Entertaining Hitler: Gogia Pasha, the gilly-gilly man (and war worker)

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Gogia Pasha (1910-1976) fooled the world by pretending to be an Egyptian for most of his career. In fact, he was born Danpat Rai Gogia in British India. 

Gogia originally trained as a doctor and had studied medicine in Cairo and Edinburgh. But, he abandoned medicine to turn to the stage. Donning a turban and a set of brightly coloured robes, Gogia adopted the persona of a 'gilly-gilly' (or ‘gali-gali’) man, after the Egyptian slang for magic. 
 
He became an established act, touring internationally with a large troupe, mostly his family; and even appearing in several movies.
 
According to historian John Zubrzycki: “Gogia’s shows combined comedy, comment and humorous patter with tricks, and incorporated dancers between sets. His signature acts included cups and balls, producing live chickens from his mouth and a levitation feat where his assistant was placed upon the points of three swords, two of which were removed, leaving only one under her neck to support her”.
 
Gogia Pasha poster
(Source: Author's collection)

In another trademark routine, called The Man with the Hundred Million Dollars, he produced hundreds of coins from the air and the clothing of audience members. In the late 1930s, when Gogia was performing at the Silbersall Cabaret in Munich, Adolf Hitler was in the audience. Hitler, enjoyed the act so much, he tongue in cheek requested that Gogia turn into the Reich's treasurer. “I could use you in the Mint”, he said. 
 
Hitler was a particular fan of variety acts and the circus, as was his second-in command Hermann Göring.


Declassified Office of Strategic Services report on Adolf Hitler
(Source: Public domain)

During World War Two, Gogia went over to France and Belgium to entertain the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). He performed in a concert party with film stars Gracie Fields and Gordon Harker. 
 
In October 1940, Gogia toured Australia and Singapore with a Red Cross concert party, raising funds to support the Red Cross’ vital wartime work. 

Another Gogia Pasha poster
(Source: Author's collection)
 
When back in London (where he lived), Gogia was an Air Raid Precautions (ARP) warden for Regent’s Park. At that time, the park was littered with military encampments to house personnel. During the Blitz, almost fifty German high-explosive bombs were dropped on it. 
 
After the war, Gogia Pasha toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia and Australia; often billing himself as “The man who made Hitler laugh”. In 1953, he was elected president of the Indian Magicians' Club. 

Adolf Hitler
(Source: Creative Commons Licence)

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