The innovation and hard work of the circus artistes seem to be paying off though, going by what the people had to say. “Circus scores over TV and cinema as it is live entertainment. Also there is no vulgarity here,” says Lakshmi Ramamurthy. For Narayanappa, circus is a change from the usual TV serials and films and for Anubindu, who watches circus every year, it is the closest she can get to animals.

Shivaprasad, however, does not like the use of animals in circus. He says, he enjoys circus as it involves some daring acrobatics. But ringmaster Shivaramaraju says that the animals are treated well and provided with adequate medical care and food. “I have trained elephants, panthers, tigers and dogs among other animals. We understand their needs and take good care of them. In fact, I spend my free time pampering the animals,’’ he asserts.

Circus companies are striving hard to maintain the artistes and animals, and provide quality entertainment. The government can support us in popularising the circus by allocating a centrally located ground in every district and by exempting circus companies from tax, appeals Premnath before going on to invite another set of audience to the world of  acrobats, trained animals, trapeze artistes, clowns, jugglers, tight rope walkers and cyclists.