2024-08-02 17:17:27
Documentary film ‘The Laxman Das Circus’ was made with government grant. It won the ‘Festival Special Mention’ award at the 14th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival, Delhi. The 13th Kolkata Short International Film Festival is going to be held in Kolkata, India. The documentary will be screened at the festival on August 4. It is directed and produced by Jhumur Asma Jui.
The movie ‘The Laxman Das Circus’ is made to keep the circus industry alive. Around 1947 Shri Laxman Das formed a circus troupe. Which is named ‘The Royal Pakistan Circus’. As the Royal Bengal Tiger is the king of the forest, Lakshman Das is the king of the circus. When he performed, people would come from far and wide to watch it.
The liberation struggle started with Bangabandhu’s declaration of independence in 1971. Laxman Das used to help and cooperate with the freedom fighters in various ways. Shri Laxman Das lost his life in Pakistani Army firing. His beloved elephant was also shot five times. Ended the life of a great circus artist.
After independence his two sons Shri Arun Das and Shri Biren Das formed the party again. Which is named ‘The Royal Bengal Circus’ and ‘The Laxman Das Circus’. For the past 60 years, they have been providing wholesome entertainment through circuses in different parts of the country without expecting any gain. He continues to fight hard with the children of the circus. This team has three boats. At one time 70 to 80 artistes used to stay here at all times. The group stays on the boat. Circuses used to perform in different villages. But at present there is no circus show.
Arun Das said the problem is getting permission for the circus. And such a big event is not possible without permission.
The main purpose of this documentary film is to stand by the people who have struggled for a lifetime to keep the circus industry alive. It is very important to keep this endangered industry alive for future generations. It is the need of the hour to make more documentary films like ‘The Lakshan Das Circus’ to preserve this art.
The exact date of the beginning of the circus cannot be specified. But we find in history that circus was prevalent in Rome. Later, a gentleman named Felix Ashley introduced the circus in London.