A cop who dons the magician’s hat

This cop has many tricks up his sleeve

Manohar is no ordinary cop. The DSP, who was born in Rajahmundry and is currently serving in the Telangana Police Department, doubles up as a magician and has performed in hundreds of shows in the country and abroad. What’s unique is that Manohar uses the medium to spread awareness on a number of social issues. His feat has earned him a nickname ‘Stick Manohar’ in the police department

As a youngster, Manohar obtained his Masters in Sociology and Public Administration with Bachelors in Law from Andhra University. However he ditched the corporates to join the police department to pursue his dream of nabbing the culprits. But Manohar didn’t just stop there. He decided to spread awareness among the masses through an art which he has been practicing since childhood-magic. His unique skills earned him a nickname ‘Stick Manohar’.

Manohar is presently serving as Deputy Superintendent of Police (Computer Services and Standardisation), Telangana State in Hyderabad. He is also pursuing PhD in Magic from Acharya Nagarjuna University.Born in Rajahmundry in 1961, S Manohar Rao is a self-trained magician and was in the business from 1976 when he gave a three-hour stage show. His inspiration was none other than India’s famous magician PC Sorcar.Manohar practiced the tricks that Sorcar used to publish in a column in the popular monthly Chandamama. After his debut show, Manohar followed it up with hundreds of shows in India as well as abroad.

Imitating his idol, Manohar also started writing articles in magazines like Magic World and Telugu weeklies including Pallaki, Mayuri and Andhra Prabha. He has even a written book titled ‘Aggipullaltho Magikkullu’ and frequently takes part in talk shows on magic in All India Radio. He has been presented titles like ‘Mayajala Mahendra’, ‘Millennium Star’, ‘King of Magicians’, ‘Super Magician’, ‘Rashtra Vikasa Siromani’, ‘Indrajala Ratna’, ‘Jadu Ratna’, ‘Magicania-2009’, ‘Indrajala Vibhushana’ and ‘Indrajala Siromani’. Manohar has popularised ‘Blind Fold Motor Cycle Driving’ which he has performed in Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Vijayawada, Nellore, Hyderabad and at Sirohi Road in Rajasthan.

As far as his inventions are concerned, Stick Manohar discovered card tricks and conjuring tricks in magic. One of his cards trick was named ‘Pocket Three Card Monte’ by magician Sam Dalal from Kolkata who later introduced it in national and international market. Recently Manohar invented two tricks titled ‘Repeat Instant Art’ and ‘Hopping Silk’.More than magic, Manohar has gained recognition for creating awareness on sensitive issues on women and children, child labour, girl education and conservation of environment. He passes on these messages while delivering his performance. Whatever he earns, he donates part of it to support disabled and HIV affected children.

Manohar strongly believes that one should possess qualities like self-discipline, commitment, practice and dedication to excel in any field. He says that every person has only 24 hours to perform his duties and everyone should be careful in utilising that time in a proper manner. He gives credit to his family as well the police department for his contribution to his job and for the magic shows through which he spreads messages on various sensitive issues

By Samson Raj