India's magic moment

Renowned American magician David Blaine unites with Delhi-based mentalist Karan Singh for a new show, David Blaine Do Not Attempt. TMS speaks with Singh on discovering India with magic, his nerve-jangling tricks, and why he thinks magicians are getting their due now.

- PRIYAMVADA RANA

A PLAYING card can be used as a knife. A chopstick can be a weapon. And teeth can be tools to perform jaw-dropping acrobatics with heavy objects. Celebrated American magician David Blaine learns to push past the limits of reality in National Geographic's new six-part show, David Blaine Do Not Attempt (DBDNA). It sees the famous endurance artist explore the world through the lens of magic by travelling to Brazil, Southeast Asia, India, the Arctic Circle, South Africa, and Japan to unlock ancient secrets, and learn unbelievable magical tricks. He experiences bone-chilling sensations — from hundreds of venomous scorpions crawling over him, kissing a king cobra on the forehead, to walking with flames, and sword swallowing — more than magic; the show is about human potential unlocked. In each episode, Blaine meets a local magician who helps him execute daredevil stunts and perform tricks.