End show for indian circus


Indian circus is on its last legs today. The ban on animals and spiraling costs has dealt a knockout blow to a form of entertainment that was once a favorite with families, especially children.
The circuses' daily expenses, including rent, generator costs, and artistes’ fees and so on run into lakhs of rupees per day.
The Indian Supreme Court banned five categories of wild animals like tigers, leopards, lions, bears and monkeys from taking part in Circus acts. With that, the crowds lost interest, as these animals, especially the big cats, were the main attraction for many.
Adding to the woes of circus owners is the growing pull of movies and television.

Lot of circus artists switchover their live into an Indian film industry as a 'junior artiste' and some acrobats join into cinema stunt artist groups. There are a large number of cases where the artistes find their partners in the circus itself. Still, the education of their children is a big problem.
The most difficult phase in the life of a circus artiste is the old age. Once they lose their physical prowess and mental strength, they will have to recede to obscurity. A few lucky artistes can remain as trainers and some, retained as clowns.
"The Indian Circus Federation had 35 members four to five years ago. Now it’s down to 10 around".