Life & Legacy
Early Life
Mofazzal Hussain was born on 29 January 1944 in Aamguri village near Konjan Chariali in present-day Assam. His father was Aknoman Ali and his mother was Makan Begum. He spent much of his childhood in Golai, Digboi, where he displayed an adventurous personality and developed a fascination for unusual activities, including catching venomous snakes. His curiosity and fearless nature later became important qualities in his journey as a magician.
Education
After completing his school education and matriculation, Hussain decided to pursue magic professionally instead of following a conventional career. During his teenage years, he met renowned magician Dharamraj Gargiar from Dehradun, whose performances inspired him to learn the art of illusion. He travelled with his mentor across India to gain practical training before later refining his skills under several experienced magicians in Kolkata.
Career
Mofazzal Hussain started performing professionally in the early 1970s and officially adopted the stage name "Jadu Samrat M. Hussain" in 1972. His shows soon became popular throughout Assam because they combined large-scale illusions, storytelling, humour and meaningful social messages. Unlike traditional magic performances, he incorporated Assamese folklore, historical themes and contemporary social issues into his stage presentations, making them entertaining as well as educational.
One of his most memorable achievements came in 1973 at the All India Magician Conference and Competition in Kolkata, where he created a record by continuously producing a 2,200-foot-long paper ribbon during a live performance. This extraordinary feat earned him nationwide recognition.
His popularity soon extended beyond India, leading to performances in Dubai, Muscat, Nepal and Bhutan. He also performed before Presidents V. V. Giri, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Giani Zail Singh, bringing pride to Assam's performing arts.
Apart from stage performances, M. Hussain collaborated with Assamese theatre groups. He designed the famous hanging illusion used in the play "Kushal Konwar" staged by Kohinoor Theatre, demonstrating how magic techniques could enhance dramatic productions.
Contribution to Society
Jadu Samrat M. Hussain strongly opposed superstition and blind belief. Although many of his performances featured ghosts, mysterious events and supernatural themes, he always explained that magic was based on scientific techniques, skill and illusion rather than supernatural powers. His efforts helped educate audiences and encouraged rational thinking while preserving the entertainment value of magic.
Achievements
Major achievements of Jadu Samrat M. Hussain include:
- Pioneer of modern stage magic in Assam.
- Popularized professional magic performances across Northeast India.
- Set a record by producing a 2,200-foot paper ribbon at the All India Magician Conference in Kolkata in 1973.
- Performed internationally in Dubai, Muscat, Nepal and Bhutan.
- Designed illusion sequences for Assamese theatre productions.
- Inspired numerous young magicians from Assam and Northeast India.
- Promoted magic as an educational and artistic performance instead of superstition.
Awards and Recognition
Jadu Samrat M. Hussain received recognition for his outstanding contribution to the art of magic throughout his career.
Known recognitions include:
- Honoured with the title "Jadu Samrat" (Emperor of Magic).
- National recognition at the All India Magician Conference and Competition for his record-setting illusion.
- Invited to perform before Presidents of India including V. V. Giri, Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed and Giani Zail Singh.
- Remembered annually by magician associations across Assam through memorial magic shows.
- In 2014, "Magician's Day" was observed in his memory on 9 September, honouring his contribution to Assamese magic.
Positions Held
- Professional Stage Magician
- Illusionist
- Magic Show Designer
- Performing Artist
- Mentor to Young Magicians
Death
Jadu Samrat M. Hussain passed away on 9 September 1999 after a prolonged period of illness. During the final years of his life, health problems and financial difficulties limited his ability to perform. His death marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in Assamese stage magic, but his influence continues to inspire artists throughout the region.
Legacy
Jadu Samrat M. Hussain is remembered as one of the greatest illusionists produced by Assam. He elevated stage magic into a respected performing art and proved that illusion could educate as well as entertain. His innovative performances, commitment to scientific thinking and contribution to Assamese culture continue to inspire magicians, theatre artists and audiences. Every year, his death anniversary is observed by magic organisations in Assam as a tribute to his remarkable legacy.
FAQs about Jadu Samrat M. Hussain
1. Who was Jadu Samrat M. Hussain?
Jadu Samrat M. Hussain was a legendary Assamese stage magician and illusionist who popularized professional magic performances across Assam and Northeast India.
2. What was the real name of Jadu Samrat M. Hussain?
His real name was Mofazzal Hussain.
3. When was Jadu Samrat M. Hussain born?
He was born on 29 January 1944 in Assam.
4. Why is Jadu Samrat M. Hussain famous?
He is famous for pioneering modern stage magic in Assam and setting a record by producing a 2,200-foot paper ribbon during a national magic competition.
5. Who trained Jadu Samrat M. Hussain in magic?
He received his early training under renowned magician Dharamraj Gargiar of Dehradun before learning from other magicians in Kolkata.
6. Which countries did Jadu Samrat M. Hussain perform in?
He performed in India, Dubai, Muscat, Nepal and Bhutan.
7. Did Jadu Samrat M. Hussain receive any honours?
Yes. He earned the honorary title "Jadu Samrat" and received national recognition for his contribution to the art of magic.
8. Did Jadu Samrat M. Hussain write any books?
There are no verified records of any books authored by him.
9. When did Jadu Samrat M. Hussain pass away?
He passed away on 9 September 1999 after a prolonged illness.
10. Why is Jadu Samrat M. Hussain remembered today?
He is remembered for establishing magic as a respected performing art in Assam, inspiring future magicians and promoting scientific thinking through illusion.
