An artist performs a stunt in the Jamuna Circus show at Morais City in Tiruchi.
| Photo Credit: M. Moorthy
“There is risk in everything,” says Pratima, as she parts her gleaming tresses to reveal a spot on her scalp where a trained lion once accidentally scratched her. “The animals are gone, but the show must go on,” adds the agile 40-year-old Nepali cyclist and gun shooter from Jamuna Circus, which is visiting Tiruchi for the first time for a month-long schedule.
Founded in 1901 by Sardar Gurdeep and Ratnadeep Singh in Punjab, Jamuna Circus faces the same challenges as other traditional circus companies—a steady decline in patronage. With new forms of entertainment capturing public interest, the circus, once an integral part of India’s folk performing arts, is struggling to attract audiences. Restrictions on the recruitment of child artistes have left many circuses with an ageing crew, while the ban on performing animals has further exacerbated the situation.
“When I first joined the circus, there was a buzz around our arrival in the city. Children would be thrilled to watch our acts. Now, they seem more engrossed in their phones,” says Rajesh Yadav, a trapeze artist at Jamuna Circus for the past 12 years.
“I started my journey in Punjab with Komal Circus as a young boy. My parents were farmers in Fatehpur Thana, Bihar. Over the past 40 years, I have worked with various circus companies across India. All our stunts are original and live—there’s no trickery, no special effects, just years of dedication and hard work,” says Rajesh.
Breathtaking stunts

Stunt cycling artists at Jamuna Circus.
| Photo Credit:
M. Moorthy
On a recent evening, Jamuna Circus performers were busy entertaining a small but captivated crowd at Morais City grounds. Popcorn was momentarily forgotten as a Malaysian artist performed a perilous knife-edge act, lying flat on the points of sharp spears while the audience watched in breathless anticipation. A dramatic drum roll later, he repeated the feat—this time lying on his back—and in a flash, just as the crowd gasped, he leapt down gracefully with a flourish.
Keerthana then took the stage, presenting a thrilling roller act that had spectators rooting for her to maintain her balance. As she manoeuvred a hula hoop with her feet, sending it over her head and out, she precariously balanced herself on a rolling base. Her act continued as she lay down on a bench, expertly balancing long-handled candlesticks on her feet and palms. The flames flickered, yet Keerthana remained unfazed, even as a gentle breeze drifted through the tent.
“I learned these tricks from my father. Everything is difficult at first, but with time, you get used to it,” says the young performer.
“We appreciate an attentive audience,” says Lakshmi, a Bengali ring dancer whose parents were flying trapeze artistes. “But regardless of how many people are watching, we always complete our act. It is our duty,” she adds.
At 23, Lakshmi has already spent 14 years in the circus. She is married to Amar Kumar, who works in the company’s office. “I plan to enrol my son in school next year and take care of him. We’ve spent our lives travelling from city to city, and he has grown up in the circus. But I want him to have a proper education,” she says.
Many of her colleagues share similar hopes for their children’s futures. “I am working hard so that my kids don’t have to face the uncertainty of my life. I want them to study and secure good jobs,” says Yadav, whose wife, also a former circus artiste, stays in her native village in Guwahati, Assam, raising their son and daughter.
Within the circus, many marriages are love matches between fellow performers. “We marry other artists because they understand our lifestyle better. My wife was my partner in Komal, Jumbo, and Jamuna Circuses before she retired,” says Rajesh.
The show goes on
Circus artists are employed on yearly contracts, earning a monthly salary of approximately ₹15,000 to ₹18,000, depending on their expertise. Food and accommodation are provided by the company.
“Our circus employs artists over the age of 20, from Bihar, West Bengal, Malaysia, Nepal, and other places. Business is good during holiday breaks. We will be in Tiruchi until mid-February and will offer group concessions to schools and colleges,” says Nazar Ali, the manager overseeing Jamuna Circus’s schedule in Tamil Nadu.
The circus operates from early morning, with rehearsals running from 8 am to 10 am. The Big Top opens at 1 pm for the first two-hour show, followed by additional performances at 4 pm and 7 pm. Around 70 artists take part, presenting 17 acts per show.
“I feel happiest when I perform, and the circus has taken me to so many places. My most memorable moment was performing a special act on the reality TV show India’s Got Talent in Mumbai in 2018. We even got to meet some film stars—we were all so excited!” says Pratima.

Juggler and clown perform their acts in the Jamuna Circus show at Morais City in Tiruchi.
| Photo Credit:
M. Moorthy
Published – January 31, 2025 07:10 pm IST