In a dazzling display of stamina, skill, and dedication, 20-year-old Remona Evette Pereira, a final-year BA student from St Aloysius (Deemed to be University) in Mangaluru, has danced her way into the Golden Book of World Records with a record-breaking 170-hour Bharatanatyam performance.
Beginning on July 21 at 10am and concluding in the afternoon of July 28, Remona’s week-long marathon shattered the previous record of 127 hours set by Sudhir Jagtap in 2023. Her feat, recognised officially by the Head of the Golden Book of World Records, Manish Vishnoei, earned her a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ and thunderous applause from well-wishers, dignitaries, and her proud parents.
“This dance form is incredibly demanding, yet Remona performed for 10,200 minutes with only a 15-minute break every three hours — a feat nearly impossible to imagine,” said Vishnoei, who originally suggested a five-day performance. Remona, however, pushed herself further, dancing for seven straight days and defying expectations.
Remona’s achievement was supported by her guru, Dr Shrividya Muralidhar, her college administration, and a dedicated medical team. Her classmates welcomed her with a Bharatanatyam procession as she was honoured inside the college auditorium.
The performance was a spiritual and artistic journey, beginning with prayers to Lord Ganesha and concluding with a tribute to Goddess Durga. Throughout, Remona exhibited flawless footwork, intricate mudras, and unwavering facial expressions — hallmarks of her 13 years of training under Guru Sri Vidya in Yeyyadi.
“I stood by my daughter every step of the way. Her dream has come true and my heart swells with pride,” said her mother, Gladis Celine, moved by her daughter’s accomplishment.
This is not Remona’s first brush with recognition. In 2022, she received the Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Bal Puraskar for excellence in art and culture. She is also trained in semi-classical, western, and contemporary dance, and has previously featured in the India Book of Records, Golden Book of Records – London, and the Bharat Book of Records.
Her marathon has become a defining moment for the cultural and academic community of Mangaluru, inspiring young artistes across India. The documentation is now being submitted for formal entry into the Golden Book of World Records.
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