Mr. Saman Maharjan, a close-up magician who has been learning and practicing magic tricks since nine. With his mom’s reluctance about a magic career, the death of his father, and his strong passion to become a magician.

1. What inspired you to be a magician?

- It all started with Television. I remember me being around nine years old watching a legendary magician, David Blaine every Friday and I guess that intrigued me to get into the magic in a way. I would get curious about the tricks and would want to do that as well. At that time, there were no YouTube tutorials, so I would record the video with my camera and re-watch it until I learn the trick. My dad was there to support and inspire me to get dedicated and continue practicing those tricks. Actually, he always wanted and encouraged me to explore the creative side of myself.

 

2. What is Magic for you?

- I have a quote I live by, ‘Magic for a smile.’ For me, it is to create that unforgettable moment between me and my spectators. Being an introvert, Magic lets me interact with other people and bring out a different version of myself. An ordinary me gets an identity, and people uniquely connect with me during the performance. They get thrilled and find an escape into smiling even just for a few moments. For me that is precious.

 

3. Did you always carry the skill of magic tricks or did you learn it with time?

- It definitely was not an inborn skill. From the age of nine until now when I am twenty-seven, I have dedicated myself to learning magic tricks. I guess after all these years; magic has gotten into my DNA (laughs). As I grew older, YouTube tutorials were there to help me know about new tricks and techniques.

 

4. As you said, your dad was supportive. But, how did your mom take it?

- Yes! My dad encouraged me but my mom was reluctant about me getting into magic. Belonging from a middle-class family, she wanted me to study hard and get a good job. On the contrary, I wanted to be a magician and kept on learning to play card tricks. Given my low grades, she would throw away those cards. But, now she is convinced and supports me.

 

5. In Nepal, people are not aware of the essence that comes with magic. How do people react when you perform for them?

-Whenever and wherever I perform, especially after the performance people come over to me to ask if I am a black magician. And the very concept is what I want to change. Magic is not only about ‘Tantra Mantra’ but about skills to delusion people and manipulate them via tricks. Other than that, they enjoy it and get thrilled and are left with a question mark.

 

 

6. Have you ever messed up during a performance and how do you cover it?

- (Smiles) That is also tricky. Honestly, it happens but magicians often know where/which step has been messed up and there is also a trick to correct that up. There is always room for correction in every magic trick. However, we need to already know during the process.

 

7. You had once stopped doing magic. What was the reason and what motivated you to restart doing this?

- So, when I was seventeen, my dad passed away and I altogether left my magic passion to get a job and support my family. Then one day, I got a call from my NGO asking me to perform magic tricks in a program. I reluctantly said yes, even though I wanted to do that. Went there, little children were my audience, and later I got to know that they were cancer patients and don’t have much time to live. It touched me into tears and I think that day and their smile pushed me to continue doing what I love. I recall them being happy, scratching their head in confusion, and just happy.

 

8. Do you remember the turning point in your journey?

- (Thinks for a few seconds) My first show was at Titos Pub and lounge, Jhamsikhel. I remember reaching by 7:30 when I was called at 7, people were waiting inquisitively to watch magic tricks while I was shaking out of nervousness. I never had performed in front of such a mass but went well, well enough to get performance offers later. I guess that was my turning point.

 

9. What has magic taught you?

- It seems that everything is possible in magic. Impossible seems possible. That spectrum, I have carried along in life as well. I believe just as in magic, everything is possible in life. Every mistake has a correction room.

 

10. You are on your journey and things might be going well as well. But still, why would you continue?

- Because I have a vision. I want to change the concept of people regarding magic. I want them to know that one can make a career out of it, create a group of eager people wanting to learn magic, and take it globally.

  

Magic For Smile:

Magic For Smile is a project that he has just started where he visits urban areas around Kathmandu. Every Saturday, he performs magic in such areas to create awareness and spread the right concept of magic. Performing magic satisfies me and through this project, I want to share happiness with others.