How is the ‘Magical World of Shankar’ distinct? Shankar’s World of Magic is a family of magicians. Prof Shankar, his wife Lakshmi Shankar, son Shankar Junior and daughter Yashaswini are all active performers in the magical endeavours.

Prof Shankar, a ‘self taught magician’ hailing from Udupi has the credit of being the first person to start magic in his district. He now performs grand illusion shows with a troupe of 20 members all over India and abroad. He has already staged over 5,500 shows across India, the Middle East, USA, U K, Germany and Switzerland.

Prof Shankar joined the Syndicate Bank and worked (1974-2001) as an Industrial Magician, a designation that is considered as the first in the world and Syndicate Bank is the first bank in India to employ a magician to publicise its schemes through magic.

A recipient of The National Award- Ugadi Puraskar 2000 from Madras Telugu Academy, Prof Shankar observes that his shows are designed according to audience composition. On account of Krishna Janmashtami only one show was held on Tuesday, informed S V Srinivasan, Assistant General Manager –Circulation.

DHiE covers 33,000 students from city schools, under its programme. This show is conducted for the first 1/3rd of the DHiE students. However, the remaining 22,000 students will be treated to environmental programme, children’s theatre, etc, he added.