Magic mania

Tulsi left studies to pursue passion but wants others to study as well.

Have a passion but still finding a hundred excuses just because you do not know how to go about it? Then, learn from 24-year-old magician Tulsi Kumar.
Tulsi had left his studies at the age of 15 just to pursue his passion - magic. "I will not suggest children to do what I did as my parents were very upset when I decided to quit studies. Education is very important and everyone should pursue it and follow their dreams together," said Tulsi Kumar.

Dream big
Winner of first prize in the International Magic Convention in UAE, he talks like a professional and feels success only comes to people who know how to dream big and follow it as well. 

An interesting tale
Hailing from Rajasthan, he has an interesting tale which led him to his passion. At the age of 12, he saw his friends reading books on magic and trying their hands at it and when he did the same thing, they said, "Tulsi, it is not your cup of tea and you can never become a magician."
He then started practising with coins and cards in his house for hours. "I used to practise at night when everybody went to sleep. Initially, my parents didn't support my hobby but later when they realised my love for it, they also supported it," added Tulsi. 

Credits success to guru
He is one of the youngest magicians to have created close magic in the country according to a magic festival organised by Delhi Government in Pitampura. He performed his first show in Haryana in 2003 and since then, he has never looked back. "My guru is Vikas Sharma. I met him in a dance show. When I told him about my interest, he immediately agreed to teach me this art. I give credit of my success to him," he added. 

Memorable moments
"I won my first prize in Palwal. This was not only a milestone but it also brought me close to parents as they started believing in me after that. One of the most important competitions was in Dubai where I won the first prize for my country. That not only gave me a patriotic feeling but made me feel that I had chosen the right path. There were more than a hundred participants who had participated in the event," he added. 

To open a magic school
He has performed in Dubai and at various places in our country. "The people of Kolkata and Punjab have been very cooperative and encouraging. I will be performing in France soon," he added.
His first show was at Kendriya Vidyalaya in Uttam Nagar. His father is an entrepreneur and mother is a homemaker. He has two brothers who are studying and a sister who is married. "I have decided to open a school for kids who are interested in learning magic," added Tulsi.

'King of coins'
He started practising with coins and cards and now many organisations have awarded him the title of 'King of coins' as he is perfect in it. 

Wanted to prove myself
"My friends used to tell me that magic is not my cup of tea at the age of 13. So, I decided to show everyone that I can do it and become a very good magician of the country," said Tulsi Kumar, who has performed in more than 60 solo shows. 

--PAROMA BHATTACHARYA