PUNE: As circus in India is set to complete 136 years this year on November 26, Sujit Dilip, Co-partner of Rambo Circus, argued that due to apathy from the State and the Central government, circus owners are finding it difficult to survive.
While speaking at a press conference held on Saturday, Dilip demanded that the government should allot a dedicated space at tourist spots to run regular shows of the circus throughout the year in collaboration with international circus teams.
Claiming that the circus industry in the country is facing many challenges and going through a tough time, Dilip added that the Indian circus industry desperately needs support from the government.
Dilip said to mark the existence of Indian circus for last 136 years in India and to remember the old glorious days of circus industry, Rambo Circus has planned to felicitate family members of Vishnu Chatre- Kalpana and Ajay Chatre. Dilip said that Vishnu Chatre started the first circus named 'Grand Indian Circus' in Mumbai on November 26, 1882. Dilip said along with the members of Chatre family, Vilas Dhotre - great-grandson of Damu Dhotre- an international circus artiste, would also be felicitated.
Dilip added that due to the government regulation, several circus owners had to shut down their business which has, in turn, affected a large group of people. He claimed that International Circus Group (Cirque du Soliel) known for their use of high light effect and high-end technology presented their show in Mumbai and it was well received by the audience. But due to lack of support from the government, Indian circus owners are unable to use such high-end technology.
''Regular ban on circus shows, unavailability of fixed space, confiscation of animals by Animal Welfare Board of India and strict regulation against the use of child artist are some of the reasons which have led to the closing of many circus businesses in India,'' said Pravin Walimbe, a circus expert and enthusiast.
He added that the circus industry needs more expertise and skilled manpower and for that, every state needs to set up a circus skill training centre.
