On a lighter note, when asked who wished him first on his birthday, his face softens. “My daughter,” he says with a smile. “She’s grown up now. She cares for me, even scolds me—just like a mother would.

Freedom fighter and Ekushey Padak-winning magician Jewel Aich, who recently contracted Covid-19, is being treated at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Combined Military Hospital (CMH) in the capital. His wife Bipasha Aich and daughter Kheya Aich recently recovered from Covid-19.

Jewel Aich is the pioneering magician in Bangladesh, and the first superstar in the craft. The legendary artiste has performed in many countries, and is constantly travelling from one place to another with his caravan of tricks. The Daily Star talks to the magician about his philosophy