Udupi| September 03, 2025|SKY LINK TIMES
History was made in Udupi when Vidushi Deeksha V, a young Bharatanatyam dancer from Mundinjiddu in Brahmavar taluk, danced her way into the record books with an extraordinary 216-hour nonstop performance. Her feat surpassed the previous world record of 170 hours, set by Remona Evette Pereira of Mangaluru.
The marathon performance began on August 21 at 3:30 pm and concluded on August 30, marking nine continuous days of devotion to the classical dance form. Deeksha’s remarkable achievement was supported by Ratna Sanjeeva Kalamandala, Manipal, under the leadership of Mahesh Thakur, with guidance from former MLA K Raghupathi Bhat.
Felicitation and Recognition
On August 30, a grand felicitation ceremony was held at Mahatma Gandhi District Stadium, Ajjarkad, Udupi, where Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar honoured the young dancer.
Speaking at the event, Shivakumar praised Deeksha’s discipline and determination:
“Deeksha has achieved something truly remarkable at such a young age. Culture is the richest heritage of our country, and she has made a tremendous contribution to it. On behalf of the government, I congratulate her and her family.”
Interestingly, Shivakumar revealed that he too once practiced Bharatanatyam before entering politics, adding a personal note to his felicitation.
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Endurance, Dedication, and Support
Deeksha’s journey was not without challenges. Performing continuously for over 12,960 minutes took a physical toll, with her legs bleeding during the marathon. Yet, her spirit never wavered. Speaking emotionally after the feat, she said:
“This achievement would have been impossible without God’s blessings. The continuous media presence meant I couldn’t rest, but after three days, I adapted and continued with full energy.”
Her success was a collective effort. From her husband and parents to mentors like Vidwan Yashwanth MG and supporters including Preethi Shetty, Vikram, and Geethanjali Suvarna, the community stood firmly behind her.
Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat shared that though he was initially doubtful, he later encouraged Deeksha to focus on creating a record while others took care of logistics. “She didn’t just aim to break a record, she wanted to achieve something greater,” he said.
Golden Book of World Records Recognition
Manish Bishnoy, Asia head of the Golden Book of World Records, presented Deeksha with a provisional certificate. He explained that the official recognition would follow after detailed verification of the performance footage.
“Deeksha is the first dancer in the world to achieve such a feat in Bharatanatyam. Coming from a small village, she dreamed big and succeeded. Her determination is historic.” Bishnoy remarked.
A Cultural Triumph for Udupi
The felicitation ceremony witnessed participation from several dignitaries, including MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLA Yashpal Suvarna, MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Dr G Shankar, and Prof Shojan K G. Many described the event as not just a celebration of Deeksha’s endurance but also a proud cultural moment for Udupi.
After the formal programme, Deeksha once again enthralled the audience with a Bharatanatyam performance, showcasing her passion for the art form even after nine days of relentless dancing.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Deeksha’s world record is more than just a number—it is a symbol of perseverance, devotion, and cultural pride. Her story is expected to inspire countless young artists to pursue excellence in classical dance and beyond.
With the blessings of Lord Krishna, the support of her family, and recognition from cultural institutions, Vidushi Deeksha has brought global attention to Udupi and the timeless tradition of Bharatanatyam.
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