Trailblazer Suhani Shah Becomes First Indian to Win an Award at FISM, the 'Oscars of Magic'

Suhani Shah, India’s trailblazing mentalist, has etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian to win an award at the International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM)—often dubbed the ‘Oscars of Magic.’ She clinched the prestigious Best Magic Creator Award, a recognition of her innovative approach to mentalism and her ability to push the boundaries of this fascinating art form. “Humbled. Honored. Thank you for every click, clap, and the bit of magic you saw in me. We did this!” she wrote on X, celebrating the milestone with her millions of followers.This achievement is a moment of pride for India’s performing arts community, highlighting the global appeal of mentalism—a discipline where psychological mastery and showmanship create the illusion of mind reading.What is Mentalism?Mentalism is a performing art rooted in psychology and observation rather than supernatural power. Mentalists like Suhani Shah master techniques such as cold reading, which involves interpreting subtle cues like body language and tone; suggestion, which can influence a person’s thoughts; and razor-sharp observational skills to craft seemingly impossible predictions. As Suhani emphasizes, “I can’t read minds; I create the illusion that I can.”The Making of a ProdigyAt just 34, Suhani has achieved more than most artists accomplish in a lifetime. Her story began in Udaipur, Rajasthan, when she declared at age six that she wanted to be a magician. Her father’s advice was simple yet profound: "Go big. Don’t limit yourself to birthday parties. Create a full show.” By the time she was seven, she had performed her first stage show, stunning audiences with acts like levitation and vanishing tricks.Over the next three decades, Suhani performed more than 5,000 shows, redefining magic in India with her vibrant and modern persona. “People imagine magicians as men in top hats and capes,” she says, and she has worked hard to change this.A Journey Beyond MagicSuhani’s path hasn’t been conventional. She left formal schooling after first grade to pursue her passion, learning life’s lessons on the road while performing across India. At 14, she even wrote a book about her unusual life. Later, she trained as a clinical hypnotherapist, opening a wellness clinic in Goa where she helped people tackle addiction and relationship issues. Her ability to read people—a skill honed on stage—became her strength as a therapist.However, at 27, Suhani felt a calling to return to the stage. Seeking clarity, she embarked on a life-changing trip to the Himalayas, spending a month in silence at Dharamsala. This retreat led to the birth of her first mentalism act, blending her love for psychology with her performance skills.Upcoming Shows and Global PresenceWith her recent award amplifying her global stature, Suhani is gearing up for a busy international schedule. She has performances lined up at Soho Theatre, London (7–10 August), and Underbelly Bristo Square, Edinburgh (12–25 August).Despite her larger-than-life stage presence, Suhani admits to being introverted. “People think I’m an extrovert because I’m confident on stage, but one-on-one conversations once terrified me,” she says. Today, her journey continues to inspire—proving that with passion and perseverance, one can create their own magic.