He dreams of building a magic plaza in Mumbai

Mumbai-based Chandresh Panchmatia virtually breathes and eats magic. The 55-year-old veteran owns a magic shop near the Shalimar Cinema at Grant Road – and legendary magicians like P C Sorcar Jr and the late K Lal had visited his shop and exchanged notes and ideas and even purchased some tricks and paraphernalia from him.

“Magic is a bit of science, bit of arts, bit of psychology, bit of illusion, sometimes captivating, mesmerising and hypnotising people,” he said. His ultimate dream is to set up a magic plaza in Mumbai. His motto is – “chamatkar” to “namaskar” –  and he translates it simply – magic to hearts.

Chandresh Bhai, as he is popularly known, says that he masters his magic. “I keep on thinking, experimenting, try repeatedly, innovate and come out with ideas and even make new magic items,” he said as he shuffles cards on the counter of his shop. While the ground floor of his small shop serves as a display area and sales counter, the first floor has a small godown.  He stays in Chira Bazaar and has a godown there. Today, he is among the five to six persons in Mumbai who deal in magic paraphernalia.

“Magic has always entertained people--from five year to 90. But things have changed. Today there are TV shows, you have things like YouTube among others, where several tricks aren shown and revealed. Once you know the trick the thrill is gone,” he said. “A lot of tricks get circulated in Whatsapp and other applications,” he said.

However, he said that avenues have opened as well. “I have performed shows everywhere. In fact, I had performed shows at a meeting which was organised to mourn an elderly man. One of his wishes was to see magic and his family organised it. I also was called by a family to perform at the birthday of Dolly. When I went there and wanted to meet Dolly, I was told that it was actually a doll, which the girl had got it two years ago and the doll’s birthday was being celebrated,” he said.

Chandresh, the founder-owner of Fun Magic, who is a member of Society of Indian Magicians, performs at magic shows, birthday parties, themed events and parties, juggling shows and puppet shows. His son is a DJ and organises events.  “Every month the members meet where ideas are exchanged,” he said. They are keeping the art and movement of magic alive.

“I have items in my shop which may cost Rs 10 to several thousands,” he said. Children do come to shop. “As he sells the items, he also teaches them…he also sells some of his innovations….this is because I keep on thinking always…and never waste anything….even if it is a soda water bottle,” he smiles. “Even ideas also pay me…from smaller ideas it is Rs 150 per idea,” he said.

He said that his family used to own a clothes shop in Grant Road area. “In early 90s, there used to be a big flow of people in the Pila House area…there were eateries, bars, restaurants, hotels, lodges and red-light areas….I was interested in magic. One day an Arab sheikh wanted some “karamati” items…I showed some magic…he was impressed, it was a rope trick, he wanted to learn it…I charged Rs 800….it all started then,” he said. In 1993, when P C Sorcar Jr and K Lal, came to know about the magic shows, they came to my shop. “They were impressed,” he said, and showed  photographs with them. “Over the years, I have collected books of magic to the tune of Rs 1.5 lakh,” he said.

“Besides, I have performed before almost all the big Bollywood celebrities – Dilip Kumar is fond of magic…the late Ashok Kumar also. Dadamoni (Rajesh Khanna) also knew several magic tricks and could converse on the subject in detail,” he said. In 1994, he went to Mauritius – and became popular. “One of the interesting magic shows I performed before the late Shiv Sena supremo Balasaheb Thackeray,” reveals the magician. He has also appeared in one of the series of CID, the popular television serial.

Today, his assistant, Pintu Yadav, has earned a name and mastered a trick of opening several umbrellas in a single show. “He is also earning name and fame,” he said, and suddenly points out that magic is something through which you can attract people.

“I never bothered whether I get reservation or not….I purchase tickets and get into train…and once you show a couple of tricks to the fellow passengers, they offer their seat,” said Chandresh, whose family is from Dwarka in Gujarat.

However, the magician-cum-magic paraphernalia seller, expresses concern over the incidents of godmen cheating people in the name of magic. “There are several big godmen, who do simple magic tricks and attract people,” he said. He showed some tricks like offering flowers, coins, notes, holy water and vibhuti in the hands of devotees.  

“They cheat people through simple science,” he said. “A few years ago, at one point in time, I was threatened by these babas, who cheat people with simple magic. I received threat calls,” he said. He added that magic is to entertain, inspire and inform people.

“One has to understand that it is not something supernatural…it is simple science put across in the form of art, which is difficult to master. In India, people have been practising magic since ages and we have given some of the best magicians to the world,” he said.

“What is more important here is to read a lot, keep updated, innovate and come out with new ideas…people like variety…people would not like to see the same thing again and again,” the veteran said.  “Besides, I am a mentalist and I do a lot of things in this…..I have also innovated here,” he said. He showed some of the card games that he performs as a mentalist. “Some of the magic that I do are blindfolded,” he said.
He could become a leader because of people’s support and love.