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These days, he spends more time looking back at those memories than performing the trick.

"The times have changed," he says. "Street magic is dying a slow death. It is on a ventilator."

Khan's story reflects a wider change in India, where traditional street performers are finding it increasingly difficult to make a living from their craft.

Magicians, jugglers, puppeteers and acrobats once made a living from crowds in public spaces. Changing entertainment habits and tighter restrictions have made audiences harder to find, pushing many out of the profession.

Khan, one of India's best-known magicians, comes from the Madari community, which has a long tradition of performing in public spaces.

There are no official figures, but Khan says community records identify about 400 Madari families in Delhi, with hundreds more in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Telangana.

Despite their small numbers today, the Madaris trace their roots back centuries.

Historian Ashok Mathur says Madari traditions have roots in Indian folklore, mythology and the long history of travelling performers.

"For generations, these skills were passed through families," he explains.

Khan followed the same path, learning magic from his father and uncles and performing from the age of 12. By his early 20s, he had mastered the rope trick that would later make him famous.

The trick – in which a rope appears to rise into the air before a boy climbs it – was long associated with the mythology of Indian street magic and widely considered impossible, until Khan performed it.

He says it took six years to master the trick, which he first performed publicly in 1995 outside Delhi's iconic Qutub Minar. Two years later, he performed it before 30,000 people on a beach in Karnataka.

His trick brought international attention, and that led to tours to the UK, France, Germany and Japan.

Khan hoped the fame would shine a light on India's traditional performers. For a while, it did. But the attention faded.

As audiences turned to new forms of entertainment and public performance opportunities dwindled, many magicians found it harder to make a living from skills passed down through generations.

One of them is 40-year-old Imam Khan.

Once a magician, Imam now makes a living collecting bottles and recyclables from Delhi's streets. He spends much of his time rag-picking near a western Delhi dump, earning about 200 rupees ($2; £1.57) a day.

Experts say the decline in street performance has multiple causes, chief among them the changing nature of public spaces.

Anurupa Roy, founder of Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust, says performers increasingly struggle to find audiences as public spaces shrink.

"Closed parks and residential societies that bar outsiders are limiting spaces for performance."

Researcher and performer Komita Dhanda says changing attitudes to public spaces are also driving the decline.

"With tighter security, especially in busy town and city centres, there is little space left for street performers," she says.

It is not just individual artists who struggle to get permission. Dhanda says her well-known street theatre group, Jana Natya Manch, often faces hurdles performing in public spaces.

For many artists, the challenge is not just finding a venue but navigating unclear rules over what is allowed.

Most street performers rely on voluntary payments, but experts say the line between performing for money and begging can blur.

Unlike the UK, India has no federal busking framework. Performers instead navigate state-level rules on public order, obstruction, noise and public land.

"This is why street performers often have to face municipal and police regulations governing public spaces, as well as state-specific anti-begging laws," says lawyer Kaushik Mitra.

For many artists, Covid made a bad situation worse.

When India imposed its 2020 lockdown, public performances stopped. Many magicians returned to their villages; some never came back.

"We saw a decline in public performances after this period," Dhanda says. "The brunt was especially harsh for street magicians and performers, many of whom did not return to cities."

For the artists who did return and continue the trade, the challenges only increased.

Shahim Khan, 42, still performs magic on Delhi's streets, sometimes with his 12-year-old daughter, Alia.

Much of his work is now confined to industrial areas, far from the busy public spaces where he once performed, hitting his earnings hard.

Before the pandemic, he could stage four or five shows a day, earning 1,000-1,200 rupees.

"Now I barely manage two shows and earn 200-400 rupees," he says.

The rise of short-form digital entertainment has added to the pressures on traditional performers, experts say. So have changing attitudes towards street arts.

"There was a lot of Western interest in things like the rope trick decades ago. But forms and tastes have changed, and so has what India chooses to showcase," Dhanda says.

For Khan, the loss is about more than money. He fears an art passed down generations could disappear if no-one learns it.

"A trick can survive only if someone learns it," he says.

His son, Altamash, began performing with him as a teenager but now works decorating parties with balloons. In his 30s, he has largely left performing behind.

Years without regular practice have dulled his skills. When he demonstrated his juggling for the BBC, he struggled to find the rhythm.

"I am slowly forgetting all the tricks," he said.

Khan had hoped his son would carry on the family tradition. Altamash had hoped to make a name for himself too, but it did not work out.

"I knew I may not achieve the fame my father has, but I did not think there would come a time when performing would not remain an option," he says. %!s()

Speaking on Friday from a hospital bed in Abu Dhabi via video call with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Machchhar said that he knew the aircraft was going down as he lay bleeding on the floor.

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“I had suffered so many injuries that I had collapsed. At that time, I could feel that the aircraft was going down. I knew this was the last push, that the door was right there,” he said in a nearly 10-minute video released on the prime minister’s social media channels.

He added: “I was being hit even then, but I just opened the door and everyone came in.”

Machchhar, who has 17 years of aviation experience, including 11 as a captain, said that experience helped him grasp what was happening even while wounded.

He told Modi he had recited a Hindu devotional prayer during the ordeal.

“I know God himself saved me,” he said, in an emotional exchange with Modi, who is from the same home state of Gujarat.

Modi praised Machchhar’s bravery, saying his presence of mind had saved lives and the reputation of Indian pilots.

Machchhar said he allowed passengers and crew to overpower the co-pilot and let a second pair of Flydubai pilots take control and land the plane in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.

The Flydubai flight was carrying 174 people as it briefly plunged around 17,000 feet (5,180 metres) before it was brought back under control.

UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash has called the incident a “terrorist act”, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared “suicidal”.

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be “hit very hard” if found to be linked to the attack.

The United Arab Emirates has said it will launch an investigation into the incident. %!s()

There are a number of reasons not to choose over-ear headphones at the gym — they’re generally not waterproof, they’re more liable to getting knocked off your head, and they’re less breathable than in-ear or open-ear earbuds. 

But for some, they offer greater comfort, plus an unmistakable “Please don’t talk to me while I’m working out” attitude. That’s why we took some of our favorite over-ear headphones to the gym, testing them based on factors that matter when working out. 

How We Picked the Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out

The criteria for good workout headphones are different from those for office or travel headphones. Whereas with the latter, sound quality, comfort, and design might come first, workout headphones need to be secure yet lightweight, with enough clamping force to not slip off.

Other helpful features for workout headphones include tactile buttons that you can operate with sweaty hands. Removable ear cushions are a big plus — they’ll be easier to clean and replace when the time eventually comes. It’s also a good idea to wipe the ear pads down after use and not put them in their case right away; giving the headphones time to air-dry will make them last longer. 

We tested all of these picks ourselves, subjecting them to day-to-day use and trying them out in workout-specific settings, including on a treadmill, a rowing machine, and while lifting weights, to see how they stack up.

Because over-ear headphones get worn out faster during workouts, we looked for more affordable options; several picks on our list are under $300. And of course, sound quality and noise-canceling still count. It’s hard to get hyped up on your favorite workout tracks when the bass sounds muddy, or the treble is tinny.

The Best Over-Ear Headphones for Working Out

From Bose to Beats, there are the best over-ear headphones for working out, tested.

best overall

Beats 360

Quick Summary: Beats 360 headphones are the brand’s first truly gym-ready headphones, with easily swappable cushions and headband, plus a water-resistant rating.

Stated Battery Life: Up to 32 hours
Waterproof rating: IPX4

Pros: Swappable earpads and headband, various color options make them customizable, fairly comfortable fit and solid noise-canceling
Cons: No wear detection, pricey, case isn’t the most protective

Most over-ear workout headphones on this list are acceptable for workout use, but not really designed for it. Beats set out to design headphones that are actually built for the gym, addressing the most common concerns with using over-ears while working out.

For starters, the earpads and even the headband are user-replaceable, and you can swap them for fun color options. The earpads and headband come in either a knit mesh fabric that’s suited for workout use, or a plush faux-leather material for non-workout use. By default, the headphones come with the performance-ready material that matches the headphones’ design. The headphones also have an IPX4 rating to protect them against sweat.

The headphones are fairly comfortable, with a secure fit that held in place when I tested them on a short but particularly sweaty indoor bike ride. They also feature intuitive controls, with physical buttons for playback and volume on the right and power and ANC on the left. The noise-canceling is solid, too, if not quite as robust as Apple’s flagship AirPods Max 2 headphones.

Sound quality is likewise solid, with the deep bass Beats is known for. While it’s not as crisp as headphones from Sony or Bose, the quality is good enough for use as your daily driver, and not just for workouts.

also great

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

Quick Summary: With a comfortable fit for all-day wear, intuitive tactile buttons, and replaceable ear pads, Bose’s QuietComfort headphones are among the best over-ear options for workouts.
Stated Battery Life: Up to 24 hours
Waterproof rating: None

Pros: Lightweight and comfortable, tactile controls, great ANC, and solid audio quality
Cons: No wear detection (won’t auto-pause when you take them off), other options fit more securely

Bose’s QuietComfort headphones are a more affordable alternative to the flagship QuietComfort Ultra model. In some ways, they’re a better option for the gym and travel, thanks to their lightweight build and more intuitive tactile controls. 

These headphones feature two volume buttons and a multifunction playback button on the right earcup, as well as an ANC mode button on the left, making it easy to switch settings with just a single press. The power and pairing button is a slider button on the right earcup. The tactile buttons help prevent miscues, a common issue with haptic touch sensors.

Crucially, these are among the most comfortable headphones on the market. The clamping force is light (even for someone with a large head), so they may not stay put during activities like sit-ups. But for the treadmill, weights, or a rowing machine, they should be comfortable and secure for most. 

In addition to the comfortable fit, the ear pads are easily replaceable — they pop out without needing any special tools, and you can find replacements from Bose or third-party brands like Wicked Cushions. That’s a significant benefit if you’re using these at the gym, since the pads will wear out more quickly than during daily wear.

Related: Bose QuietComfort vs. QuietComfort Ultra Headphones: We Put Both to the Test

most secure fit

Beats Studio Pro 

Quick Summary: Beats over-ear headphones live up to the brand’s sporty reputation, thanks to the secure fit and slim profile that stays put during gym sessions. The tactile controls are a bonus, as is the compact, toiletry-kit-inspired carrying case.

Stated Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
Waterproof rating: None

Pros: Long battery life; solid noise-canceling performance; snug and secure fit for workouts; simple tactile controls
Cons: No wear detection; not as comfortable for all-day wear; cushions are not easily replaceable; can creak while running

Beats has long had a reputation as Apple’s sportier sibling, and the Studio Pro was one of the first pairs I reached for when testing workout headphones. Like our top pick from Bose, the Beats Studio Pro have tactile controls, with recessed volume and playback controls on the outer earcup. That gives gym-goers the advantage of preventing accidental touches, while still letting you control your music or podcasts with ease.

Unlike Bose’s headphones, these have significant clamping force. I find them somewhat uncomfortable for all-day wear, but they’re great for short stretches. The secure fit means they’re much less likely to slip off at the gym, regardless of what workout you’re doing. 

These headphones also have solid active noise-canceling performance, so they should be able to cut out chatter at the busy gym or the too-loud TV. Additionally, you can use them with a wired 3.5mm connection or a USB-C connection. The former comes in handy at the gym for any equipment with a built-in audio component. 

At their full $350 price, these are arguably too expensive, but they’re easily found on sale for roughly half the price from big box retailers and Amazon. 

Related: Beats Studio Pro vs. Apple AirPods Max: We Put Apple’s Flagship Headphones to the Test

most bass

Skullcandy Crusher 540 Active

Quick Summary: Specifically designed for workouts, Skullcandy’s Crusher headphones feature breathable ear pads, easy-to-use buttons, and a slider to boost bass.

Stated Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
Waterproof rating: Sweat and water-resistant (No IP rating listed)

Pros: Workout-friendly features; breathable cushions; relatively lightweight
Cons: Somewhat pricey; lacks a carrying case; overemphasis on bass for everyday use

Skullcandy’s Crusher 540 Active headphones are, as the name suggests, specifically targeted for workouts. And while Skullcandy isn’t known as a serious audiophile brand, they’ve stepped up their game in sound quality, including partnering with Bose for some of their earbuds. 

The 540 Active headphones have several workout-forward features. The ear pads are a mesh-like fabric, rather than pleather or foam, making them more breathable for sweaty ears. You can also remove the ear pads to clean them, although they are somewhat difficult to put back, and Skullcandy doesn’t sell replacements. 

The headphones have a primarily plastic build, making them lightweight, and the tactile controls are easier to use and less prone to accidental touches than swipe or tap controls. The quirkiest feature (and one found on our other pick from Nothing), is a slider to adjust the bass as you’re working out. The “Crusher” name is no joke, either: push the slider up on a bass-heavy song at your own peril. 

The headphones don’t have a proper carrying case, but a pouch is included. Budget-friendly headphones often don’t include hard cases, but at $210, it feels like a more significant omission. 

best value

CMF Headphones 

Quick Summary: The quirky design won’t be for everyone, but these light, affordable headphones feature replaceable cushions and handy button controls.

Stated Battery Life: Up to 100 hours
Waterproof rating: IPX2

Pros: Replaceable ear cups; statement-making design; long battery life
Cons: Bulky; style won’t suit all tastes; earcups rotate but don’t fold

CMF is a sub-brand of buzzy tech and audio brand Nothing, and like the main line, CMF headphones aren’t designed to blend in. The bulky, circular design is playful and eye-catching, although it likely won’t be for everyone. 

At $99, they’re a great value, particularly for anyone unwilling to shell out hundreds for headphones that will get abused at the gym. You can easily swap out the earcups, and Nothing sells multiple colors to easily mix and match for an added playful touch. 

The headphones also have intuitive controls, with a volume roller to make adjustments. The ANC performance isn’t showstopping, but it’s dependable enough for the average gym session. 

Similar to Skullcandy’s Crusher headphones, CMF’s Headphone Pro over-ears feature a slider control that amplifies the bass, making it easy to make quick EQ adjustments without pulling out your phone.

At this price, hard traveling cases are usually not included, and the same goes here. You just get a soft pouch, which offers minimal protection but should be sufficient for toting the headphones to and from the gym.

Related: CMF By Nothing’s First Over-Ear Headphones Are as Eye-Catching as They Are Affordable

also consider

Sony WH-1000XM6

Quick Summary: With superb sound and noise-canceling, Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones are a great everyday option, but the steep price makes them hard to enthusiastically recommend for gym use.

Stated Battery Life: Up to 40 hours
Waterproof rating: None

Pros: Great sound and ANC, comfortable fit
Cons: Bulky; touch controls can take getting used to

There are plenty of reasons why Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones might not be your top pick for the gym. For starters, at over $400, these are a seriously steep pair of headphones. Plus, unlike our other picks, these feature touch controls, which can be easier to accidentally activate than buttons.

But if you’re the type of person for whom not even a workout can get in the way of great audio, these headphones deliver. They also feature superb noise-canceling, rivaled only in my testing by Apple and Bose. The earcups are made from a synthetic faux-leather material that’s fairly lightweight, and the headphones feel secure while wearing them on a stationary bike or treadmill.  

The headphones rotate and fold in, and they come with a handy storage case that features a magnetic clasp that’s secure but easy to access. The XM6 headphones are also packed with features, which are widely customizable in the app. If you’re looking for a premium pair of headphones and aren’t afraid to run them through the gauntlet at the gym, these are a worthwhile option.

Related: The WH-1000XM6 Noise-Canceling Headphones Are Yet Another Hit From Sony %!s()

Asking prices may rise, and having an influx of money is no guarantee of it being well spent.

For many of the teams to whom City paid the most during this time, the money did not work out particularly beneficially.

Let's take a look at some of the more interesting cases.

First up, Wolfsburg. They immediately signed winger Julian Draxler for about half the fee received for Kevin de Bruyne in 2016, as well as others including veteran defender Dante.

Having lost De Bruyne, they dropped from second to eighth in the Bundesliga before narrowly avoiding relegation in the subsequent two seasons.

And things did not go particularly well for second highest-ranked club Monaco either.

The most direct replacements they signed following the sales of Benjamin Mendy and Bernardo Silva in the same summer to Manchester City - Terence Kongolo and Keita Balde - did not work out in the long run, and the team went from winning Ligue 1 and reaching the Champions League semi-finals to almost being relegated within two years.

The club City purchased most players from in the 2009-18 period - Arsenal (four) - did not mount a serious Premier League title challenge during that time.

Some clubs who did not receive payments from City could also argue that the spending of money from their "inflated" accounts compromised their chances.

For example, Manchester City paid very similar totals to Benfica and Porto during the era, but nothing to Sporting, the club which makes up the big three in Portugal.

Sporting did not win a title between 2009 and 2018. There are many reasons for that, but could one of them be the fact that their direct rivals received money from City that would perhaps not have been on offer had they followed football's financial rules?

There are also some ancillary fees which reached clubs whom Manchester City did not deal with directly.

Some players were subject to sell-on clauses, where the club City where buying the player from owed money to the previous team who owned the player.

For example, Queens Park Rangers earned roughly £9m from Raheem Sterling's move to City from Liverpool in 2015.

Barnsley took about £7m of the transfer fee paid to Everton for John Stones in 2016, and the Toffees also had to pass on about £2.5m to Wolves when Joleon Lescott moved to Manchester in 2009.

The Sterling and Stones clauses were worth more than most players operating in the English Football League at that time, significantly strengthening the financial positions of QPR and Barnsley.

To this day Barnsley have not sold a player for a higher amount than the fee they are believed to have received for Stones.

But QPR have not returned to the Premier League and Barnsley dropped down to League One from the Championship after two seasons.

Manchester City's spending during the time in which they were breaking the rules certainly had an enormous impact, on their own upward trajectory, the futures of other clubs around the world and the wider football economy.

But the reality is that it is impossible to unweave the tapestry of football history during that time and since - too much has happened and there are too many indirect consequences.

The effects of that spending will reverberate for years to come. %!s()