The vanishing world of India's street magicians
India's street performers are struggling to survive as audiences shrink and public spaces become harder to access.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The times have changed. Street magic is dying a slow death. It is on a ventilator."
— Ishamuddin Khan , Other
"Closed parks and residential societies that bar outsiders are limiting spaces for performance."
— Anurupa Roy , Activist
"With tighter security, especially in busy town and city centres, there is little space left for street performers."
— Komita Dhanda , Activist
Key People
Anurupa Roy is the founder of Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust.
Ashok Mathur is a historian who discusses the roots of Madari traditions.
Imam Khan is a former magician now working as a rag-picker in Delhi.
Ishamuddin Khan is one of India's most famous street magicians.
Komita Dhanda is a researcher and performer discussing public space restrictions.
All Coverage
India's street performers are struggling to survive as audiences shrink and public spaces become harder to access.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Indian police detain 'cockroach' movement founder Abhijeet Dipke - Reuters
Indian police detain 'cockroach' movement founder Abhijeet Dipke Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 05:27 AMIndia unveils tough curbs on dollar demand to defend rupee - Reuters
India unveils tough curbs on dollar demand to defend rupee Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 03:34 AMIndia detains protesters, locks down Delhi ahead of rally against election chief - Reuters
India detains protesters, locks down Delhi ahead of rally against election chief Reuters
October 10, 2026 at 12:33 AMThousands of security personnel deployed as Delhi braces for ‘cockroach’ protest
Several trains to Delhi have been cancelled and dozens of metro stations are shut to stop protesters from gathering.
October 9, 2026 at 11:02 PMIndia central bank to sell $2.6 bln of bonds, tighten bank reserve need to squeeze cash - Reuters
India central bank to sell $2.6 bln of bonds, tighten bank reserve need to squeeze cash Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 01:12 PMIndia rejects monopoly claim after Musk accuses Ambani of blocking Starlink launch - Reuters
India rejects monopoly claim after Musk accuses Ambani of blocking Starlink launch Reuters
October 9, 2026 at 12:31 PM