Culture

Diwali Concert sets World Record at 30 Hours as the longest show

by sehgalviveka | October 19, 2009 at 09:16 am

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When the clock struck 12:30 AM on Oct 11th 2009, standing at the stage with volunteers and performers in front of thousands of cheering spectators, announced Roger Nair with friend and co-organizer Harpreet Sethi standing by his side "The world record is set at 30 hours for the longest show on earth in an indoor venue." As the crowd cheers brought the house down at the Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada. The show started at 6:30 PM on Oct. 9th at the Rogers Centre, the largest covered venue in the world and ended at 12:30 AM ON Oct.11th with Canadian company Roger Nair Productions premiering "Heartthrobs" with 12 Bollywood and TV stars at the Grand Finale.

"Toronto is proud to Host Mahautsav" said Mayor David Miller about the record setting show. Numerous MP's from across party lines along with dignitaries and diplomats from many countries also attended the festival.

"Stereo Nation rocked the Dome and performed in front of 20,000 people which increased to over 30,000 by the time "Heartthrobs" came to stage a few hours later. The religious, devotional, and health segments pulled their own respective crowd in thousands " said Harpreet Sethi whose Radisson Plaza Hotel and Grand Victorian Hotel in Mississauga Co-presented the event.

Roger Nair declared "We have accomplished what we set out to do. We wanted to create awareness for Diwali in North America and the Western world, a festival both dear to Hindus and Sikhs. By setting the bar at a 30 hour nonstop show at the biggest venue in the world, we have certainly brought attention to this very special Festival which is celebrated with the same enthusiasm and festivities as Christmas in many nations."

Hearthrob's Show is the first Canadian produced Bollywood Show at this scale.Talent participating in the concert was All A list from India.It sets a precedent in its own right; 30,000 plus people enjoyed and appreciated the show.

Diwali the Festival of lights is celebrated in India and many other Caribbean and South Pacific countries and is a national holiday in numerous countries besides India.

"We look forward to many more collaborations between Canada and India " said film maker Roger Nair who has made history twice over with this show, his first historical venture was "Guru" Premiere in January 2007 when Young street was brought to a standstill with thousands of cheering fans gathering outside the Elgin Theatre for the first Bollywood film to premiere outside of India with all of the film's starcast and crew including Aishwarya Rai and Abhsihek Bachchan along with AR Rahman and Mani Ratnam

A 30 hour Record setting Concert at Rogers Centre Oct 9-10