Circus hit by Covid struggles set to return in Hubballi

HUBBALLI: Appolo Circus, one of the most famous circuses in India that has been entertaining the audience for decades, has resumed its shows after a long Covid-induced break in Hubballi.
The circus lost its popularity due to various restrictions on the use of animals. The Kerala-based circus company is in Hubballi for the past week, still waiting for a response from people of the city, mainly students.
After the circus entered Karnataka from Tamil Nadu, it got stuck at Sirsi of Uttara Kannada district due the lockdown imposed due to Covid in the beginning of 2020. After being stuck for 18 months, the circus shifted to Hubballi, hoping to recover the loss of Rs 40 lakh.
Appolo Circus Company's owner Sanil George said, “The support that we get during Covid, mainly during the lockdowns, forced us not to leave Karnataka. The assembly speaker Vishweshwar Hegde Kageri, minister Shivaram Hebbar and a chairman of local body Gajanan Nayak helped us a lot.”
“Post Covid, more than 45 artists quit the company and went back home. Further, the government restrictions on using animals in circuses and Covid restrictions put more challenges before us. Currently 85 people including 40 artists are dependent on the circus. The artists don't know anything other than performing in the circus,” he said.
With available artists, Appolo entertains with 25 events, which include acrobatics, ring dance, globe riding and others. The circus has four buffoons, but they do not perform due to the restrictions. The artists are from Manipur, Nepal, West Bengal and other places.
Valasalan PK, a globe rider who is popular as 'Globe Valasalan' in India and abroad, is one among the senior artists in Appolo Circus. He said, “I have been associated with the circus for over 48 years and performed in India and abroad with many other circus companies. Nowadays the popularity of circuses is decreasing. The restrictions on using animals, increased use of mobiles are the reasons for this trend. The younger generation is not showing interest in learning circus performances. Circus however is getting support in several counties but not India,” he said.