Farhanul Islam, better known as Magicman Farhanul, is a Bangladeshi magician captivating audiences across Canada with his mesmerizing illusions and street magic. His rise to prominence in the world of magic is a tale of passion, inspiration, and relentless dedication to his craft. Farhanul’s fascination with magic began at a young age in his hometown in Bangladesh. Like many budding magicians, he found inspiration in the legendary performances of David Blaine. The way Blaine could seamlessly blend mystery with simplicity struck a chord with young Farhanul. Determined to emulate his idol, he began practicing magic tricks, often astonishing friends and family with his natural talent for sleight of hand and misdirection. He is the official entertainer of Chittagong Kings in BPL this season.During an exclusive interview with TINDS, Farhan shared his story of coming this far and making a profession out of his passion for magic.
TINDS: Tell us a little about your childhood. Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Farhan: I grew up in Chittagong and attended Chittagong Grammar School right up until I finished my A’ levels. After that, I made my way to Canada for my undergraduate studies. While I was there, I landed my first gig working on a TV series for my university’s channel. It wasn’t the most amazing experience, but it was incredibly valuable. I learned so much from seeing things from different perspectives and angles.
TINDS: How did you decide to pursue magic as a career?
Farhan: During my eight years in Canada, I taught at a university while also practicing magic on the side. The COVID pandemic sparked an epiphany for me—I decided to dedicate myself to magic full-time. Shortly after, I was fortunate enough to land a major event in Mexico called Flying Circus. I also performed at Burning Man for three consecutive years. Last year, following that experience, I had the chance to take the stage at Tomorrowland, where I became the only southeastern artist to perform internationally. I introduced magic into the music scene and had the honor of representing Bangladesh at the World Championship of Magic in 2022.
TINDS: What 3 words would you choose to describe yourself?
Farhan: Happy, Empathetic and Learning.
TINDS: How did you initially get interested in magic?
Farhan: I began my musical journey with the guitar, thinking it would be a cool hobby. Since we had a guitar instructor at school, I decided to give it a shot. I practiced diligently for two years but eventually came to the conclusion that the guitar wasn’t the right fit for me. One day, I happened to catch David Blaine performing magic on television, and I was completely captivated by his card and coin tricks. Unlike David Copperfield, whose performances are impressive but don’t necessarily inspire, Blaine ignited a spark in me. I turned to YouTube to learn some magic tricks and started practicing them. This led me to Canada, where I met some incredible magicians and gained valuable insights from them. Now, I’m working on a TV series for an OTT platform called The Brown Magic Experience, which we just finalized.
TINDS: Living in a society where being a doctor or an engineer is glorified, were your parents supportive of your decisions?
Farhan:I’ve always been a well-behaved child, following the typical path of education—attending school, completing college, and earning a degree. Interestingly, I launched my own business before I even graduated. I established an educational company, which makes me somewhat of a blend between an entrepreneur and a professor. Although I lack a master’s degree, I have engaged in teaching similar to a professor’s role; I’ve educated over 5,000 students from various universities. It was during the pandemic that I chose to pivot and pursue my true passions. Performing at Tomorrowland felt like a validation of my dedication to my goals.
TINDS: You have performed in numerous countries. How would you differentiate the reaction of people towards magic here in Bangladesh and abroad?
Farhan: What I offer is known as the brown magic experience. Instead of providing a treatment, I focus on delivering a unique experience. My work is protected by patents and copyrights, making it unlike anything else you’ll encounter. I am selective about my audience and start with a limited set of tricks before the performance unfolds. The reactions I receive are incredible and vary based on the individuals present, but overall they are overwhelmingly positive because my approach is truly one-of-a-kind.
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TINDS: You’re also an author. Tell us a little about that?
Farhan: Indeed, I’ve authored two books. The first became an international bestseller, while the second was close to reaching that status. The story behind my decision to write these books is quite fascinating. Life is a rollercoaster of experiences; everything has its beauty. Good moments and bad moments both carry their own significance—there’s a balance, like Yin and Yang. I believe every situation presents a chance to learn. My journey took me to Miami to meet some friends, where I was fortunate enough to be invited to an $18 million villa by a DJ friend from Montreal. Surrounded by billionaires, I shared my thoughts on the secret to happiness. Noticing that many affluent individuals often struggle with depression, they became intrigued, and one suggested I pen a book. This encouragement sparked my writing journey.
TINDS: What would you have been if not a magician?
Farhan: I think I would have been a stylist and been someone in the fashion industry.
TINDS: Coming this far, what have you had to struggle with?
Farhan: Last year, I had the opportunity to perform at Tomorrowland before traveling to Bangladesh. The journey I undertook to reach my goal was quite challenging, and I only realized the extent of that struggle while I was experiencing it. I found myself in numerous fortunate situations at just the right moments that helped me arrive where I wanted to be. I secured my booking for Tomorrowland while performing at another event where the organizers were present. However, all of this came with significant expenses—financial investments, networking with the right individuals, and even costs related to costumes. It’s not just about luck when it comes to connecting with the right people. Achieving success as a magician has certainly been a considerable challenge.
TINDS: What would your advice be to upcoming magicians?
Farhan: My advice is to practice magic not solely for the results, but because you have a passion for it and consider yourself an artist. However, it’s essential to have a backup career in mind. Personally, I work as a teacher and have taught at the university level.
Find Him Here
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brownmagicofficial/
