Haris Thaha the magician, most Keralites are familiar with, but Haris as a handicraft artist reveals another side of his creativity, which not many are aware of.
Haris makes useful materials out of coconut shells and other waste materials from the coconut tree.
Shells are moulded into wristwatch straps, spoons, kitchen utensils, helmets, clocks, water jugs, gramaphone and even table fans.
Twenty-nine-year-old Haris, the youngest son of Thaha Kutty and Nazima Thaha, hails from Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district and is an engineering graduate who works as a magician.
Though many come to buy his crafts, he is hesitant to sell them as he is not interested in any profit.
“I do these craft works to create awareness in reducing the usage of plastic and to make use of waste materials. I want to tell people that even a coconut shell has its own value,” Haris said.
Haris also offers free classes to people who are willing to learn.
“I have taken classes for Kudumbasree (women self-help group) units so that they can earn something from these crafts,” he says.
A decorative bulb made of coconut shell
“I believe that whatever I do should have a message. I am not interested in money making. I take care to give a message through my magic shows as well,” he adds.
When Haris was 8 years old, his father made a puppet out of a coconut shell, which inspired him to try out things.
He says now many are using things made by him at home. Plates, table fans, spoons, forks, tea tables made of shells have become common daily use materials.
“Cost of making is very less, shells are available free of cost and other expenses will not cost more that Rs 100 per item,” Haris says.