Suhani Shah Opens Up About Her Journey in Magic and Mentalism
Suhani Shah, a renowned magician and mentalist celebrated for leaving audiences genuinely baffled, commands a massive online presence and a devoted following among Gen Z and millennials. During a recent visit to Ahmedabad for her show, she shared insights into her early life, the art of mentalism, and the challenges facing magic in India today.
Ahmedabad: The Foundation of Her Career
Suhani Shah reveals that Ahmedabad holds a special place in her heart, as it was where she was raised and began her career. "I was brought up in Ahmedabad and started my journey here. Returning feels like coming back home," she says. She fondly recalls visiting Law Garden with her parents and spending time with friends at CG Road and Panjrapole, adding that she still enjoys pizza at her favorite local outlet.
Regarding her new show, Spellbound, Suhani explains, "I've curated my favorite acts from all my previous performances and combined them into one spectacular production. It's essentially a highlight reel of my best work, designed to captivate and amaze."
Performing with Celebrities and New Acts
When asked about performing alongside big celebrities, Suhani displays remarkable confidence. "I don't get nervous performing in front of celebrities or collaborating with them. There's a flutter when introducing a new act on stage for the first time, but I call it excitement. It's an integral part of what I do now," she shares, emphasizing her passion for the craft.
Addressing Misconceptions About Mentalism
Suhani highlights that concepts like magic and mentalism are widely misunderstood, leading to a range of fan requests—from humorous to heartbreaking. "My mission is to ensure the art form reaches the masses correctly, but I still receive overwhelming requests that show a lack of core understanding. People ask if I can retrieve forgotten passwords or predict lottery numbers," she reveals.
She adds, "However, there have been serious cases too. For instance, a child whose mother was in a coma with an active brain asked if I could tell what she was thinking. It's a reminder of the deep emotional connections people seek through my art."
Drawing Lines Between Art, Superstition, and Spirituality
Suhani is emphatic about distinguishing her art from superstition and spirituality. "Honesty is crucial in art. Everything I am today is because of magic. I learned all I know from this art, and it's my responsibility to speak honestly about it. In India, there's often confusion where magic, religion, and spirituality are mixed together. The boundaries between these fields haven't been properly defined," she states.
She further explains, "Magic is frequently misused. As a magician, my strength lies in the method behind magic—a secret kept for ages. If someone uses that secret to mislead people, only a magician who knows it can speak out against such misuse."
Advocating for Magic's Recognition in India
Suhani is passionate about restoring magic's rightful place in society. "Historically, magicians from abroad would come to India, learn the art, and perform in their countries, sometimes altering their appearance to seem authentic. I believe magic deserves recognition and respect in India, and superstition should not be spread in its name. It's a beautiful, intelligent art form that's difficult to master and requires real dedication," she asserts.
When questioned about teaching magic to aspiring magicians, Suhani clarifies, "I'll never teach it from scratch. Magic differs from other arts—if you teach dance, it spreads and flourishes. But if too many people know the secrets, the art loses its relevance and mystery. However, in this internet age, if someone already knows magic and wants to improve, I will definitely help them."
Celebrating the Gujarati Entertainment Boom
Amid her busy schedule of solo shows, corporate gigs, and television appearances, Suhani expresses pride in the surge of Gujarati entertainment. "Gujarati content is totally killing it. As they say, if Gujarati people don't do it, who will? Whenever regional films succeed, we feel proud. Being Gujarati myself, I feel even better when great content comes from Gujarat," she says enthusiastically.
She adds, "Previously, people preferred entertainment at home. Now, especially post-pandemic, there's a desire to experience it live. There's also a deeper appreciation for art that people discovered while homebound. Artists are receiving unprecedented support, making it a fantastic time to be in this field."
