CHENNAI: There was hustle-bustle, and excitement was palpable. There were more than 4,500 Bharatanatyam dancers of all age groups in traditional red and white, anxiously waiting to find ‘their spot’ in the vast ground of Vel Tech University, Pallavaram, while a battalion of parents waited impatiently to catch a glimpse of a Guinness record attempt in which their children have participated…well, suffice to say that ‘Bharatham 5000’, organised recently by Lakshman Shruthi musicals, Adavallan Isaitamizh Arakkattalai and Visaka Media, was a massive hit.
To say the crowds thronged the venue is an understatement! As dancers from different dance schools in the country began assembling, seat began filling up fast, and soon there was hardly any empty spot. “We made facilities for the parents and others to watch the programme from difference terrace blocks. They could get an aerial view of so many artistes performing at once,” said a volunteer.
Manimekalai, parent of Santhanalakshmi, waited with bated breath to spot her among the many dancers. “We are from a very interior part of Dindigul. To send our child to a dance class is a lot of effort for us. But today, to see her be part of a record event is unbelievable. This is something we will cherish forever,” she said, almost in tears.
As the preparations were made and over 4,000 dancers were aligned asymmetrically, dance exponent Padma Subramanyam flagged off the record event. The Book of Records adjudicator Swapnil said, “We observed the dancers for five minutes and then later decide if this has broken the previous record of 2,100 people who did Bharatanatyam together.” At the end of the 21-minute performance for a song composed with 30 Thirukkurals and choreographed by dancer Athistabalan, Swapnil declared the record a success and presented the Guinness certificate and the Indian Book of Records certificate.
Athistabalan, who ideated the concept, said, “We had a registration of about 5,300. But, due to several conditions many couldn’t turn up in the last minute. But this is an extremely good count and I couldn’t be happier. We have set a record and this is a proud moment for both Bharatanatyam
and Thirukkural.”
Gushing about performing in front of his ‘inspiration’ and a legend — Padma Subramanyam, he added, “The fact that she presided over the event was a blessing. And more than that, she mentioned my name on stage and said that I have achieved something great…To me, that’s my award,”
he smiled.
Addressing the audience, Lakshman, founder, Lakshman Shruthi musicals, said, “The coordination of the performance was commendable. I have to thank all the dance teachers for training their students with the pre-recorded dance DVDs. It’s not easy to do something like this. Students’ cooperation has been vital in achieving this,” he added.
