Kozhikode: Though he stepped away from a four-decade-long career in magic five years ago, magician Gopinath Muthukad was always drawn back to the stage by his father’s advice that he should never stray from his life’s mission. When those cherished memories came alive in his mind once again, Muthukad returned to the stage with a new magical act, seamlessly blending light and sound.

The show, Illusion to Inspiration, dedicated to his father, carried a poignant note that touched the audience. In the finale, Muthukad vanished before their eyes, only to reappear moments later as `little Gopinath,' sitting beside his father on an easy chair, gently holding his hand. The moving scene was a tribute to his father, Kunjunni Nair, who had stood by him when he left his law studies midway to pursue magic.

The performance, organised by the Different Arts Centre led by Muthukad in association with OISCA International, the Malabar Chamber of Commerce and the Indian Youth Association, was staged at Providence College auditorium and lasted one and a half hours.

During the event, Muthukad also announced a new mission to uplift differently-abled children. The International Institute for People with Disabilities, to be established in Kasaragod, will provide a global platform to showcase their talents. Just as my father supported me, my mission is to create a world of opportunities for these children, he said. Muthukad’s mother, Devakiyamma, lit the ceremonial lamp.