Gopinath Muthukad facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gopinath Muthukad
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| Born | 10 April 1964 Nilambur, Malappuram, Kerala, India
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| Nationality | Indian |
| Alma mater | N. S. S. College, Manjeri |
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| Spouse(s) | Kavitha Muthukad |
| Children | Vismay Muthukad |
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Gopinath Muthukad (born April 10, 1964) is a famous magician and motivational speaker from Kerala, India. He uses magic to teach people and share important messages. He is known for starting the world's first magic academy and a magic-themed park called Magic Planet in Thiruvananthapuram.
In 1995, he performed a dangerous escape act, similar to one made famous by Harry Houdini in 1904. For his amazing work, he has won many awards, including the International Merlin Award, which is like the Oscars for magicians.
Muthukad is also the first person from Kerala to be named a celebrity supporter by UNICEF, a part of the United Nations that helps children. In 2021, he announced he would stop performing professional magic shows. Now, he focuses on helping and empowering children and adults with disabilities. In 2022, he received the Kerala Sree Award, a high honor from the Government of Kerala.
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A Magical Childhood
Gopinath Muthukad was born on April 10, 1964, in a small village near Nilambur, Kerala. As a boy, he loved hearing stories about a great Keralan magician named Vazhakkunnam. This sparked his interest in magic.
When he was just 10 years old, a teacher caught him doing a magic trick in class. Instead of being upset, the teacher encouraged him to put on a show for the whole school. Muthukad says this was a turning point in his life. Even though his father wanted him to choose a different career, Muthukad was determined to become a magician.
After studying mathematics in college, he briefly attended law school but decided to follow his passion. He moved to Thiruvananthapuram to dedicate his life to magic. At first, it was a struggle, but people soon began to notice his unique and exciting way of performing. He has since performed on more than 10,000 stages in India and around the world.
Using Magic to Help Others
Muthukad believes magic can be used for more than just entertainment. He has started several projects to help society and spread positive messages.
The Magic Academy
In 1996, Muthukad founded the Academy of Magical Sciences in Thiruvananthapuram. This special school, also known as the Magic Academy, was created to teach the art of magic. It also works to fight against superstitions and violence in society. The famous film director Adoor Gopalakrishnan is currently its leader.
Journeys Across India
Muthukad has led five major tours across India, traveling from the southern tip of Kanyakumari to Kashmir in the north. These journeys, called "Yatras," used magic shows to spread important ideas. He taught about national unity, peace, and the teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. His most recent tour in 2024, called 'Inclusive India', focused on including people with disabilities in society.
Magic Planet
Magic Planet is a one-of-a-kind theme park that opened in 2014 in Thiruvananthapuram. It was created to give street magicians, whose art was fading away, a place to perform and earn a living. Today, it supports over 200 artists. The park is a popular spot for tourists and locals who want to experience the wonder of magic.
Helping Children with Disabilities
Muthukad has a special passion for helping children with disabilities.
Mpower
In 2017, he started a program called 'Anuyatra' to empower children with disabilities. He taught a group of 23 children magic, and they formed a team called 'MPower'. Their performances were so successful that a permanent center was created for them. This center helps them develop their talents and build confidence. It was the first time in the world that a permanent magic stage was opened for performers with special talents.
Different Art Centre
The success of Mpower led to the creation of the Different Art Centre in 2019. This center helps children with disabilities explore their talents in many different art forms, not just magic. By performing for an audience, the children gain self-confidence. The center helps them develop skills to support themselves and their families in the future.
Magik Homes
In June 2024, Muthukad launched the MAGIK Homes project. This project builds special, accessible houses for people with disabilities from poor communities. These homes are designed to help them live more independently.
Special Roles and Honors
Because of his good work, Muthukad has been given important roles by major organizations.
- UNICEF Supporter: UNICEF chose him as a "Celebrity Supporter" to help promote children's rights in Kerala. He uses his fame to share important messages about keeping children safe and healthy.
- State Icon for Elections: The Election Commission of India made him a State Icon for Kerala. He uses his magic shows to encourage people to vote and take part in democracy.
Awards and Achievements
Muthukad has received many awards for his contributions to magic and society.
- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award, 1995
- Prathibha Pranamam Honour by Kerala State Government, 2000
- Merlin Award from the International Magician's Society, 2011
- Celebrity Advocate title from UNICEF for promoting child rights, 2016
- Kerala Icon by Election Commission of India, 2016
- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship, 2018
- Kerala Sree from the Government of Kerala, 2022
- Kunjunni Award, 2022
- State SVEEP Icon of Kerala by the Election Commission of India for 2023 & 2025
Books
Muthukad has written several books about magic and his life experiences.
- Magic: History, Basics
- Vazhakunnam Stories (Stories about the legendary magician Vazhakkunnam)
- Math-Magic (A book about magic with numbers)
- Easy-to-do magic tricks
- Ormakalude Manthrika Sparsam (Autobiography)
- India – My spellbound love (Travel book)
Personal Life
Muthukad is married to Kavitha, and they have a son named Vismay. They live in Thiruvananthapuram.
