Nicolai Friedrich, who recently performed in Mumbai, is not just a magician; he is a master of illusion whose performances blur the line between reality and the supernatural. While his magic tricks are impressive, it’s his passion for mentalism that truly sets him apart. As a mentalist, Nicolai has the remarkable ability to predict thoughts, read minds, and perform feats that seem impossible—often leaving his audiences questioning the limits of human perception.
In a candid chat with us Nicolai talks about his journey as a magician and mentalist, diving into his creative process, performances, and the philosophy that drives his craft.
Nicolai’s journey into the world of magic began at a very young age. At just four years old, he witnessed a magician perform at a circus, and from that moment, he knew his path was set. “I knew I wanted to do it too,” Nicolai recalls. Even as a young boy, he was already preparing shows for friends and family, practicing the art of magic with an eagerness that would shape his future. Over the years, Nicolai honed his craft, building a reputation as a skilled magician and mentalist.
While magic and mentalism may seem like separate disciplines, Nicolai sees them as two sides of the same coin. Both forms of performance rely on the same fundamental principles, but there are key differences. “Mentalists use many of the same skills that magicians use, but they also incorporate psychological principles, the power of suggestion, and hypnosis. It’s an evolution from magic,” Nicolai explains. The critical distinction, he notes, is that mentalism involves engaging the mind, rather than relying on sleight of hand. “When I perform magic, I’ve noticed that people are more impressed when I say, ‘Think of a card’ rather than ‘Pick a card.’ This is because it removes the option of sleight of hand, and that’s what fascinates people about mentalism—it’s not just about trickery, but about what the mind is capable of,” he says.
One of the aspects of mentalism that Nicolai particularly enjoys is its universal appeal. He’s found that audiences in India are especially receptive to mentalism. “Indians are very open and curious about mentalism. People are fascinated with the idea of knowing what others are thinking. Everyone is eager to explore the power of the mind,” Nicolai says, reflecting on his experiences performing in Mumbai. “The audience here is amazing, and I really enjoy performing for them. The city is so dynamic, and I love the food and the energy here. It’s exciting to see how much it’s changing.”
Nicolai’s connection to the city extends beyond his performances. He recently experienced Mumbai’s undersea tunnel for the first time, which left a lasting impression on him. “I magically made the time disappear travelling to Bandra,” he says with a smile. This playful nod to the city’s transformation captures the essence of his approach to magic—constantly adapting, evolving, and inspiring wonder.
Beyond his own performances, Nicolai is also keenly interested in watching other mentalists at work. However, for him, it’s not about deconstructing the tricks or figuring out how they’re done. Instead, he’s drawn to the emotional experience of a performance. “It’s about how the performer presents the magic, how they interact with the audience, how they make you feel. The emotion behind the performance is what fascinates me,” he shares.
Nicolai views magic and mentalism as an avenue for inspiring creativity and open-mindedness. “If you can make someone see that something once thought impossible is actually possible, you open their minds. Every great invention was once considered impossible until someone made it happen. That’s what magic is about for me—helping people think beyond the box, using fantasy and imagination to turn the impossible into reality.”
Like all great performers, Nicolai has faced challenges in his career. “Yes, magic can fail sometimes,” he admits, acknowledging that even the most practiced magicians have moments where things don’t go as planned. “But I always have a Plan B. It’s important to have a backup plan, especially in mentalism and magic. You can’t rely 100% on psychology or on the trick working every time. Having a Plan B ensures that everything runs smoothly.” Nicolai emphasizes that preparation and adaptability are crucial to the success of any performance.
Nicolai’s global experiences have also shaped his perspective on different audiences. He notes that Americans are often enthusiastic, but sometimes their excitement comes from simpler tricks. “Sometimes, it can feel too easy. Why would I do a sophisticated trick if they love a simple rubber band trick? But I love that enthusiasm. And I really enjoy when people are sceptical at first, and then they’re completely baffled and say, ‘I never expected that.’ Exceeding expectations is something that really excites me, and that happens often,” he reflects.
Becoming a master of magic or mentalism requires dedication and practice. Nicolai emphasizes that while knowledge is important, experience is key. “If you want to interpret body language or read people, it’s not just about knowing the theory—it’s about practice. You need to interact with different people, observe how they react, and refine your skills accordingly. It’s a constant learning process,” he says. “Unfortunately, it’s not a gift you get overnight—it requires a lot of practice and experience.”
Nicolai Friedrich’s journey as a magician and mentalist is a testament to the power of imagination, creativity, and persistence. By blending the psychological with the magical, he continues to captivate audiences around the world, inspiring them to think beyond the ordinary and explore the limitless possibilities of the mind.
