The maiden performance of Gemini Circus under the leadership of M.V. Shankaran and K.Sahadevan was held on August 15, 1951 in Billimoria town, Gujarat.
During the year 1953, K.T.Kunhikannan and K.S. Menon joined the Gemini Circus as partners. After two years, K.S. Menon left and started his own Circus. But T.K. Kunhikkanan continued for nearly 24 years till he breathed his last in 1975. Then on M.V. Shankaran and K.Sahadevan continued as partners. During the year 1984, K.Sahadevan left Gemini Circus. During the same year Sitaram Poddar and Babubhai Shah joined as partners. But they also left in 1987. Then M.V. Shankaran managed the circus for a few years on his own. Subsequently in 1992, Vinod Kumar Sabharwal joined Gemini Circus as a partner. During the same year, M.V. Shankaran left the Circus and Vinod Kumar Sabharwal managed the circus on his own till 1999. Subsequently Sahadevan and Premkumar managed the circus for some years. After Sahadevan’s demise Premkumar was managing the circus on his own. In 2005, the circus was on the verge of closure, hence Premkumar requested M.V. Shankaran to take over the circus. M.V. Shankaran guided his sons Ajay Shankar and Ashok Shankar to revive and reclaim the No.1 position of Gemini Circus in the Indian Circus Industry.
Distinguished leaders of our country, Jawaharlal Nehru, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, Dr. S.Radhakrishnan, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, E.M.S Namboodiripad, A.K.Gopalan, M.G. Ramachandran and world renowned leaders Martin Luther King, Mrs. King and Lady Mountbatten were among those who had come to see the circus. M.V. Shankaran, the living legend of Indian Circus, led the country’s delegation to the world Circus festival held in 1963, in Moscow, Soochi and Yalta, They received admiration from Alexander Voloshein and ReTereskova Valentina, the first lady cosmonaut. The entire delegation was given diplomat visas by the Government of India. This unique recognition was bestowed as an honour for being rated as the most enchanting troupe in india.
The Film Industry had a special rapport with the Circus. The famous Rajkapoor film “Mera Naam Joker”, Mithun Chakraborty’s “Shikari, Kamala Hassan’s ‘Apoorva Sahodarangal” were filmed in association with the Gemini Circus. Gemini Circus is now presently managed by Late. M.V.Shankaran’s sons, namely, Ajay Shankar and Ashok Shankar
The members of Troupe includes Mearg Tesfay Kidanemariam (27), Alem Tsegay Gebremedhn(22), Omary Kijumbe Kilama (35), Salum Maganga Makamba(32), Samiry Mohamedi Matindua (19), Rajabu Abdallah Mushi(31), Ramadhan Kulwa Mafuta(20), Khalid Ramadhan Ngemba(43), Mohamed Abdallah Mnwuga (32). 1-Pyramids are formations abstracted from the wild habitual levity, this demonstrates swiftness, endurance, power, speed and perseverance to form Human Pyramids- in between semi-pyramids, moves performed in two, three of four acrobatics. 2- Limbo Dance and Fire Eating-Dances performed under burning fire accompanied by traditional African Music with background wild animals cries. 3. Pole Acrobatics- The artistes climb up and down two poles in different styles and jump from one pole to another. The speed and dexterity of the performers during this act is remarkable. The background music of the popular Shakira song with their scintillating performance has the entire audience in total rapture.
The other important acts include Russian Stick Balance, 3 Eye Spring Net, Vertical Swinging Acrobat, Russian Rope Balance and Comic Chair Acrobat. Other highlights include: American ring of death, Cycle Acrobatics act performed by Suman. Pocket cycle item performed by a couple. Globe Motor Cycle act performed by four artists.
The Gemini Circus has around 300 employees which includes 40 male artistes, 60 female artistes, 50 Administrative and 150 Support staff.
There are certain important factors that have made Gemini the best Circus in india. It has been voted as the most popular and entertaining Circus of India in terms of the audience preference and quality rating all over India by an independent panel of art lovers of our country.
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