12/03/2020, 16.36
BANGLADESH
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Christian magician George Dabal D'Cruze has died

by Sumon Corraya

As Bangladesh’ only famous Christian magician, he performed magic on the country’s biggest stage, on all national TV stations, and even on a Church cultural programme. His magic offered the public a new form of entertainment. He won many awards for his work.

Dhaka (AsiaNews) – Magician George Dabal D'Cruze died yesterday of cardiac arrest. He was 76 and had been in hospital for six days. His funeral was held on the same day at Holy Rosary Church in Tejgaon in Dhaka.

Born in the parish of Soulpur, near Dhaka, he was Bangladesh’s only famous Christian magician, known across the country.

When he was in Grade 6, he was drawn to magic, and never looked back, learning how to perform make-believe. In time he became one of the best of his kind in the whole country.

He pioneered performing magic during birthday parties, and was the first to “cut” a woman in three pieces. Other magicians learnt from him and became famous.

A banker by training, George Dabal D'Cruze quit his day job after 13 years to devote himself full time to magic. He performed on Bangladesh’s biggest stage, on national TV stations, and even on a Church cultural programme. His magic offered the public a new form of entertainment, and enabled him to win many awards.

Hindu Shiben Chakraborty, another famous magician eulogised him. “George Dabal D'Cruze was my magic teacher,” he told AsiaNews.

“I learnt a lot about magic from him. He gave me free magic tools he had brought from abroad. He had a big heart.” Every magician was saddened by his death, and extended their condolences, Shiben said.

“We Bangladeshis have lost a great magician. George made an immense contribution to the magic industry,” Shiben added.

"In our country, among the top five magicians George Dabal D'Cruze was the second best. He brought his magic to India and China as well. He was our ideal magician.”

George also tried to organise magicians. He was the founding treasurer of the Bangladesh Magician Council, and later served as secretary of United Magician and taught beginners.

Many spectators also expressed their sorrow, saying that they’ll miss his art. One of them is Marcel Gomes. “I liked his magic,” he told AsiaNews. “It gave me joy and fresh entertainment. I am grateful to him for his contribution to magic.”

Bangladesh has about 500 magicians. Magic is a relatively new form of entertainment in the country, and is very popular during the winter months.

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