Mind Over Magic: Razik’s Journey as a Master Mentalist

In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, few art forms captivate audiences as powerfully as magic. Among the new generation of performers, one mentalist is making waves both locally and internationally. We sat down with Razik, a mentalist whose unique blend of psychology, suggestion, and showmanship has left audiences awestruck. Here, he shares insights into his journey, inspirations, and aspirations.

In this exclusive interview with Tinds, he takes us on a journey through how he followed his passion and flourished in the media sector.

Tinds: What inspired you to start your journey into the world of magic?

Razik: My journey into the world of magic began at the tender age of five during a memorable trip to Hong Kong. It was there that I encountered a magician who captivated me with his mesmerizing tricks and enchanting performance. The way he effortlessly conjured illusions and brought joy to the crowd left an indelible mark on my young mind. That magical encounter sparked a lifelong passion within me, inspiring me to delve into the art of magic. Throughout this journey, my dad has been incredibly supportive, encouraging me every step of the way as I honed my skills and pursued a path filled with wonder and creativity.

Tinds: You often describe yourself as a ‘mentalist.’ Could you explain what that means?

Razik: A mentalist is a performer who specializes in demonstrating extraordinary mental abilities and intuitive feats that seem to border on the supernatural. Utilizing a combination of psychology, suggestion, misdirection, and keen observation, mentalists create the illusion of mind reading, telepathy, and other psychic phenomena. My acts often involve predicting thoughts, revealing personal information, or influencing decisions in ways that leave audiences awestruck and questioning the limits of human perception.

Tinds: Could you share some experiences from your early performances that contributed to your initial popularity?

Razik: One of my most memorable early performances was at the Chittagong Club, where I was just 12 years old. They took a considerable leap of faith and put me in front of hundreds of people to perform at the club’s 125th anniversary. Soon, I began to gain traction in my hometown, performing regularly in esteemed venues such as Chittagong Club, Golf Club, and the Lions Club, to name a few.

Tinds: Can you tell us about the mentors or magicians who have significantly influenced your style and approach?

Razik: Definitely David Blaine. Watching his show on TV at a young age was the moment that truly inspired me to delve into the world of magic. I loved how he connects directly with the audience through street magic, leaving people absolutely astonished.

Tinds: How would you describe your personality in three words?

Razik: Charming, Persistent, Competitive.

Tinds: How do you balance the demands of frequent travel and performances with your personal life?

Razik: I love traveling, so it never bothered me. In fact, I intentionally seek out international shows and tours to travel more frequently.

Tinds: What is the major difference between performing for a local audience and an international one?

Razik: The local audience tends to be more surprised and skeptical since they haven’t seen much mind-reading or mentalism before. However, the love from the Bangladeshi crowd is unbelievable. I’m quite comfortable performing for international audiences because I generally learn my tricks and patter in English first. Moreover, I have over 100+ magic theatre shows under my belt from when I was living in Australia.

Tinds: What are your goals for the future of the entertainment industry in Bangladesh?

Razik: I am here to be the best and to take over, InshaAllah. After establishing myself in Bangladesh, my goal is to become the best internationally.

Tinds: Do you have any exciting upcoming projects you can share with us?

Razik: I can’t share details on many of my projects due to signed NDAs. However, I do have a magic show with Nagorik TV that airs weekly. Additionally, I’m setting my sights on performing at Britain’s Got Talent and Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and I will be applying for those very soon.

Tinds: What advice would you give to young, aspiring magicians who want to pursue this art professionally?

Razik: Be a dog, be persistent and work hard. Remember, it’s a special art form that brings happiness to people’s lives. Master the craft and dazzle the world.