Former Union Cabinet Minister and senior BJP leader Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi today said here that the “International Circus Festival” is a “Sangam of Skill, Slapstick and Stunt”.

On the occasion of inauguration of the renowned Rambo Circus’ "International Circus Festival", started in New Delhi today, Shri Naqvi said that the hundreds of years old glorious heritage of this “physical innovation” is still an alluring attraction among the people of all ages even in this era of digital entertainment.

Shri Naqvi said that promotion, protection and preservation of Circus art and artists is need of the hour so that this traditional art can regain the heights of popularity and prevalence among the people.

Shri Naqvi said that these genius masters of Circus, who have virtuosity in capability, comedy and stunt, are a “mesmerising messenger” of human values, peace and harmony even amid the ongoing turmoil including war situation in different parts of the world.

Shri Naqvi said that after taking inspiration from G20, the famous Rambo Circus has brought together different ancient Circus arts and artists from various countries under one roof. Besides, Bharat, Circus artists from Nepal, Argentina, Russia, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Ethiopia etc. are showing their skills in this Circus festival.

Shri Naqvi said that the Circus industry across the world has been severely affected by the availability of innumerable mediums of entertainment in the current digital-internet era. Still, Circus has its own glamour, attraction and magnetism. It only needs proper “Manch (platform) and Mauka (opportunity)”.

Shri Naqvi said that Circus is not only a medium of entertainment but it has also been a source of employment for artists and other associated people on a large scale. Circus, which was considered an important medium of entertainment till about two decades ago, is today struggling for its survival. That is why besides promoting traditional sports, arts, culture, concrete steps need to be taken for the uplift of Circus also.

Shri Naqvi said that efforts like the International Circus Festival are laudable steps towards bringing the vanishing Circus arts of different countries on one stage.

Fascinating and stunning Circus arts from various countries including “Cradle Act” and “Hair Hanging Act” of Argentina; “The Icarian” of Ethiopia; “Quick Change” and “Silk Act” of Russia; “Bubble Act” of Ukraine and Nepal’s “Candle Contortion” are major attraction of this 10-day International Circus Festival.

Cheering up and encouraging the Circus artists, Shri Naqvi said that, “The show must go on”.

Senior BJP leaders Shri Shyam Jaju and Shri Vijay Jolly, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Media and Entertainment Committee chairman Shri Mukesh Gupta and other dignitaries also graced the occasion.