Behind the scenes with Rambo Circus, now performing in Bengaluru 

Founded in 1991, Rambo Circus has been entertaining its audiences for more than three decades now. The troupe has witnessed a seachange within and outside during this period. 

Founded in 1991, Rambo Circus has been entertaining its audiences for more than three decades now. The troupe has witnessed a seachange within and outside during this period. 

The internationally famous circus troupe would be in Bengaluru till October 31 to amuse the audience with their mastery in clowning, lasso wielding, juggling, and hula hoops, among other things. The shows are being organised by Bangalore Media Centre (BMC). 

While the troupe continues to attract crowds, in the era of social media, smaller screens and reduced attention spans, things have not been getting easier for the artists who try to continue putting up their best performances amid challenges. 

“I have been with Rambo Circus for the last 18 years,” says Rajiv Chatterjee, clown artiste with Rambo Circus. “During COVID, things got really difficult for us. We used to have about 300 artists. During COVID the number dropped down to 100.” 

The troupe is staging their shows in Kengeri due to the easy metro and bus connectivity. There are three shows per day, at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m., and audiences travel from as far as Mysuru to watch the show that has been going on in the city for the last 10 days. 

Nevertheless, in recent years, circus troupes have reported seeing decreased audience, especially as videos of the tricks performed by circus artists are available on social media platforms now.  

“With the audience numbers for circuses dwindling, we want to give people a glimpse into the life of circus artists so that they come and watch our shows,” says Vishwas B.H., a collaborator at BMC.