Bravo,Bravo,Bravo!

‘Bravo,’ the word never captivated me ever-before. Now whenever I hear it or get to read it somewhere unconsciously ‘her’ figure comes flashing back to my mind.

Never did I hear anyone utter the word the way she did.

It was the last and probably the most popular show of the circus. The awe-inspiring aura created by the lion show always succeeded to thrill and entertain the audience.

The stage was all set for the much awaited event. All necessary safeguards were taken care of. The whole stage was transformed into a cage, with iron gates surrounding the entire stage.

The much anticipated show began. The wild beasts (the lions and tigers) made their entry into the arena from the specially designed pathway that connected to the main stage.

Next entered the ring master. Much to our surprise it was not a ‘he’ but a ‘she’. A ‘she’ with a difference. Such was her persona that it could easily outclass her male counterpart by her sheer presence.

She was tall with broad and muscular stature. She entered the stage with panache. Attired in short black leather dress, she held an iron rod in her hand. Her very appearance was powerful enough to get the show started.

She began her antics with the lions and tigers. Her voice was so powerful and assertive that even the ferocious beasts obeyed her calmly.

Even while I was sitting in the safe audience section, the presence of six beasts, their loud roars and gaping mouth sent shivers down my spine.

 While the audience remained spell-bound by the antics of the animals, it was the lady in authority that kept me hooked to the show. Sharing the enclosed stage with lions and tigers, she looked so formidable as if overpowering even the unbeatable power of the beasts.

The lady passed on commandments to the comrade beasts in Arabic while making some hand movements. The lions and tigers followed her every command and behaved just in the right entertaining manner which she wanted for the audience.

While most of the times the tigers and lions obeyed her, there were few moments when a beast or two showed little resistance (before finally surrendering to her commands). They roared at her and as they did this their sharp and deadly teeth were made visible. This made most of us (occupying the seats in the first row) shudder. Nothing seemed to budge the lady.

Her boldness, her courage and the ease with which she tamed the  ferocious animals amazed me. But one thing that captivated me the most was her words. After every act of her comrade, she raised her mighty arms to say "bravo, bravo, bravo…"

Her voice was so powerful and so commanding that everyone was awe-struck. Her dominant and authoritative voice perfectly suited her persona. It made the show more exciting and impactful.

Even today when I hear the word bravo... her powerful tone echos in my mind. Never did I hear anyone uttering the words the way she did….