India’s street magic once captivated the world, including Houdini himself
In 1893, years before he made his name as a legendary escapologist, a 19-year-old Harry Houdini sought to entertain visitors at the Chicago World Fair. So he darkened his face with makeup, put on a white robe, and posed as a “Hindu fakir.” Houdini was capitalising on the growing fascination with the mysticism and magic…