India's traditional street performers are facing increasing difficulties in sustaining their craft, with many struggling to earn a living. Magicians, jugglers, puppeteers, and acrobats, who once relied on public spaces for audiences, are now encountering challenges due to evolving entertainment preferences and stricter access to public areas.
Ishamuddin Khan, a 55-year-old magician known for his rope trick, stated that "Street magic is dying a slow death. It is on a ventilator." He is part of the Madari community, which has a long history of public performance. While there are no official figures, Khan estimates around 400 Madari families in Delhi, with more in other states.
Experts attribute the decline to several factors, including the changing nature of public spaces. Anurupa Roy, founder of Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust, noted that "Closed parks and residential societies that bar outsiders are limiting spaces for performance." Additionally, researcher Komita Dhanda highlighted that "With tighter security, especially in busy town and city centres, there is little space left for street performers."
Performers also navigate unclear regulations, as India lacks a federal busking framework. Lawyer Kaushik Mitra explained that street performers often face municipal and police regulations, as well as state-specific anti-begging laws. The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated the situation, leading to a decline in public performances and many artists not returning to cities.
Shahim Khan, a 42-year-old magician, now performs mostly in industrial areas, far from his previous busy public spaces. His earnings have significantly decreased, from 1,000-1,200 rupees for four or five shows a day before the pandemic, to 200-400 rupees for barely two shows now. The rise of short-form digital entertainment and changing attitudes towards street arts are also contributing to the pressure on traditional performers.