Sleight of hand

Twenty-seven years ago, on the day of Christmas, Titou Molard from France, put up his first small magic gig for his friends and family. That show not only gave Titou the confidence to explore more about the world of illusion but also led him to become the only French magician in the US, at that time. “I went there for a show for three months and it was a success so I had more shows for next 18 months. After that, I didn’t feel like moving back to France,” says Titou, who is in Mumbai to perform at the ongoing JioWonderland event hosted at JioWorld Garden. “I had come to India several times, but this is after 10 years. It’s hot here but it’s good to be back,” he adds.

 With his sense of humour and interactive shows, Titou is known for his standup comedy magic. But his sole purpose of creating a show lies in being able to able to express himself. As a magician Titou’s only ambition is to be on the stage as a person that he is in his everyday life. “I joke around a lot and I am a very friendly person so I want to be that person on stage. I want to incorporate my jokes and fun in magic,” explains the magician and adds that he also does some grand illusion shows for selected audiences. “Comedy magic is for adult audiences but I also perform family friendly shows as well,” he adds.

 Titou started learning magic from books and came in contact with various magicians at a very later stage of his life. But he credits his learning to his mentors and tries to tweak the already-existing magic techniques. “I met a lot of magicians who trained me. I try to create something new and different, every time,” he muses.

 Being on stage for more than 17 years professionally, the magician confesses that the journey has been a roller coaster ride throughout. “But fun in a way. Beginning was complicated because I had to make space in the industry and it took a lot of effort,” he recalls and shares that he had to put constant efforts to get work in order to have a secure income to survive. “At times, you are regularly working and then comes the time when you are sitting at home. That time is very difficult,” confesses the magician.

 Over the years, while magic has evolved from some cool card tricks to more interactive and intense performances, Titou believes that the technology has made everything possible. “There is a trick behind every magic. It looks romantic but it comes with practice. With technology, anyone can do anything,” he believes and opines that one needs right budget and resources to experiment more with magic. Ask if audience has also evolved with time, the magician laughs saying, “I guess people are waiting for magic to happen in their life.”

 Magic for Titou, is an excuse to get out of a shell and go on the stage to communicate with different people. “I can express myself truly if I am on stage,” he says. Recalling an incident from the past when his parents attended his show for the first time, he says, “That’s the only time they have seen my show. It was a very important show for me and I just wanted to be the best. I was nervous even after performing in thousands of shows,” he recalls and confesses that his family’s opinion about his work matters the most. “If people don’t like what I do, that’s fine but if my family doesn’t like, that’s kind of a pressure for me. Their opinion is the most important thing for me,” concludes the magician.