Kannur: Morkkoth Vengakkandi Sankaran (99), popularly known as Gemini Sankaran, the pioneer of the Indian circus industry and the Founder of Gemini Circus, Jumbo Circus and The Great Royal Circus, passed away at a private hospital in Kannur on Sunday morning where he was undergoing treatment for age-related ailments. 

He is survived by children Ajay Sankar, Ashok Sankar and Renu Shankar.

The mortal remains were brought to his house at Varam yesterday and the last rites will be held at Payyambalam today.

Born on June 13, 1924, to Kolasseriyil Kavinissery Raman Nair and Moorkkoth Kalyani Amma, Sankaran learnt the art of circus from Thalassery native Keeleri Kunhikkannan for three years. After his guru Keeleri Kunhikkannan died, Sankaran continued his circus training under M.K. Raman of Thalassery and after two years of training under Raman, Sankaran went to Kolkata and started working with the Bose Lion Circus Company as an artiste. He later joined the National Circus Company.

Sankaran’s life changed after he decided to buy Vijaya Circus Company in 1951. He changed the name of the company to Gemini Circus, based on his zodiac sign. The first performance of the company was held at Bilimora in Gujarat on August 15, 1951. In 1977, Sankaran launched his second venture, Jumbo Circus, and later went on to start his third company, The Great                                                       Royal Circus.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has condoled the death of Sankaran.