Written by Tanisha Cardozo
The year was 2003. A simple visit to a magic stall in Mumbai changed the course of Cdr Clifford N Parakh’s life forever. At 33, while still serving as a Naval Officer, Clifford purchased a small magic trick. What struck him wasn’t just the trick itself, but the joy it brought to others. That moment became the spark that would eventually ignite a full-time career in the world of illusion.
Encouraged by his wife Radhika and inspired by the renowned Goan illusionist Mr. Edmundo Da Cunha, Clifford took the bold decision to step away from his career in the Indian Navy and fully dedicate himself to magic. Now, over 15 years later, he stands as Goa’s leading illusionist, recognized not only for his technical mastery but also for his signature style of engaging, corporate-friendly entertainment.
Clifford’s act, meticulously designed for corporate audiences, is a blend of minimalistic setup and maximum impact. He operates with few props—often just a briefcase—but delivers a 45-minute act packed with sleight of hand, humour, communication, and mentalism. His performances are tailored to the business world: clean, interactive, and free of controversial content. Whether it’s breaking the monotony of a long conference or launching a product in a spectacular fashion, his shows are designed to leave a lasting impression.
What sets Clifford apart is his focus on audience interaction. He believes magic is not just about deception but emotional engagement. “When someone comes on stage, the entire audience lives the experience through them,” he says. Whether performing for CEOs or regional sales teams, Clifford takes time to research his audience, sometimes even learning a few lines in their local language to establish rapport instantly.
His most celebrated performance? The Mind Reading Duo Act with his wife Radhika. In this unforgettable illusion, Radhika is blindfolded while audience members silently think of names, numbers, or places. One by one, their thoughts are revealed with uncanny accuracy. “This is probably the only act of its kind in India,” Clifford shares, and it consistently wins hearts wherever it’s performed.
Despite his accolades, Clifford remains grounded. He views magic as a lifelong study of not just tricks, but of psychology, pacing, humour, and the deep, nuanced art of showmanship. “Even after two decades, I feel I’ve just scratched the surface,” he admits.
Clifford has had his share of on-stage mishaps too, but with presence of mind and years of experience, he always finds a way to keep the illusion alive. “The audience doesn’t know what’s coming next. As long as the trick ends logically, they’ll never know something went wrong,” he smiles.
He’s also cautious with technology in magic. While modern illusions often rely on digital props or internet-based tricks, Clifford prefers sleight of hand. “If tech fails, there’s no way out. Skill never fails,” he asserts.
Today, Clifford wears many hats—illusionist, author (Discover The Magician In You), mentor, and recipient of the prestigious Karamveer Chakra Award (Gold) for 2024. He has won the National Illusion Competition in 2009, featured on Prime TV’s street magic series, and etched his name in the India Book of Records (2022) for being the first to perform a magic show for the visually impaired—on radio.
For aspiring magicians, Clifford offers honest advice: master fewer tricks, perform them perfectly, be likable on stage, and never rely solely on magic for income—at least not at first. “Build a reputation first, then let the price follow,” he says.
In a world constantly chasing the next thrill, Clifford N Parakh brings something rare—wonderment. For a few magical moments, he invites audiences into a world where logic takes a backseat and imagination takes flight. And that, as he rightly says, is the timeless appeal of magic.
