Mentalist The Magical Touch

The art of mentalism is still in its nascent stage in our country. Yet, the unwavering dedication and captivating talent of these artists are undeniable, as they enthrall audiences with their uncanny ability to predict the unpredictable. Kunal Newar, a mentalist, corporate entertainer, and visionary, is a shining example of the power of passion, perseverance, and self belief. He is one of the few artists carrying the torch of mentalism and magic in our country. Read his story to know more

Corporate Citizen: Give our readers a brief background of yourself.

Kunal Newar: I was born and raised in Guwahati, Assam, in a very humble family where education was of utmost importance. Back then, pursuing a degree in B.Tech Mechanical Engineering seemed viable. The knowledge and perception I gained during those years were technically riveting. However, a revelation dawned on me, propelling me to explore the fundamentals of magic and mentalism through literature.

The journey into the realm of magic truly began when I was just 11 years old. It was when my father presented me with my first magic kit, igniting a lifelong fascination. I tried my magical and mentalist hands on my family and friends, gaining the confidence to pursue this further. Drawing inspiration from books on human psychology and body language, I built my entire show.

Magic arouses a sense of mystery and amazement but is also entertaining at the same time. The ability to do something that seems impossible has always intrigued me. Being a child born into the middle class, I did not have the luxury of spending time or building up a hobby, so magic was always in the back seat. But, once I started working and living on my own terms, I had the time to hone my skills in magic and started performing for office events, charity and colleagues. The reaction that the magic received inspired me to pursue this even more. I decided that I would build this as a profession and grow in this field.

Once I set my eyes on the goal, there was no turning back. From the very next day, I embarked on a journey of performances and have not stopped since. I have performed for some of the top names in the corporate world, businesses, celebrities and prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs. As my reputation grew, so did awareness of what I was doing. This made people curious and drove a sense of curiosity. I have given around four TEDx speeches, a testament that this profession is here to stay and has the ability to touch people’s lives.

CC: Your performances are known for blending magic, mind-reading, and superhuman mental abilities. How do you prepare for such intricate and captivating acts?

There is a saying that's close to my heart and which I actively work on: 'Practice makes a person perfect'. With years of practice and dedication, this becomes muscle memory. The ability to achieve the impossible and demonstrate it to an audience brings immense satisfaction and happiness. The reaction each act gets, motivates me even more, to develop this skill and keep on learning.

CC: You've performed at various prestigious events such as TEDx, India's Got Talent, and many others. How do you adapt your performance style to resonate with different audiences and settings?

I have spoken at four TEDx events till date. Such platforms allow me to spread the essence of magic and being a mentalist. By sharing my stories here, people can relate to my profession.

Every performance begins with understanding the audience and the requirements. Then it all depends on what the story of the show requires and demands. You have to be prepared for anything. Visual/flashy effects or visual storytelling works best for television. This is a skill which can be developed only through experience. Having an in-depth knowledge of the art helps a lot to adapt according to different audiences and settings.

CC: Can you elaborate on your approach to engaging corporate audiences through your interactive performances?

Audience participation is a huge part of my show because the show is entirely interactive. I need information from the audience to perform the effects of mind reading and predictions. So right from the point I enter the stage, I start interacting with the audience members.

"This artwork embodies the spirit of ‘Nothing is impossible’ or ‘Everything is possible’, and this is achieved only through sheer hard work "

-Kunal Newar

CC: What are your thoughts after reading a corporate mind?

It's important to remember that everyone is human, even in a corporate setting. While they might be a bit reserved at first, I've found that after setting the right tone, even audiences at corporate events can be fun-loving and enjoy the show. In fact, I've performed at over 700 corporate events, and this pattern has held true consistently.

CC: Is there a different setup for the corporates and how do you navigate the challenges of performing for corporate audiences, such as varying levels of scepticism or differing preferences among attendees?

The audience attend the show to be entertained. It is a very rare scenario where the audience messes up an act. For every challenge, there is a backup. This has been developed with years of experience. For the audience, they won’t even realise that something goes wrong. Everything is taken care of in a very entertaining way. The audience doesn’t know what is about to happen till the point it has happened. So, there is a lot of scope to direct the act to a desired result.

CC: Beyond entertainment, do you believe there's a deeper significance or message in your performances? If so, what do you hope audiences take away from your shows?

This artwork embodies the spirit of ‘Nothing is impossible’ or ‘Everything is possible’, and this is achieved only through sheer hard work. The creative process behind it is fascinating - artists first dream something that is seemingly impossible ideas, then leverage their existing knowledge to find effective ways to bring those dreams to life.

CC: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring mentalists and illusionists who hope to make a mark in the industry?

I’d like to share a few:

• Sharpen your artistic skills and nurture your passion but remember that education is a valuable tool.
• A strong foundation in academics will equip you with the confidence and skills to establish yourself as a successful artist. If you dream of making this your profession, craft a plan. While taking a leap of faith can be tempting, a well-defined strategy will give you a stronger safety net. My experience involved success, but also significant hardships along the way.
• For a smoother journey, prioritise consistent practice and performance opportunities. These will refine your skills and build your confidence.
• Most importantly, never lose sight of your hope. Hard work is essential but remember that strategic planning can make your path as an artist much easier.