REMERKABLE RANGASHAIE
Magician, Industrialist & Actor 

Interview by - CNB              Photo by - K.M. VEERESH    Date - 14th December  2004

‘If I am left in a strange place without anything I can come to my place with something’. Magic and talking doll specialist G.B.Rangashaie says with pride. He is the proud son of the soil. A magician, actor, industrialist and above all a good human being – all rolled into one is G.B.Rangashaie. He is shy from publicity despite of giving 5000 performances with talking doll and loaded magical works. He is now up to learning dove act from a magician in Kerala and intends to create two doves at a time.

In a tête-à-tête with correspondent he gives an account of past, present and future ahead.

Excerpts of an interview:

• Congratulations on winning the Indira Priyadarshini award at the national level?

Thank you. This gold medal has come to me for my art and industrial progress. I am happy that I got this award from Governor of Hyderabad Sushilkumar Shinde at a very early age of my life.

• What’s your specialty in magic?

Talking doll is my specialty. When I was 16 years of age I started doing magic. I have so far completed 28 years of long stint with 5000 programs in all over Karnataka, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and other prominent cities of the country. I started my profession in exhibitions on Re.1 ticket as entry fee.

• When did you come to television?

When it was the beginning days of Doordarahan Bangalore I did programs like ‘Mogina Magic’ and with the help of talking doll there were songs also. I entered to television after a long time from ‘Chiti Chiti’ where I was duped by M.S.Karanth. He took credit and my bank showed a debit balance to the extent of Rs.15 lakhs. Later I acted in television serial ‘Rathnagiri Rahasya’ with my pet talking Doll; I got opportunities in Kanyadaana, Kutumba. Got bit roles in films like Kadamba, Aliya Mane Tholiya etc.

• What is that you gained so far in your life?

In my 28 years I earned the support, respect, money and above all became a self confident in my art. I have trained around 25 persons in the magic field.

• Memorable programs in your career?

At Dr.Rajkumar’s residence on the birthday of Shivrajkumar’s daughter it was memorable. Dr Raj and their entire family members of around 150 watched the magic program. What was astonishing I was getting good smell of the food prepared not even a single person vacated the seat. Dr.Rajkumar who was in the middle of his family members was in front and watched the program. He appreciated, patted me and blessed me. He said ‘Makkale Jothe ivathu neevu Nannannu Magu Madibittiri’. The other one was for police officers in Tannery Road. This was arranged by senior cops Pratap Singh and Chalapathy. It was on Hindu Muslim unity and bringing awareness through magic the importance of having small family. 

• Magic can be used for social reformation…..

Yes. I have done that already. In Consumers forum, for bus stands and museums I have give programs. On the superstitious believes I have given lectures at Akashvani and on road safety I have used my art.
 
• What was your peak period?

It was 95 and 96. I have given highest shows.

• How is the status of magicians in Karnataka?

New inventions only keep going. There is too much of illusion magic here. In places like Maharashtra, Kerala and other places it is body load magic that is difficult. It is risky and lot of involvement and practice is required.

• This art has helped you grow mentally?

It has sharpened my mind. There is plenty of scope to grow from magic.

• Gorur Bhagwan Rangashaie avare, when did you started your industry?

In 1990 in a small room I took up this as a challenge. The GEE BEE Industrial products are now very famous 40 varieties of products. For all bakeries we supply machines besides manufacturing weighing machines. The Kneading machine, Bread slicer, Hot case, electronic scale, cake machines GEE BEE is capable of setting up of fully automatic LPG and electric bakery ovens. 

• How do you hold the attention from your talking doll and magic programs?

My talking doll is entirely different from others. I keep studying the mood of the audience. Make them involve with variety of programs.

• What are you heading for in future?

I am contemplating on a partnership with Italian firm. Besides this I am learning the dove act wherein I can create two doves on the stage. I am learning this trick.