Now you see it, now you don't

World-famous street magician Chris Korn is in the city to perform at a college fest, and take you tou00a0a wonderland where seeing is disbelieving

A charming American is waiting to sneak up on you, and prove that what you see is not always what is. Street magician Chris Korn, known the world over for his sleight of hand, is in Mumbai to perform at Mood Indigo, IIT's inter-collegiate fest. In an e-mail interview, he tells FYI how he's in the mood to conjure up coins from behind your ear this time around.

What drew you to magic?
I have been doing magic for over 25 years. A good friend had got me a magic kit for Christmas, and that was the beginning. A few years later, I met a real sleight of hand master named John Mendoza who was a big help.u00a0

Will your magic work for India too?
Absolutely. Magic transcends cultures. India has a long history of magic. My fans will be seeing new magic that hasn't appeared on any TV show. They might even end up learning a trick or two.

You are visiting a country where magic is merely put down to haath-chalaki. While abroad, street magicians become celebrities, here in India, they barely make a living.
I was able to spend some time with some street magicians on my last visit to India. The Internet makes it possible to access magic even for these street performers. I hope to meet some local magicians on this visit and share ideas.u00a0 I can see all the hard work they put into their acts, and that their passion for magic is strong.

What is Chris Korn's brand of magic?
I have studied several styles of magic so, in a sense, I have become a chameleon, able to adapt easily whether I am performing on the street or before royalty from around the world.u00a0
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What is the best bit about being a magician?
The power of awe. I love to take people to that magical place, even if it is only for a few seconds.

Catch Chris Korn perform at Mood Indigo, IIT campus, Powai, on December 23 and 24 between 9 am and 5 pm. Learn some tricks in his workshop on December 23 at 11.30 pm. Event open only to college students. Free entry on producing ID cards.