The Department of Posts released here on Tuesday a commemorative stamp in honour of P. C. Sorcar (Senior), the man who “took the magic of India to the rest of the world” and captivated audiences worldwide with tricks crafted from India’s folk arts and mystic traditions.
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who was present on the occasion, said, “I have come to pay my respects to the memory of such a person who was not just popular amongst the people of our country, but also had earned great admiration and regard in the international arena.”
Mr. Bhattacharjee’s personal favourite was the ‘Water of India,’ an item in which an endless stream of water flowed from a vessel throughout the show. He remembered having seen it in his younger days.
“I don’t understand magic, but what I know is that it is based on the fundamentals of logic and science,” he added.
Issued on his 98th birth anniversary, the stamp has a picture of the maestro with his hands outstretched weaving the ‘indrajal’ (web of illusion) – a term he coined to describe the repertoire of his tricks and illusions.
The Department of Posts was very pleased to release a stamp on the “Jadugar of the world” here in Bengal, the place where he drew inspiration for several of his tricks, said Rameshwari Handa, Chief Post Master-General, West Bengal Circle. The famed magician, known for his spectacular sets and costumes, particularly his self-styled “Maharaja robe” and plumed turban, was also the author of 20 books – in Bengali, Hindi and English – on various aspects of the craft. Elaborate optical illusions emphasised by dazzling light effects were hallmarks of his shows. His son, P. C. Sorcar (Junior), the seventh in a line of eight generations of magicians, was among those present at the event.
