Damoo Dhotre #1

2, originally uploaded by bucklesw1. Dear Sir, It is my Great pleasure that I am writing email to well known and very popular personality from Circus Industry. I see your Buckles Blog regularly. I am writing this email on behalf of my great grandfather, The Great International Circus Artist Damoo Dhotre who worked in Many International Circuses in America and also with American Army. Think of the great Indian circus artists, name comes instantly to mind – Damoo Dhotre the incomparable animal trainer from the world greatest circus Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey circus. Damoo, as the short name struck to him during his lifetime, was born in a poor family in Pune. Right from childhood, fear was not the word that could be found in the dictionary of this boy, who had not much interest in education, which speaks of his poor educational background. Therefore, when his uncle Shelarmama's circus came down to Pune, the young Damoo knew where his destiny lay. Much against the opposition from his mother, he joined his uncle's circus at the age of 11. Initially he had struggle hard and practiced vigorously to gain a niche for himself. Finding the youngsters love for animals, his uncle made him take up to training of animals, under the well established artistes at the circus. At a very young age he was made a 'Ring Master'. He worked for 14 years with the circus and toured Malaysia, Thailand, Burma, Indonesia, Ceylon and China. He earned instant fame in these countries of the fearless 'Wild Animal Trainer', who made such ferocious animals like Lion and Tiger follow his every command. Such was aura enjoyed in those days by Damoo, as some of his early associates recall, that a pin drop inside the big top, the moment Damoo entered the cage. His unbound restless energy, spirit of adventure, made him realize that if he was to make a name for himself world over, he would have to migrate abroad. This is what he did. First he worked for three years in a proprietor Isako's Russian circus. In 1939 at the invitation of Bertram Mills circus from France he joined them in 1939, The World War II that followed soon, made him sign a contract with the world renowned Ringling Brothers 'Barnum & Bailey' Circus in the USA. He worked with what the circus was known as the 'Greatest Show on Earth' for 10 years, earning huge accolades all over Europe and America as that fearless Indian Animal Trainer. Recognition followed him whenever he went. When America joined the allied forces in the fight against Nazi Germany, like all other young men, he was inducted into the army and served American Army between 1943-46. While during his stay in the United States he got his biography 'Wild Animal Man' published and from which one chapter is included by Maharashtra(India) Government Marathi textbook of 9th standard (Earlier in 4th standard Marathi textbook). After serving the circus industry for well over 40 years from the age of 11, Damoo Dhotre, finally returned and settled down in 'Sub hash Nagar' in Pune. He got his bungalow built which is appropriately named as 'Circus Villa'. This proud Indian unlike others, who changed their names, always took pride to himself as India's son – Damoo Dhotre. So, I want to research on Damoo Dhotre's life and also on Circus Industry. My Dream is to open a Circus Museum in India. Nowadays, as all of us know that situation of Circus Industry in India is very delicate. Still we not got any support from Indian Government, which is very shameless thing. So want do something great for Circus Industry so that Golden Days will be back for Circus Industry. For that I need some support and Guidance from you. Sir, I am also sending you some Historical Photographs of Damoo Dhotre, please see it. Also I am in search of American Brothers and Sisters as I sent you photograph of my Great Grandmother Mrs. Bess Damoo Dhotre. If you have some more information or photographs of Damoo Dhotre please share information with me. People may come and people may go, But people like Damoo Dhotre, are born only once in a lifetime. Warm Regards Anand Dhotre