Born in Australia in 1961 to Sri Lankan Tamil and British parents, Jaadu embarked on a remarkable journey into the world of traditional magic at the age of seventeen. Drawn to the legendary feats of the Indian fakirs—performers renowned for their seemingly supernatural abilities—he travelled to India, where he spent two years living in remote villages and learning their ancient arts. These practices included snake charming, lying upon beds of nails, levitation, and the famed Indian rope trick—skills that defy conventional understanding and continue to inspire wonder across cultures.
For more than twenty-eight years, Jaadu has cultivated a close relationship with the Madari, a nomadic community of magicians in northern India. This lineage of gypsy performers has entertained villages, marketplaces, and festivals for centuries, passing down traditions orally and without written record. Immersed in their way of life, Jaadu gained not only technical mastery but also a deep appreciation for their history, discipline, and artistry.
Through this unique apprenticeship, Jaadu developed a performance that is entirely his own—an energetic and culturally rich fusion of mystique, suspense, and humor. His shows feature astounding illusions and his original take on snake charming, all presented with respect to the traditions from which they originate.
Over the past forty years, Jaadu has toured extensively throughout Europe, Canada, Australia, and South East Asia, establishing himself as a rare artist who bridges the ancient and the contemporary. His performances offer audiences not only entertainment, but also a living connection to a centuries-old tradition of magical storytelling.