BBC Asian Network Breakfast with Nikita Kanda achieved the Guinness World Records title for the longest relay of people dunking pakoras.
Over 250 people turned out to The Old Library in Birmingham to create the longest line of pakora’s dunked and passed, as verified by official Guinness World Records adjudicator, Will Munford. Participants stood in a continuous single-file and completed a relay by dunking a pakora into the next participant’s chutney before eating it and passing the challenge on.
Nikita Kanda and Asian Network enlisted listeners, celebrities and presenters across the BBC to help achieve the record, including Radio 2’s OJ Borg, Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach, fellow world record holder Preet Chandi (@polarpreet) and comedian Lindsey Santoro.
The record attempt broadcast live on Asian Network with the victory being captured during Jaz Singh’s show.
Alongside the world record attempt, Asian Network also held Mix, Meet and Mentor with Asian Network DJs, presenters and production staff sharing career tips, advice and answering questions from young people aged 18 – 34, interested in a career in radio, audio and music.
Nikita Kanda, Asian Network Breakfast presenter, says: “Ever since I started hosting the Asian Network Breakfast Show, I’ve loved taking on a new challenge each year – although my knees still haven’t forgiven me for abseiling down Anfield Stadium!
“Setting a Guinness World Records title is something I’ve secretly wanted to do since I was a kid, growing up reading the Guinness World Records books. To now have the chance to set a brand-new record alongside the Asian Network listeners is very special. They’re such a huge part of the show and I didn’t want to do it without them, they really get behind all of my chaos! Pass the Pakora felt like the perfect way to bring the whole community together using something we all love, FOOD! And we can put world record holders on our CVs so it’s a win win!
Ahmed Hussain, Head of BBC Asian Network, says: “A massive congratulations to all of the teams involved, especially Nikita! What we’ve seen today is the very best of what BBC Asian Network can do. Yes, we’ve broken a world record, but more importantly we’ve brought people together. From the communities who took part, to the audiences who supported us along the way, this has been a celebration of the things that connect us most: food, music and culture. That’s where our listeners really come into their own, helping turn a fun idea into something that united people across the country.”
Will Munford, official Guinness World Records adjudicator, says: “It was fantastic to officially verify BBC Asian Network Breakfast with Nikita Kanda’s achievement today. Mass participation attempts are always really special because they bring so many people together around one shared goal, and seeing more than 250 people line up to take part in the longest pakora dunking relay really brought that to life.
“It was a brilliant example of what we mean by ‘Be Part of It’- everyone had a role to play in making the record happen. Congratulations to Nikita, the BBC Asian Network team and everyone who took part!”
Listen back on BBC Sounds to hear Asian Network set a new Guinness World Records title.
