In the realm of entertainment, few performers possess the extraordinary ability to captivate and confound audiences with the power of their minds. Suhani Shah, the remarkable mentalist, is one such enigmatic figure who has left a trail of wonder and amazement in her wake. Her unique talents go beyond the ordinary, as she delves into the deepest recesses of the human psyche to unearth secrets, predict the unpredictable, and reveal the extraordinary. In this exclusive interview, we have the privilege of peeling back the layers of mystery that surround Suhani Shah and discovering the secrets behind her astonishing abilities. Join us as we embark on a journey into the world of mentalism with the incredible Suhani Shah.
Question 1: What is Magic for Suhani Shah?
Answer: That’s quite philosophical and deep. When you ask me so directly there’s so many things that would come to my mind but I think we are human beings and there’s no bigger magic than that. Our thoughts are the biggest magic, because it can make and break things, it can create things, it can destroy things as well. So, even if I talk in a very art form perspective, rather than a philosophical perspective, what I do on stage are effects, techniques, experiments, tricks. It is done so beautifully that it turns into a magic for human minds. So the real magic is always happening in our mind. Whatever we see is just things happening around us and it’s our mind that turn those things into magic.
Question 2: India is quite tight with its values and ideologies, how difficult was it for you to find a career path into something that’s rarely heard in Indian society?
Answer: At the young age of six, my journey into the world of magic began with a simple yet profound declaration to my parents: “Papa, I want to do magic.” What’s extraordinary is that my parents not only took me seriously but also envisioned a grand stage for my talents. My family has been my unwavering support system, encouraging me to dream big and break free from societal norms. Their unique approach turned the tables on convention, making my path in the world of magic feel entirely ordinary, and societal expectations were never a hurdle.
Question 3: What role did your parents play in shaping your journey from a young enthusiast to India’s leading mentalist, especially considering the unique challenges for women in your field?
Answer: I believe a parent’s role in shaping one’s core beliefs and values is crucial. If you receive the right upbringing, it makes many aspects of life easier. However, even if your upbringing isn’t ideal, it doesn’t mean your life is destined to be miserable. At some point, you’ll realize what worked and what didn’t in your parenting. When that happens, it’s about detaching from unhelpful belief systems and creating new patterns, regardless of your age. Parenting is a complex generational transition, and bridging the gap between how you were brought up and who you want to be can be challenging. Open, productive conversations with family are essential, always believing that everyone’s intention is your happiness. Never give up on family; keep trying to communicate. It may take time, but it’s worth the effort. In one line, I’d say, if your upbringing was great, that’s wonderful. If not, take responsibility for your life and work on making positive changes. Blaming your parents doesn’t lead to personal growth. It might be tough, but it’s the only way forward.
Question 4: How do you plan to address and demystify the prevailing societal taboos and misconceptions surrounding magic in India, given the diverse perceptions people hold about this art form?
Answer: I’ve been striving to talk about the misconceptions surrounding magic in India since I began my journey in this art form. The key, I believe, is knowledge. When people understand that magic is an art form, just like singing, dancing, or painting, the veil of mystique begins to lift. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to clarify that magic is not supernatural or miraculous. It’s an art form, and the real magic lies in the skill and dedication of the magician, just as in any other art form.
Think of magic as a vast umbrella with various sub-genres, much like journalism. Just as a journalist might specialize in ground reporting, interviews, or political affairs, magic has different genres, including mentalism, illusions, escapology, and more. I started as an illusionist, performing grand, larger-than-life acts with elaborate props and a team of assistants. Over time, I transitioned into being a mentalist, where the focus is on the human mind. Mentalism involves psychological techniques to create the illusion of mind-reading, predicting the future, and other intriguing effects. It’s essential to recognize that every mentalist is a magician, but not every magician is a mentalist. Magic is a rich and ancient art form, and when people embrace it as such, they’ll not only enjoy and respect it more but also encourage more individuals to explore the world of magic.
Question 5: Where did you learn magic?
Answer: I have a remarkable story that began at the age of six when I approached my father with a fervent desire to learn magic. Convincing my parents was the easy part; the real challenge was finding a magician willing to teach me. We visited a few renowned magicians, but none agreed to mentor me. I was disheartened and thought that magic might not be the right path.
My parents, however, refused to give up and continued their search. Eventually, we stumbled upon a unique family in Kalol, a small town near Ahmedabad. This family had a long-standing role as assistants to magicians. They would help set up and prepare the shows for renowned magicians. My parents convinced this family to teach me magic and create a show for me. Surprisingly, they agreed, and this unconventional beginning marked the start of my magical journey.
Question 6: Suhani, the term “magic” often conjures images of Harry Potter and fantastical spells. How did your understanding of magic differ from these popular perceptions, and what drew you to the world of mentalism?
Answer: When I first embarked on my magical journey, I didn’t have a moment of realization that magic was different from the fantastical depictions we often see in popular culture. My early days of learning magic were a whirlwind, and as a six-year-old, I was simply thrilled that I was getting the chance to pursue my passion. Learning magic wasn’t easy; it demanded a lot of my time and energy as I delved into the intricacies of tricks and showmanship.
Looking back, I can say that I was too busy honing my craft to have a revelation that magic wasn’t as miraculous as it seemed in shows like Harry Potter. In my younger days, I didn’t have much time to watch those magical shows, and even now, I haven’t watched Harry Potter, much to the surprise of many. So, I never had the moment of realizing that magic was different from what I initially imagined. Those who are shocked, “Relax guys, when you were watching magic, I was creating magic”.
Question 7: Can you share more about the difficulties you encountered in a male-dominated industry and how you managed to carve a space for yourself in a profession where female representation is scarce?
Answer: The field of magic has traditionally been male-dominated, with the stereotypical image of a magician often being a man in a top hat and cape. Surprisingly, I didn’t realize I was in a male-dominated field until I was 17. My parents never made me feel that way, and I was so focused on honing my craft that the gender aspect didn’t occur to me.
However, as I became more aware of the industry’s gender dynamics, I realized that women, not just in magic but in many fields, often face extra challenges. I’ve come to understand the importance of working hard and making my mark, ensuring my potential is recognized. It took me some time to navigate these issues, but I want to emphasize that it’s possible to do so. I’ve worked diligently, often going above and beyond, and I want others to know that they can too. My parents played a significant role in shielding me from such issues, and I’m grateful for their support.
Question 8: With a substantial number of shows under your belt, do you feel a constant pressure to innovate and create new tricks and ideas for each performance?
Answer: Absolutely, there’s an expectation, if not pressure, that comes with being a leading mentalist. People look to me to set a unique standard and pave the way for younger magicians. Personally, I always aim to perform what I would love to see. I get bored easily, so I constantly challenge myself to keep my performances fresh. For instance, I could have continued with last year’s show, but I chose to create an entirely new one called “Chama,” all about everyday miracles and their true essence. It’s a two-hour production that blends lights, drama, LED screens, and more to create a unique magical experience. I always feel the responsibility, as the audience invests their time, money, and energy, and I want to make their two hours unforgettable. Every show is a risk for me, and I walk on stage with the responsibility of making it memorable for the audience. This sense of responsibility keeps me going and has fueled my passion for magic for the last 25 years.
Question 9: What do you have to say about your hit show ‘That’s my job’?
Answer: The response to “That’s My Job” has been incredibly overwhelming, and it all started as a fun game show idea during the pandemic. Comedian Shankar Chugani and I were brainstorming ideas over a Zoom call, and this show concept emerged. We had some comedians and other celebrities join in, which made it even cooler.
The first episode was purely experimental, and it wasn’t even named “That’s My Job” initially; the audience played a big role in naming it. After ten episodes, it evolved into a full-fledged show, spanning 25 episodes in the first season. I took a break after that, but the demand for more episodes has been remarkable.
Question 10: As a renowned mentalist, do you often receive unusual requests from your fans?
Answer: Absolutely, I receive all sorts of requests from my fans, and it’s a constant stream. My email inbox is a mix of everything, from fun to serious and even some really dark requests. People want me to help them with exams, lottery numbers, relationships, and understanding the thoughts of loved ones, among other things. Sometimes I try to reply and assist as much as I can, but there’s a limit to what I can do.
The comment section on my videos is particularly entertaining, and it feels like the audience often expects me to perform miracles, especially during events like the World Cup.
Question 11: You’ve interviewed numerous celebrities and even left some of them astounded. Could you share the most iconic reaction you’ve ever received? Is there anything shocking?
Answer: I’ve had so many amazing reactions from celebrities during my mentalism performances, and I absolutely love the surprise and awe in their expressions. It’s fascinating to delve into someone’s private thoughts and see their genuine reactions.
One standout incident was with Boman Irani. Sometimes my audience thinks I script my videos, but I never do. With Boman, he was quite determined to script the experience, but I insisted on keeping it spontaneous. When he realized I could read his mind without any prior knowledge, he was truly taken aback.
As for revealing interesting secrets, I have a lot of tempting stories in my mind, but ethically, I always seek consent before sharing anything about someone. I make sure they’re comfortable with the information being disclosed, as it’s essential to respect their privacy and boundaries.
