If a circus brings back memories of childhood, fire-eaters, clowns and the trapeze artistes, here’s one you shouldn’t miss

The spotlight lights up the circular stage, the nets are strung tight, the drum-rolls begin and as they reach a crescendo, a figure perched precariously on a ledge at the very top of the tent rubs his hands together and smiles confidently at the crowd below.

Suddenly, he jumps off the ledge and for one second, time stands still, as he remains suspended in air. While the crowd holds its breath and gasps collectively, the man reaches out and grabs a swinging bar.

The Trapeze Act has begun, and children and adults alike are gazing in awe and anticipation, for the Circus has come to town.

For those under the impression that an evening out at the circus has lost its charm, Rambo International Circus will prove otherwise. The 12-year-old circus has a new and improved look now, with an entirely air-conditioned interior and a hydraulic ring, something that is unique to them, since it is the only circus in India to have both amenities.

“We have three shows, at three o’ clock, six o’ clock and nine o’clock at night. The night show is almost always full, though there are crowds that turn up for the others too, they are fewer in numbers,” says Mohan Shahani, who has been associated with the circus since its inception. “The circus was started by P T Dilip 12 years ago, in Pune in Saras Baug. He visited circuses all over the world and took the best example of their techniques and brought back technicians as well,” he adds.

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