Udupi Dancer Sets Record with 216-Hour Bharatanatyam Marathon

Vidushi Deeksha V from Udupi has made headlines by attempting a world record for the longest continuous Bharatanatyam dance performance. From August 21 to 30, 2023, she reportedly performed for an astonishing total of 216 hours. A provisional certificate confirming her achievement was issued on Saturday, pending further verification from the Golden Book of World Records.

During a ceremony at the Mahatma Gandhi Ajjarkad District Stadium, Manish Vishnoi, the Asia head of the Golden Book of World Records, acknowledged the remarkable nature of Deeksha’s accomplishment. “There is no doubt she performed for 216 hours,” Vishnoi stated, adding that each aspect of the performance, including breaks, must be meticulously verified before the final certification is granted.

Vishnoi commended Deeksha’s dedication, emphasizing that Bharatanatyam is more than just a dance form; it is a “sadhana,” or spiritual practice. “She hails from a small town and an ordinary family, but carries an extraordinary dream. Her determination to create a world record is inspiring,” he noted.

Deeksha’s attempt follows a previous record set by Remona Evette Pereira, who completed a 170-hour Bharatanatyam marathon last month. Vishnoi recalled his surprise when Deeksha expressed her ambition to surpass this milestone. “Even 170 hours is a huge achievement. But Deeksha was planning for nine days straight. We even suggested she add a few hours instead, but she was determined.”

Following her performance, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar visited the venue to honour Deeksha. He expressed his privilege in celebrating her achievement, reminiscing about his own experience learning Bharatanatyam during his school days. Shivakumar acknowledged the hard work required for such an art form and congratulated her both personally and on behalf of the government.

Reflecting on her experience, Deeksha expressed her gratitude for the support she received from family and friends. She admitted the first three days of the marathon were particularly challenging, but her determination enabled her to persevere. After completing her record attempt, she performed for the audience, receiving accolades from well-wishers.

Deeksha achieved this record at the Dr G. Shankar Government Women’s First Grade College in Udupi. A resident of Arooru in Brahmavar, she comes from a humble background; her mother, Shubha, works as a hostel helper, while her father, Vittal, is a bus driver at the Little Rock Indian School in Brahmavar.

An alumna of the same school, Deeksha pursued her pre-university studies at Amritha Bharati PU College in Hebri and later completed her Bachelor of Science at Dr G. Shankar Women’s College in Ajjarkad. She is currently studying for her Bachelor of Education at Dr TMA Pai College of Education in Kunjibettu.

Beginning her Bharatanatyam journey at a young age, Deeksha’s passion for the art form has now led her to national recognition. Present at the ceremony were notable figures, including MP Kota Shrinivasa Poojary, MLA Yashpal Suvarna, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat, and philanthropist Nadoja G Shankar, all of whom celebrated her extraordinary achievement.