Meet the naval officer who quit his job to become a 'clown' for cancer patients

In over 4,000 shows to his credit in the last 17 years, Pravin Tulpule transformed into a clown and visited hospitals. A retired naval officer, his motivation was a tiny girl who died of cancer. Pravin who used to often perform for her was disturbed by this incident so much so that he took upon the onus of visiting other cancer patients and be their reason for happiness.

Pravin who served as Lt. Commander Communications Specialist in the Navy now goes by the stage name 'Pintoo'. In his clown avatar, he also performs magic with cards.

He was first introduced to the art form by his father and when his interest grew he joined the Society of Indian Magicians in Mumbai, where he was exposed to variations of the art form.

Apart from hospitals, he also visits orphanages and schools that provides services to economically backward people for free. He, however, manages his own expenses by doing commercial shows.

In a conversation with Yogisthan, he said,

The joy that I get from the kids visiting my workshop is something I look for. There is no other parallel for this. People come here with passion. I share a very light moment with them and the happiness that I get to see in their faces brings me joy. It gives me a satisfaction to see when some of them who are not even able to hear and talk are smiling. When I go back I have 10 more daughters and sons. What more do I need? It’s my sheer selfishness to come here. This selfishness is actually the happiness that I get to see in their faces.

Also read: Using football as a teaching module – this 23-year-old football free stylist visits slums to educate the underprivileged

Pravin believes life is too short to brood or be rude. Be happy, he says to The Better India. He goes around spreading happiness even if it means painting his face and wearing funny clothes.

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