Gopinath Muthukad is an Indian magician and motivational speaker from Kerala. He employs magic as a medium to convey his messages to public. He founded the World's first magic academy at Thiruvananthapuram. In 1995, he became the first magician in the world to perform an escape act in the style of Harry Houdini's act of 1904. In the same year, he was awarded the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy award. He is the winner of the International Merlin Award instituted by the International Magicians' Society. He is the first Keralite to be honoured as the celebrity supporter by the UN agencyUNICEF, for promoting child right activities in Kerala.
Early life
Muthukad was born on 10 April 1964 in Kavalamukkatta, a small village near Nilambur to Kunjunni Nair and Devaki Amma. At an early age itself he showed a great interest in magic having heard stories about Vazhakkunnam who was one of the great magicians in Kerala. At the age of 10, he was caught performing magic in class by a teacher who then encouraged him to hold his first show at his school. Muthukad says this was the turning point in his life. Over the years his determination to pursue magic as a career grew stronger despite stiff opposition from his father. After graduating in mathematics from N.S.S College, Manjeri he joined Law College, Bangalore but later dropped out and left his Nilambur home for Thiruvananthapuram to pursue his passion in magic. Although his early years as a magician were full of struggles but he began to be noticed for his unique styles of presenting magic. He has appeared in more than 8,000 stages in India and abroad, and has given a new meaning and dimension to the art of magic.
Endeavors
Magic Academy
The Academy of Magical sciences, popularly known as Magic Academy, was established in the year 1996. It was built under the guidance of Late Malayatoor Ramakrishnan and after it was late Jnanpith O.N.V.Kurup. And now the torch of leadership is handled by acclaimed film director, Shri. Adoor Gopalakrishnan. It was established under the Cultural and Charitable institutions act, for the upliftment and promotion of the magic art, moreover in using the art to fight against all kinds of irrational beliefs, superstitions, violence and other evil practices existing in our society.
Magic Planet
Magic Planet situated at KINFRA Film and Video Park, Kazhakuttom, Thiruvananthapuram was built with the objective to provide a permanent rehabilitation hub for street magicians who are the verge of complete wipe out from the main phase our society due lack of platforms to display their rare skills. Moreover it was designed to impart wonders and immense possibilities of magical art to the common public which includes the domestic tourists and foreigners visiting the state. The venture was opened to public in 2014 by Chief Minister of Kerala. The currently the institution is supporting more than 200 more artistes for the daily functioning and their day today needs.
UNICEF
Gopinath Muthukad has been conferred "Celebrity UNICEF Supporter" status to join the efforts of the UN agency in improving condition and status of children in the state. Muthukad is the first Keralite and the first magician to receive the honour. He was selected for his credibility and ability to communicate critical messages on child rights to a large number of people, particularly mothers, caregivers and youth. He joins hands with UNICEF to provide all children with opportunities to survive, develop and reach their full potential to the benefit of the sustained growth and stability of countries and a global standard of human rights for all.
Muthukad has been designated as State Icon for Kerala by the Election Commission of India, for his activities on creating awareness and motivating the masses to participate in the electoral process. Through his magical shows, he was able to create awareness on the importance of democracy and the need to participate in the electoral processes. He was the first Keralite selected for this honour. He worked as volunteer in the North East State of India where people is reluctant to cooperate in the election process.
Awards & Achievements
• Kerala State Sangeetha Nataka Academy Award in 1995 • Akshaya Puraskaaram offered by Akshaya Pusthaka Nidhi in 2000 • Prathibha Pranamam Honour by Kerala state government in 2000 • Muscat Municipality's Award of Excellence in 2001 • Rotary Vocational Excellence Award • Entry into the LIMCA Book of Records in 2003 • Humanity Service Award from Anti Smoking Society, Qatar in 2004 • Lions Excellence Award in 2005 • Kerala Legislative Assembly's Memento in 2005 • Icon of Illusions Honour, Press Club of Nagercoil in 2007 • Merlin Award from International Magician's Society in 2011 • Celebrity Advocate title from UNICEF for promoting child rights in 2016 • Kerala Icon by Election Commission of India in 2016 • Rashtriya Aavishkar Abhiyan Ambassador in 2016 • Swachh Ambassador by the Corporation of Trivandrum in 2016 • Kesavadev Puraskar by the P Kesavadev trust in 2017 • Kerala State Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Fellowship in 2018 • Leader of the 21st Century finalist by San Francisco University 2019
Television shows
Personal life
Muthukad is married to Kavitha and the couple has a son, Vismay Muthukad. He is settled with his family in Thiruvananthapuram.
