Hit hard by pandemic, circus goes online

PUNE: Life came crashing down for 51- year-old Biju Pushkaran, the head clown of India’s famous Rambo Circus, along with its over 100 artistes when the coronavirus-induced lockdown was imposed in March this year, forcing the circus to fold its tent.

But after six months of despondency, smile returned on the faces of these artistes as the circus went online and presented a virtual show for the first time on September 25.

The crew members say that they felt hopeless and dejected during the lockdown, but this virtual way of presenting the show through pre-recorded videos has given a new lease of life to the circus.

The artistes, especially the clowns, say that although they are happy to be back in the game, they are missing the fun of the live shows like getting hugs from children and selfies with them.

Overwhelmed by the response to this special fundraising show ‘Life Is A Circus’, organised in association with LaQshya Live Experiences and Production Crew Entertainment, the circus is now planning to hold more such shows in the near future.

“After the lockdown was imposed, we thought it was a temporary phase, but as the severity of the pandemic increased so as the lockdowns, our artistes stranded at Airoli in Navi Mumbai, started feeling the pinch in terms of food and income,” said Pushkaran.

He said local politicians and social groups lent a helping hand, which made them sail through during tough times as they provided grocery and other items.