Karun Krishna, a 23 year old magician and a beat boxer from Bangalore has been a magician since the age of 3 and a beat boxer from past 4 years. He has done over 10000 shows all over India and abroad. He was a finalist of P.O.G.O. Amazing Kids- 2005 and the Bournvita confidence champion in 2006. He is a member of International Brotherhood of Magicians (I.B.M.), USA and the only Indian to be invited to perform at their annual convention held at Dallas, Texas in 2011 and also featured in “THE LINKING RINGS” magic magazine. He is a recipient of State award from Government of Karnataka for an exceptional talent in performing magic and also Youth Icon Award for magic from the Rotary Club. One of his memorable performance is an “In-flight show” called “The Flight of Fantasy ” organised by Jet airways for underprivileged children.
Tell us about the various trainings you received for mastering your art.
Well magic was really something that just sparkled. I loved playing with cards and coins since I was a kid. It was pretty hard for my parents to identify that magic could turn out to interest me. Initially my dad used to learn few effects from the other magicians and used to teach me. He got me magic books, few starter props and stands.
For about 2003 to 2012, I was trained in advanced magic by magician M.P. Hashim in Kerala. There are always some things you pick up or invent by yourself to make your effects better.
Beat boxing was just a sudden thing. Me and my friend wanted to do and we started practising the basics way back in February 2013.
What actually started to impress people became more than just another form of art to me. It was more than serious practice. We used to jam and beat box whenever we got time. Improvements happened over the course of numerous battles and jam sessions and performances. Some went bad, some worse and some good.
How are each of your shows different from the rest? What is that driving force which keeps you moving?
Each of my shows are different, because of different audience, different set-up, different reactions every time. I have wide range of audience ranging from birthday parties, table-hopping, floor walks, schools , colleges , corporate events to market and present their products through magic. I have given programs on Sony, Star Plus, Cartoon Network, IBN, P.O.G.O. and also been featured in most of the newspapers and magazines.
How was your experience at “P.O.G.O. Amazing Kids Contest”?
It was the first ever type of competition I took part where the other contestants weren’t magicians themselves, but they were a bunch of great talent. We got to meet film stars, got to shoot for advertisements and also photo shoots. It was an enthralling experience.
How did you feel after raising funds for various social causes through your performances?
My magic performances have contributed for various social causes like, Kargil War, Tsunami wave, spastic society, Gujarat earthquake relief fund, AIDS organisations, CRY, Rakum blind schools, Mid-day meals, old-age homes, mentally challenged children and various other causes. The happiness I get when I think I can help people with my art-form is unparalleled and overwhelming to feel the love, care and attention from people whom I help. Their smiles just shows that happiness can come to anyone in anyway and I feel very happy to know I can give happiness to someone through my art-form.
From magic to beat boxing, how has the new transition been?
It is really one of those weirdest things that changed my life both mentally and psychologically. My relationship with music became profound and deep. Magic is still there, though I started beat boxing, I’m forever a magician. Beat boxing is spontaneous and can be done at any time like magic which I love. You can practice, experiment and work on it and just play around it at any given time.
What advice would you like to give to our readers?
Life is short, do what you love. Even if you have limitations, do what makes you happy and follow your passion. Even if life takes you in different directions, never stop doing what you love. With every support, blessing and encouragement from family and friends, I hope to bring more accolades and appreciations to our country, India, from international stages.