`Mridangam` player Ramakrishnan patted for Guinness record

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has congratulated eminemt `mridangam` artist Kuzhalmannam Ramakrishnan for clinching the Guinness record for "the longest music marathon."

Chandy handed over a citation to Ramakrishnan here and praised him for his commitment, dedication and hard work that made him not only the master percussionist but also a record holder for his musical feats. Ramakrishnan made it into the Guinness Record for "longest performance by a solo artist lasting for 501 hours" in 2009. Earlier, he had also set a record for his marathon performance in "hand drum of any category." Hailing from a musical family from Palakkad, Ramakrishnan had accompanied on Mridangam almost all leading contemporary Carnatic musicians besided conducting solo performances. A painter, social worker, teacher and lyricist, Ramakrishnan has also played the lead role in a Malayalam film to be released shortly. The film, titled "Neerajanam", is based on a musical theme. He started his quest for records by playing mridangam for 36 hours continuously in 2005, which was dedicated in memory of his sister who had passed away a few months back. He received four Guinness certificates for dedication and hard work in Mridangam performance. They include 36 hours Mridangam, 101 hours drumming marathon, 301 hours hand drum, and 501 hours Hand drum marathon and Longest Solo Concert. PTI