Behind the spotlight: Life behind the acts at Bombay Circus

From dedication to sacrifice, the artistes of Bombay Circus share their stories of life under the big top, where every act is a testament to their resilience

When I was 10 years old, my father took my sister and me to Bombay Circus. The vibrant circus tents, the sounds of excitement, and the spectacle of it all left us wide-eyed with awe. I remember the thrill of watching acrobats and animals perform, and the sense of wonder that seemed to fill the air. It was a day to remember, one that I’d carry with me into adulthood.

Fast forward to 2024, and I’m once again at Bombay Circus, this time at the Chintal HMT Ground. The atmosphere is similar—families gather with excited children, and the familiar smells of popcorn and cotton candy fill the air. The nostalgia hits me as I take my seat.

As the lights dim, the curtains rise. Eight performers step into the ring, all dressed in gleaming white costumes. They begin their aerial act, swinging through the air in perfect synchronisation. Their movements are seamless, and the audience holds its breath in awe. The atmosphere buzzes as they swing into the air with precision and grace. Each performer works in perfect harmony, tossing and catching one another mid-air.

Following the aerial act, African acrobats take the stage, showcasing bamboo balancing, the bone-bending boneless act, and other mesmerising feats. Their strength and agility are awe-inspiring, yet, despite the incredible skill on display, only a few in the audience clapped with enthusiasm, and the rest seemed less engaged. It made me realise how much things had changed—the same charm that once captivated the audience now seemed harder to find. It was as if the magic I remembered had slowly faded, and the circus no longer had the same impact on the crowd.

Back stage life
The next morning, I decided to go behind the scenes and talk to a few of the acrobats. I first spoke with Jayaprakashan, the manager of Bombay Circus, who hails from Kerala. He shared his thoughts on the changes the circus has seen over the years.

“Back in the day, people used to line up for hours, sometimes from early morning, just to get tickets for the first show,” Prakash said. “The circus was a major event. But now, times have changed. People have entertainment at their fingertips, and it’s much easier to watch something online than to come out for the circus.”
His words reflected the shift in entertainment preferences, a reality many traditional forms of entertainment now face.

I then met Tulsidas Chowdary, a veteran of the circus from Bihar. He shared his journey with the circus, how he was first introduced to it as a young boy. “I saw the circus being set up nearby, and I was drawn in. They asked me to join, and even though I was scared, I did,” Tulsidas said. “I made my debut in 1959, and even after two surgeries, I couldn’t stop coming back.”

Tulsidas has worked in films like Krish, Mera Naam Joker, 7th Sense (Tamil), and many others. “I’ve given my entire life to the circus—65 years of my life,” he said.

He also shared the rich history of the circus, revealing that it began in 1920 in Hyderabad, Pakistan. “It’s been 104 years now,” he added, his voice filled with pride. “The circus has been a part of our lives for generations, and I’ve seen it change a lot.”

With a smile, he added, “Circus bahut pyara lagta hai, circus ne bahut kuch diya hai mujhe, mujhe circus mein kaam karna bahut acha lagta hai, logo ko hasana sab bahut acha lagta hai, circus mera parivar hai.” (“Circus feels very dear to me, it has given me so much. I love working in the circus, making people laugh—it feels wonderful, the circus is my family.”)

As we spoke, Tulsidas reflected on how the energy of the audience has changed. “People used to come with excitement, with wonder in their eyes. Now, it’s different. The circus is facing an existential crisis. It’s not the same anymore.”

He paused before adding, “The government should give priority to the circus, just like other industries. It’s losing its charm, and it should never be shut down. Circus should always be recognised as part of the entertainment world. Circus kabhi dooba nahi chahiye.” (“The circus should never sink.”)

After my conversation with Tulsidas, I met a couple of other performers. Vijay Singh and Vinitha Singh, who share 15 and 10 years of experience in the circus respectively, greeted me warmly. Vijay’s father was a master in the circus, which sparked his own interest in this world. He’s known for his impressive juggling acts, single-wheel highway performances, and his unique saree double aerial dance with his wife, Vinitha. Watching their performance that evening was pure magic—their coordination and skill were mesmerising.

Next, I spoke to Pappu Thakur, Sabina, and Nanditha, each hailing from different regions. Pappu, a clown from Bihar, adds humour and joy to the aerial swing act. Sabina, a seasoned performer from Nepal, has been in the circus since childhood. She does ring dance, fire dance, and gun shooting. I had the chance to watch her perform, and when she set a fire on stage, the audience was left in awe—it was truly an electrifying moment. Nanditha, who hails from Assam, performs in dog shows, the statue act, and gun shooting. Her versatility on stage is remarkable, and she brings a unique charm to every act she does.

Each of them shared their stories with me—stories of passion, dedication, and the undeniable bond they have with the circus. It was evident that despite the challenges, the love for their craft keeps them going. Their performances, like the circus itself, are a testament to the enduring magic of this art form.

Where to watch — HMT Ground, Chintal
Show timings —  1PM, 4 PM, 7PM
Start date — 21st December
End date — 27st January
Ticket prices — Rs 100, Rs 200, Rs 300, Rs 400