TWO years ago, Vikey the magician buried himself alive in front of a few hundred spectators in a vacant lot in the hills of Rawang.

Last weekend, he risked drowning in a water torture escape as thousands of audience members watched at the Starxpo Centre in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

Vikey’s death-defying stunt was the climax of a live show that gathered 14 magicians from around the world.

The magician, whose real name is Vikneswaran Allagu, managed to free himself from chains while submerged in a tank of water in three minutes and 16 seconds. That was more than double the time he was advised to stay underwater.

But it wasn’t without consequence. As he walked on stage to celebrate his escape, he blacked out and fell over. He was rushed backstage but was up in time to receive recognition for his stunt in the Malaysia Book of Records.

After a live burial and risking drowning, Vikey plans to live in ice for three days.—August 24, 2019.