500 Bharatanatyam exponents to attempt Guinness record

Interestingly, on April 1, he is attempting to create a Guinness Record with more than 500 Bharatanatyam dancers from all over India performing for the longest tala. In a quick chat with us, Muralidaran opens up about the process. “I am planning to create a Guinness Record in teaching jathis and alarippu to the largest number of students in the longest Sankeerna Dhruvam Tala. It is the longest in all 35 tala system named as Soolathi Sapta Tala system of Carnatic music. I will be introducing the tala first and then teach the dancers on how to do this alarippu in a different tala. In order to accomplish this unique and commendable feat, I’ve invited dancers from across the country. Every student would be awarded a certificate of appreciation for their role in creating this Guinness Record,” he says. 

Explaining the reason behind such a concept, he says, “Bharathanatyam is an ocean of music and dance and one lifetime is not enough to master this divine dance form. The rhythmic patterns (talams) are an integral part of Bharathanatyam. There are totally 35 talams in Carnatic music. I have always been intrigued by the talam component and it is always my passion to pursue this interesting element that combines many mathematical permutations and combinations.”