Hire a Mentalist for your event
The love for clever tricks has stayed alive for centuries. There’s always been something thrilling about a quick move of the hand or a clever illusion. As times shift and technology grows, these tricks have changed too, and today, we call the masters of these mind-based feats mentalists or illusionists.
Mentalists aren’t just tricksters. They’re performers who make it seem like they can read thoughts or guide someone toward a choice. They work with psychology, suggestion, close observation, and a bit of misdirection. You’ll often see them use techniques like cold reading to make bold guesses that land with surprising accuracy. Instead of relying on the usual magic props, they depend on quick thinking, careful study of people, and timing to deliver their moments.
What Makes Mentalism Unique?
In an age where almost everything is predictable and available at a swipe, mentalism breaks past the predictability. Watching a skilled performer reveal something funny about you or make a prediction that turns out spot on feels like a rare thrill.
It’s not just a trick you scroll past on a screen; it’s a moment that unsettles your perspective in real time. And the best part? Mentalists thrive on interaction. Whether it’s a group of 20 or a ballroom of 500, they draw the audience right into the act, sometimes one-on-one, and sometimes the entire room at once.
On the other hand, unlike traditional magic shows, mentalism engages people’s minds on a deeper level. It sparks curiosity, fuels conversations long after the show ends, and brings back that childlike sense of wonder we rarely experience as adults. That’s exactly why it’s gaining momentum in India and beyond as one of the smartest choices for live entertainment today.
Mentalism: A Look at the Names Leading the Scene
Mentalism has grown fast over the past few years, both in India and abroad. What’s interesting is how different each performer is – some lean into theatre, some into psychology, some into large-scale illusions, and some into quick, high-impact moments.
Here’s a quick look at mentalists from India, and also those making waves internationally
Familiar Names In India
Take Suhani Shah, for example. One of the most recognised female mentalists in the country, she began performing as a child, left formal schooling early to follow magic and mind-based performance, and has now completed more than 5,000 shows across the world. Her journey includes a sold-out run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2023 and becoming the first Indian magician to headline the Soho Theatre in London.
Beyond stage work, she has built a huge online presence through YouTube and social media, and wrote Unleash Your Inner Power at just 15. She later became the first Indian female to win “Best Magic Creator” at the FISM World Championship of Magic and remains the highest-subscribed mentalist online.
Then there’s Akshay Laxman, who became widely known through shows like India’s Got Talent and Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega, where judges Karan Johar, Malaika Arora, and Kirron Kher praised his work. A psychology graduate, he uses his academic background to shape his mind-reading and illusion style, often involving the crowd directly. With over 1,000 shows in India and abroad, including several for Fortune 500 companies, he has performed for and shared the stage with names like Shah Rukh Khan, Rajkumar Hirani, and Nita Ambani.
While Mohit Rao, better known as the Wolf of Dalal Street, first drew attention when he guessed the exact BSE Sensex closing on live TV, a moment that instantly made him a familiar name. Since then, he has taken his mind-reading style to more than 350 shows across eight countries. From driving blindfolded to running large hypnosis routines, Mohit leans into high-energy acts that get people talking.
His online show Mind Mantras brought in a whole new audience, where he breaks down ways the mind can be guided and influenced. With each show, he keeps finding new ways to surprise people and leave them unsure of what he’ll attempt next.
Another name to note is Aakarsh Bhatt, also known as “Axe,” an engineer-turned-illusionist whose work brings together illusions, hypnosis, and theatrical pickpocketing. He has performed more than 800 shows across the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, along with hundreds of corporate and private shows in India. He has appeared on India’s Got Talent Season 6 and the Kannada show Maja Talkies. His quick timing during live interactions often turns even small moments into something fun.
There’s also Karan Singh, who brings a different flavour altogether, leaning strongly into storytelling. His shows often feel like theatre, with audiences following a narrative while being pulled into puzzles and predictions. He has performed for Derren Brown, Penn & Teller, Vidya Balan, Jackie Shroff, Virat Kohli, and Aamir Khan, along with companies like Google, Cisco, Pepsico, and Apple.
And then, Edmundo Da Cunha, known for blending illusion, hypnosis, mind reading, and comedy in a way that resonates with corporate audiences. He has spent decades performing across India and internationally, bringing close-up magic, sleight-of-hand tricks, and mental routines to boardrooms, hotels, and large company gatherings.
His “Stress Buster” format mixes interactive moments with light motivational themes, making his shows fun and easy to connect with. A long-time member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians (USA), Edmundo has worked with major brands like HDFC Life and continues to be a familiar name at high-profile events.
Popular Names Internationally
If we’re talking about performers who have shaped the global stage, the French Twins are a natural place to begin. Tony and Jordan are a French magician duo known for their digital-style magic and flawless on-stage sync. They first caught worldwide attention on America’s Got Talent Season 12, followed by appearances on France’s Got Talent and Spectaculaire France 2.
Their act uses tech to create quick, playful visual switches. They’ve taken this style to events for brands like Chanel, Bloomberg, Nissan, NBC, Qatar Masters, and Microsoft, performing across the U.S., Russia, China, Portugal, Japan, South Africa, and more. Fast, visual, and tightly timed, their routines keep audiences glued from start to finish.
Next is Roy Zaltsman, a psychological entertainer whose work includes telekinesis, precognition, and mind reading. Originally from Israel, he frequently performs in India as well. With decades of experience across several countries, he has worked with some of the world’s largest companies and remains a regular at corporate events.
Roy also conducts training sessions based on psychology, body language, and memory techniques, helping executives apply mental skills in their daily work. On stage or in a boardroom, he brings focus, confidence, and clarity to every appearance.
And finally, there’s Steven Brundage, the magician who turned a Rubik’s Cube into his signature tool. His rise began with a viral video of him using a cube trick to evade a speeding ticket, putting him on the map overnight. He later reached the Top 12 on America’s Got Talent in 2016, performing behind-the-back solves, pattern switches, and cube mosaics live on stage.
Before that, he had already fooled Penn & Teller, establishing himself as one of the most inventive cube magicians today. Steven has also appeared on Good Morning America, the Today Show, and The Steve Harvey Show, while continuing to perform at corporate events, colleges, and private shows across the U.S.
Together, these performers prove that mentalism in India isn’t defined by one style. Some bring humour, some focus on stories, and others create personal moments or relatable themes. This variety is what makes the field feel rich and alive today, not tied to a single name, but carried forward by several performers who each connect with people in their own way.
Why Do Mentalists Fit Every Stage?
One of the biggest advantages of booking a mentalist is flexibility. They don’t need elaborate props, heavy stage setups, or complex lighting. For small gatherings, a minimal setup works perfectly. For bigger venues, a cordless mic, good lighting, and clear sound are more than enough.
That adaptability also extends to formats. A typical stage show runs around 45–60 minutes, but performers can do shorter interactive sessions for smaller groups if requested. Many are also available for international events and even virtual shows, which makes them a great fit for remote teams and global celebrations.
Most importantly, mentalism is designed for fun. It’s completely safe and relies on psychology, suggestion, and performance techniques. No personal secrets are exposed; the focus is always on amazement, laughter, and shared surprise.
From birthday parties to corporate award nights and product launches, mentalists adapt to every setting. And with demand for interactive entertainment growing, they’re quickly becoming the go-to choice in India’s live entertainment scene.
Booking a Mentalist for Your Event
A mentalist performance adds intrigue, laughter, and plenty of “how did they do that?” moments. With Black Hat, hiring a mentalist is simple and stress-free:
- Tell Us About Your Event
Share details like the date, venue, type of gathering, and audience size. - Receive a Customised Plan
We’ll recommend performance options, formats, duration, and technical needs. If required, a short interaction with the mentalist can also be arranged before you confirm. - Confirm the Booking
Once finalised, you can focus on hosting while the performer delivers an experience your guests will remember.
Our team has supported thousands of events across India, making the process straightforward so you can enjoy the show without hassle.
Ready to Book a Mentalist?
Fill out our enquiry form, and we’ll connect you with one of India’s finest mentalists to create a performance your guests will be talking about long after.
