A Historic Feat at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium
In a remarkable display of cultural pride, Mollywood actress Divya Unni led a team of 11,600 Bharatanatyam dancers to achieve a Guinness World Record. The event took place on Sunday, December 29, at Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, surpassing the previous record of 10,176 dancers.
A Global Collaboration of Talent
The event brought together over 550 dance teachers from around the world, along with performers as young as 7 years old. Renowned dancer-actors including Paris Laxmi, Vidya Unni, and Uthara Unni also participated.
Clad in elegant silk blue saris, the dancers formed a clockwise circle around Divya Unni, who performed at the center of the stadium. The ensemble performed a mesmerizing routine for 8 minutes to a song composed by Anoop Sankar, leaving the audience spellbound.
A Triumph Marred by Controversy
However, the grand event, named ‘Mridanga Naadam,’ was not without its challenges. A case has been registered against the organizers after Thrikkakara MLA Uma Thomas suffered serious injuries due to a fall from a 15-foot-high gallery, which was reportedly improperly barricaded.
According to reports, the Palarivattom police initiated legal action following a complaint filed by the MLA’s secretary, alleging negligence by the event organizers.
A Legacy of Cultural Excellence
Despite the controversy, the event marked a significant milestone in the world of Indian classical dance. Divya Unni and her team have set a new standard, showcasing the global appeal and enduring legacy of Bharatanatyam on an unprecedented scale.
