Prokash Chandro Saha: The lure of magic

Prokash Chandro Saha

Prokash Chandro Saha, also known as P.C. Saha, is a young and emerging magician. His father R.P. Saha, who passed away last year, was a reputed magician of the northern-western part of Bangladesh. Prokash is the only son of his parents. Prokash pointed out that his father was a student of P.C. Sarkar and named him after the legendary illusionist.
Prokash was born in Kapilmuni, Khulna. He staged his first magic show at the age of six in Paikgachha, Khulna with the help of the then TNO of Paikgachha Mihir Kanti Majumder. Prokash learned magic techniques from some reputed magicians but his father was the ultimate teacher and source of inspiration. In his words, "I learnt the craft from magicians Mainul Khan, Ulfat Kabir and also the famed Jewel Aich. But my biggest source of inspiration was my father, who always wanted me to be a magician."
Prokash took up magic professionally in 2007. That year, on a programme aired on Channel i, magician Jewel Aich commented, "I know a young man named Prokash, who wants to be a magician despite doing well in his studies." Prokash said that this remark proved inspirational for him. Prokash completed a Master's degree in Political Science from B.L. College, Khulna.
Earlier in 2004 he received membership of Bangladesh Jadukar Parishad, the recognised national committee of the magicians. In 2006, he obtained the membership of International Brotherhood of Magicians.
The same year, Prokash's troupe Jonaki Jadu Chakra -- formed by his father -- received a government licence.
Prokash dreams of popularising magic so that more people can take it up as a profession. He says, "There was a time when people thought magic was a supernatural craft but it is closely related to science."
Prokash feels that with the support of the authorities the art of magic could be taken abroad. An ambitious Prokash aspires to have his name in the Guiness Book of World Records and fulfil his father's dream, which is to become a well-known magician not only in Bangladesh but also around the world.