TDS: Why did you choose to be a magician?

JA: When I was just a boy, a gypsy-group came to our village and put up a magic show. That is how I got attracted to this art for the first time. Later I saw another magic show in a circus held in our neighbouring village. I could not sleep that night. I repeated the magical act, added my own magic the next day and showed it to my friends.

Then when I grew up I began to read the fairytales of poet Bonde Ali Miya and imagined myself as a magician.

TDS: You are also wonderful on the flute. How did you master this instrument?

JA: A fisherman, Nitai, used to live beside our house. He played fabulously on a flute. I took my very first lesson from him. Then I learned the instrument from a piper, Parimal Das, who lived in our village.

TDS: You were a schoolteacher once upon a time. Tell us about that.

JA: After 1971, when people began to return to Dhaka from the villages, I went to my native village. During that time, I thought of education as the principal weapon to guide a newly liberated nation.

Later, after several requests from the managing committee, I was compelled to be the school's headmaster.

TDS: Did you live with the thought of magic?

JA: Yes, the thought of magic was always with me. In the 1971 Liberation War, all my instruments were looted. Then, I had to start recollecting, but again I had lost them in a tragic accident in the year 1977. I found myself become lonely again.

TDS: What did you do in the aftermath of this loss?

JA: I had gained enough popularity as a flautist on Dhaka radio. I had also performed two magical acts on the television. Then one day, when I performed the magic of 'floating girl in the air' on the TV programme of popular anchor Abdullah Abu Sayeed on an Eid function, I received a tremendous ovation from the audience. I performed in many of his programmes after that. I was doing stage and TV programmes on a regular basis.

TDS: You have visited many countries so far. Is there any memorable incident that you can share with us?

JA: I had an abhorrence towards the Germans, which was because of Hitler. I once got a chance to visit Germany at an international tourist fair. This visit completely changed my view of the Germans. I would not have believed that they could show so much respect to others if I had not gone there.

TDS: What qualities does a successful magician have?

JA: A good, creative magician should always have a clear vision. He has to have a scientific mentality. Many modern magicians claim that they possess supernatural powers. They only have one aim and that is to entertain people.

TDS: Your wife helps you in your magical arts. Is your daughter also going to take up magic?

JA: My wife, Bipasha Aich, has always helped me. My daughter, Kheya, is only a child now. She will do exactly what she aspires.

TDS: Do you have any thoughts about the magic scenario?

JA: I visualise future magicians who would not only entertain people but also make their magic an art form.

TDS: Any future plans?

JA: I would like to build a magic school, where people can learn this art.