not global yet. It is not competitive. People here are simply aping the West. The USP of Indian magic should be its inherent Indianness. Indian magicians should not lose the Nehru jacket and the wedding dress because that is India.”
Harary started his journey not as a performer but as an inventor and stage designer. And, the person who inspired him to have his own show was the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. Apart from MJ, Harary has worked with celebrities such as Usher, Snoop Dogg and Missy Elliott. Back in India, Harary has worked with the likes of Shah Rukh Khan. “I first worked with Shah Rukh at the Zee Cine Awards in 1999. I made him disappear in the act. Later, I worked with him for another opening show. He is a buddy.”
