The Carny Folk!

There is a sense of excitement in the air as multi-coloured striped tents billow by the beach. The 96-year-old Great Bombay Circus, founded by Baburao Kadam, is here in town for 45 days. Walk in and you’re welcomed by an elevated stage surrounded by numerous chairs. A live orchestra plays music from a cabin over the stage and one is simply left in awe of the various acts being performed. Rope dancers twist and turn breathtakingly, and adorable dogs walk around with umbrellas. The hawkers selling freshly made popcorn and chips are barely a distraction.

The circus that has travelled here from Hyderabad has been hit by the demonetisation hard and is doing its best to survive. While their longest stint was in Chennai for a total of 105 days, they wonder if they can manage to get a good response here. Nonetheless, filled with nothing but optimism, the carny folk welcome us in with open arms. They let Yo! Vizag experience not just a spectacular show, but also let us peek behind the curtains to know some of their stories.

Tulasi Das, Clown

Tulasi Das is a veteran when it comes to the Great Bombay Circus, he has been with them since he was 13. He is a little person from Bihar and has been with the circus for 56 long years.

“There used to be a circus on my way to school that I would go to everyday. I would watch the little people there dress up as clowns and make people roll with laughter. Back then, we were ostracised by society and no one would offer us jobs. The circus was the only place I could gain employment and respect. This is why the circus is, and will always be my family.”

Poonam Jadav, Ring Dancer