Latest news with #GopinathMuthukad
The Hindu
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Muthukad to perform magic in Kozhikode as a tribute to his father
That young magician was nervous as he stepped onto the Tagore Centenary Hall here on February 20, 1987, for his first performance. He had left his legal studies midway and was uncertain about his future. But the audience in Kozhikode embraced Gopinath Muthukad with warmth as he went on to chart his own path in the field of magic thereafter. Mr. Muthukad is returning to the city again with a grand show titled 'Illusion to Inspiration', as a tribute to his father, Kunjunni Nair, on August 9. 'It is based on the concepts described in the book The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning, envisaging the clearing of our commitments to the people to whom we are indebted. For me, it is my parents. This two-hour show is dedicated to the memory of my father whose belief in me was the foundation for everything I have accomplished,' he told the media on Wednesday. The event, to be inaugurated by legendary magician P.C. Sorcar Junior, would be held at the Providence College Auditorium at 5.30 p.m. The two-hour programme would be a blend of magic, music, dance, and cutting-edge technology. Mr. Muthukad said Kozhikode remained close to his heart for many reasons. 'It was from here that I saw sea for the first time when I was five. It was a kind-hearted man in Kozhikode who printed the posters of my first performance for free. I bought the first vehicle for my troupe from here. When I defaulted on its loan, it was another man here who helped me clear it. My father passed away at a hospital in Kozhikode as well,' he recalled. Mr. Muthukad stopped his professional performances around four years ago and is now running the Different Art Centre in Thiruvananthapuram for differently abled children. He is presently working on an International Institute for People with Disabilities in Kasaragod to promote their holistic development. The event is organised in association with the Different Arts Centre, OISCA International, Malabar Chamber of Commerce, and the Indian Youth Association (IYA). IYA president T.D. Francis, OISCA International secretary general Aravindababu, OISCA International north Kerala president Philip Antony, and Malabar Chamber of Commerce president Nityananda Kammat were present.
Hans India
24-06-2025
- Hans India
Middle East airspace closure throws Kerala airports into chaos, normalcy expected soon
Thiruvananthapuram: The sudden closure of airspace over parts of the Middle East from late Monday evening triggered widespread chaos at Kerala's four major international airports on Tuesday, with hundreds of passengers stranded due to numerous flight cancellations. Display boards at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Kozhikode and Kannur airports showed long lists of cancelled and delayed flights, leaving travellers in a state of uncertainty. However, with reports emerging that the situation is beginning to normalise after the ceasefire between Israel and Iran was announced, many have heaved a sigh of relief as airlines began rescheduling affected journeys. Home to over a quarter-million Keralites, various Middle Eastern countries rely heavily on air connectivity with Kerala. Popular magician Gopinath Muthukad, who was at Doha airport on Monday night when the disruption occurred, shared his experience. He said, 'I was informed of the sudden closure after reaching the airport. Now I've been issued a boarding pass for Tuesday night. Things appear to be returning to normal in Qatar, and I've been told that, apart from some delays, flight operations should resume soon.' More than two dozen international flights from Kerala were cancelled from Monday night. A passenger heading to Saudi Arabia said he was offered an alternative route via Oman, which had not closed its airspace. 'I was told I could fly to Oman and take a connecting flight to Saudi Arabia. I'm now waiting for that option,' he said. Another passenger scheduled to fly to Qatar said, 'My flight was cancelled, but I've been rebooked for Wednesday or later this week.' At Kochi airport, a group of stranded passengers said airline staff had advised them to keep checking their phones for updates. 'Some of us who live nearby have gone home, but many are still waiting here at the airport,' they said. The disruption has not only impacted international travellers but also affected domestic passengers. Several Middle East-bound flights also have domestic legs, and the cancellations have left many such passengers stranded across India. Airlines, including Air India, IndiGo, and several Gulf-based carriers, were among those that cancelled flights.
