Andy the Magician’s latest achievement is no illusion
JOHOR BARU: At the age of seven, T. Muniandy became fascinated with magic after watching David Copperfield’s performances on television.
He hoped to emulate him and other worldrenowned magicians.
So Muniandy learned simple tricks and perfected his art over the years.
Now, the 43-year-old is a full-time magician and performs his own tricks at various events in Malaysia and Singapore.
Muniandy, or better known as Andy the Magician, was recently the proud recipient of a Merlin Award for the Best Malaysian Indian Magician.
The Merlin Award, which is dubbed the Oscars of magic, is one of the most prestigious in the magic entertainment industry and presented by the International Magicians Society.
In sharing his journey towards becoming an award-winning magician, Muniandy said it was not an easy feat, as illusionists were not willing to teach the art, especially back in those days.
“It was only in 2003 that I got my big break when my employer in Singapore offered to send me for classes and in exchange, I would have to perform for events at the executive service apartments.
“So I would work a full shift in the housekeeping department during the day and then perform magic tricks there at night,” he said.
Muniandy said he had to practise for hours, taking only catnaps, before heading to work but his efforts eventually paid off, as he was able to secure gigs at various locations in the island republic.
The father of three decided to quit his day job six years ago to fulfil his dream of becoming a full-time magician.
Muniandy has also roped in his three children – Snora, 16, Ixora, 12, and Levian, nine – all of whom have become his “apprentices”.
“They started out as my assistants on stage and now, my eldest performs on her own for small events like children’s birthday parties,” he said.
Muniandy hopes to set up an academy to teach young and aspiring magicians and offer them the encouragement they need to make it in the industry.