Founder of Gemini Circus, Sankaran Passes Away at 99

COONOOR: Gemini Sankaran, considered a big name in the world of circus in India, has passed away at the age of 99. He started Gemini Circus and Jumbo Circus which became famous all over the country. He also joined the army and retired after the Second World War. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has expressed grief over his demise. The Government of India had honored Gemini Sankaran with the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Family sources of Gemini Sankaran said on Monday that he was admitted to a private hospital for the last few days. He died on Sunday night after prolonged illness. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan condoled his death and praised his role in popularizing the Indian circus worldwide.

Pinarayi Vijayan said, "He played a major role in modernizing the Indian circus and included foreign artists and their stunts." He further added that he had a close relationship with Sankaran who had a forward-looking outlook. Sankaran also had good relations with various Prime Ministers, Presidents and other prominent personalities. Vijayan said Sankaran's death is a big loss to the art of circus in the country.

Notably, Sankaran was born in 1924. He trained for three years under the famous circus performer Keeleri Kunhikannan and later joined the army. He retired after World War II. After working with various circus groups across the country, he bought the Vijaya Circus Company in 1951 and renamed it Gemini Circus. Later he started his second company Jumbo Circus.

Considering the overall contribution of Sankaran in the field of circus in the country, the Central Government honored him with the 'Lifetime Achievement' award. Sankaran is survived by two sons and a daughter. His body will be kept at his residence so that people can pay homage to him. His last rites will be performed at Payyambalam beach on Tuesday.