Demonetisation impact: Great Bombay Circus is struggling to survive

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The 'Great Bombay Circus' troupe, which has returned to Hyderabad this November after a 15-year hiatus, is now struggling to draw audiences, not because of performance, but due to demonetisation.

Lack of cash and change has led to complete drop in business. The travelling circus has had to cancel at least one show every day. Such is their plight that team members are now mulling on cutting down their schedule.

The management is completely bereft of help and is faced with the prospect of whether to run the circus or quit as they are unable to feed the animals and pay daily wages.

Since November 8, when the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government banned the currency, people are facing a lot of problems. Notes are not acceptable anywhere, there is no public at the circus. There's no currency in the banks. This has affected the whole nation," Pandu Ranga Jadhav, the manager of the circus told ANI.

Ram Barosa, a ticket collector at the circus, said, "The sale of tickets has reduced as compared to earlier; few people come to see the circus. Demonetisation has badly affected the circus. Only 10 to 15 per cent people come to the circus."

"There is no public to watch the circus, we are not able to sell anything, it has happened since demonetisation. The sales are not good. We are facing a lot of problems because of money." said Kurban Ali, a popcorn seller at the circus.