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CNN Live At Daybreak
In New Dehli, Indians Have Particular Passion for Record Pursuits
Aired June 26, 2003 - 05:53 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: We posed the question a bit earlier, just what would you be willing to do to grab that 15 minutes of fame? Well, in New Delhi, Suhasini Haidar says Indians have a particular passion for record pursuits.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SUHASINI HAIDAR, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Scuba diving bridal wear for an underwater wedding. This young couple in the Indian city of Mumbai wants to break the world record for the longest wedding underwater and the first ever submarine Hindu ceremony. So the priest, the garlands and the gods moved 12 feet below the surface, while the guests cheer from above. The newlyweds say they'll now apply for recognition from the company that publishes the "Guinness Book of World Records."
(on camera): Look up any record book and you'll find Indians qualify for the wackiest categories -- most arm rotations, fastest haircuts, longest nails, longest beard, even longest ear hair. Some estimate that one fourth of all world record applicants are Indian.
(voice-over): Some people will go to any length to make it into the books. Subba Rao isn't trying for the longest mustache, but the strongest, carrying up to 35 kilos with his well built whiskers. "It hurts," he admits, "but I want to show the world and prove myself."
That's the spirit that drives Shaish Babu (ph) to stand still dressed as Ghandi for more than 30 hours. And what makes Vitel's (ph) eyes water, having just downed 170 chiles in about five minutes.
GUINNESS RISHI, INDIAN RECORD BREAKERS ASSOCIATION (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Ninety-nine percent of the people break records for publicity.
HAIDAR: Guinness Rishi, yes, he named himself after the book, should know. He's applied more than 300 times for Guinness honors and succeeded three times, including once for the farthest pizza delivery, from New Delhi to San Francisco. Record breaking is more than Rishi's hobby, it's become his job. He now consults for hundreds of other Indians like him, who also want a crack at those 15 minutes of fame.
Suhasini Haidar, CNN, New Delhi.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Pursuits>
Aired June 26, 2003 - 05:53 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: We posed the question a bit earlier, just what would you be willing to do to grab that 15 minutes of fame? Well, in New Delhi, Suhasini Haidar says Indians have a particular passion for record pursuits.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SUHASINI HAIDAR, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Scuba diving bridal wear for an underwater wedding. This young couple in the Indian city of Mumbai wants to break the world record for the longest wedding underwater and the first ever submarine Hindu ceremony. So the priest, the garlands and the gods moved 12 feet below the surface, while the guests cheer from above. The newlyweds say they'll now apply for recognition from the company that publishes the "Guinness Book of World Records."
(on camera): Look up any record book and you'll find Indians qualify for the wackiest categories -- most arm rotations, fastest haircuts, longest nails, longest beard, even longest ear hair. Some estimate that one fourth of all world record applicants are Indian.
(voice-over): Some people will go to any length to make it into the books. Subba Rao isn't trying for the longest mustache, but the strongest, carrying up to 35 kilos with his well built whiskers. "It hurts," he admits, "but I want to show the world and prove myself."
That's the spirit that drives Shaish Babu (ph) to stand still dressed as Ghandi for more than 30 hours. And what makes Vitel's (ph) eyes water, having just downed 170 chiles in about five minutes.
GUINNESS RISHI, INDIAN RECORD BREAKERS ASSOCIATION (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Ninety-nine percent of the people break records for publicity.
HAIDAR: Guinness Rishi, yes, he named himself after the book, should know. He's applied more than 300 times for Guinness honors and succeeded three times, including once for the farthest pizza delivery, from New Delhi to San Francisco. Record breaking is more than Rishi's hobby, it's become his job. He now consults for hundreds of other Indians like him, who also want a crack at those 15 minutes of fame.
Suhasini Haidar, CNN, New Delhi.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Pursuits>
