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800 Dancers Aim for Record as Modi Visits Malaysia in Diaspora Spectacle

The Indian diaspora in Malaysia is organizing a massive cultural performance with 800 dancers aiming for an entry into the Malaysia Book of Records. The event, titled 'Selamat Datang Modiji', will be held during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's official visit to the country. The choreography is designed as a "miniature India," blending numerous classical and folk dance forms into a five-minute spectacle. Modi's visit will also focus on elevating the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, including potential defence collaborations.

Key Points: 800 Dancers Target Malaysia Record During PM Modi's Visit

  • 800 dancers in single choreography
  • Performance for Malaysia Book of Records
  • Held during PM Modi's Malaysia visit
  • Showcases Indian classical & folk dance
3 min read

800 dancers, 1 stage: Indian diaspora aims for Malaysia Book of Records during PM Modi's visit

Indian diaspora in Malaysia to attempt a record with 800 dancers performing classical and folk forms during PM Modi's visit for bilateral talks.

"We will have 800 dancers performing dance forms for five minutes as we attempt to enter the Malaysia Book of Records - Shalini Kothari"

Kuala Lumpur, February 6

In a massive display of cultural and soft power diplomacy, the Indian diaspora in Malaysia is set to attempt a prestigious entry into the Malaysia Book of Records during the high-profile 'Selamat Datang Modiji' event.

The record attempt, scheduled for the evening of February 7, 2026, will take place at the MINES International Exhibition & Convention Centre (MIECC) in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Malaysian counterpart.

Under the banner of the Indian Community Cultural Committee, approximately 800 dancers will perform a single, continuous five-minute choreographed piece. The attempt is titled: "Largest Number of Dancers in a Single Choreographed Dance Representing a Wide Variety of Indian Classical and Folk Dance Forms Performed by the Indian Diaspora."

The performance aims to serve as a bridge between tradition and the modern diaspora, showcasing the preservation of Indian heritage on foreign soil.

The ambitious choreography is designed to be a "miniature India," weaving together a tapestry of classical and regional folk forms. The performance will feature a seamless blend of Bharatanatyam, Odissi, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Kuchipudi, and Yakshagana, alongside the vibrant rhythms of Lavani, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Odia, Bihu, and Tamil folk traditions.

According to Shalini Kothari, an organiser of Selamat Datang Modiji, "We will have 800 dancers performing dance forms for five minutes as we attempt to enter the Malaysia Book of Records," she told ANI.

The organisers have requested the Malaysia Book of Records to conduct the official certificate presentation on-site immediately following the performance, marking a historic milestone in the bilateral cultural relationship between the two nations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Malaysia from February 7-8 and hold bilateral talks with his counterpart Anwar Ibrahim. The upcoming visit marks PM Modi's third to Malaysia and the first since bilateral relations were elevated to a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" in August 2024, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

India is exploring opportunities for collaboration across the defence sector during Prime Minister Modi's upcoming visit to Malaysia, including the sale of Dornier aircraft, maintenance of Scorpene submarines and SU-30 aircraft, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

During his visit, PM Modi will also interact with the members of the Indian diaspora in Malaysia and other business representatives.

Malaysia has a 2.9 million-strong Indian diaspora, the third-largest in the world, and the second-largest PIO community (2.75 million). Malaysia is an important partner for India in ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific, and a key pillar of India's Act East Policy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the cultural display is impressive, I hope the bilateral talks focus on substantial issues too. Defence collaboration is good, but we should also push for better trade terms and easier visa processes for our diaspora there. The performance is the soft power, but we need hard results.
S
Shreya B
Wow! 2.9 million strong Indian community in Malaysia! No wonder they can pull off such a massive event. My cousin lives in Kuala Lumpur and says the Indian festivals there are celebrated with even more fervour than in some parts of India. All the best to the dancers!
A
Aman W
The logistics must be insane! Coordinating 800 people for a 5-minute seamless performance? Hats off to the organisers. This is a fantastic way to show Malaysia and the world the diversity and unity of Indian culture. Hope they smash the record.
K
Karthik V
I appreciate the effort, but sometimes I feel these large-scale performances during diplomatic visits can feel a bit staged. The real test is whether this cultural connect translates into better opportunities and respect for the everyday Indian worker in Malaysia. That's the diplomacy that matters.
N
Nisha Z
Including Yakshagana and Odissi alongside the more popular forms is brilliant! Often, folk and classical dances from certain regions don't get the international platform. This is a truly inclusive representation. Can't wait to see the videos!

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