Thu Apr 17 17:52:40 UTC 2025: ## Indian Circus Faces Extinction as Veteran Performers Struggle
**Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala –** The vibrant world of Indian circus, once a source of wonder and livelihood for generations, is facing imminent extinction, according to a recent report. The decline, decades in the making, has been accelerated by a series of government regulations and a failure to adapt to changing times.
The report details the plight of veteran performers, many of whom suffered debilitating injuries during their careers, leaving them with little support in old age. Babutty, a former star performer, has been bedridden for 23 years after a trapeze accident. His story is echoed by countless others, highlighting the physical toll and lack of long-term care for these artists.
The Supreme Court’s 2011 ban on employing children under 18 and the earlier ban on using animals in circuses dealt devastating blows to the industry. The loss of child performers decimated the talent pool, while the removal of animals, a major draw for audiences, significantly reduced attendance. Many smaller circuses have closed, and even larger operations struggle to survive.
While some retired performers in Kerala receive a small monthly pension, many feel it’s insufficient to cover medical expenses and the rising cost of living. Efforts to establish a medical insurance scheme for these artists have stalled.
Industry veterans express concern over the lack of new talent and the industry’s inability to adapt to modern entertainment preferences. The report quotes P. R. Nisha, author of *Jumbos and Jumping Devils*, who believes the industry’s recovery is unlikely, given the cumulative impact of the bans.
The once-thriving Indian circus, with its dazzling acts and exotic animals, is now a fading memory, leaving behind a legacy of talented but struggling performers and a poignant reminder of a beloved art form slowly disappearing.
First Piper 