In a record-breaking performance, Indian classical dancer Remona Evette Pereira, 20 years old, took the world by storm by dancing Bharatanatyam non-stop for 170 hours. The epochal show earned her a place in the prestigious Golden Book of World Records, becoming the first individual ever to do so in classical Indian dance.
Pereira started performing on July 21 and finished it on July 28 at Robert Sequeira Hall of St. Aloysius College, Mangalore, where she is pursuing her third-year Bachelor of Arts. Videos of the marathon performance have been shared on social media platforms, with netizens hailing her determination, discipline, and enthusiasm to keep Indian classical traditions alive.
Bharatanatyam is a challenging dance style, and Remona accepted the challenge and danced for 10,200 minutes with shortened breaks and rest, something which is nearly impossible to do by many,” said Manish Vishnoei, director of the Golden Book of World Records, as per Deccan Herald. Pereira was awarded a Certificate of Excellence for her commitment.
From Three-Year-Old Prodigy to Global Record Holder
Pereira started her Bharatanatyam training at three years of age under the guidance of well-known guru Shrividya Muralidhar. She performed her Rangapravesha (solo performance) in 2019 after years of hard work. Her unwavering perseverance has now taken her to shatter the earlier record achieved by Sudhir Jagtap, who had performed for 127 hours.
PM Modi Applauds the Young Icon
Pereira was earlier bestowed with the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2023. At the function, PM Modi questioned her, “At 3 years of age, you began learning dance. How did you keep encouraging yourself? Were the family members insisting, or did you have the grit?” She attributed her mother to be the greatest inspiration.
Remona’s success not only honors persistence and dedication but also highlights India’s vibrant classical heritage.
