Keys to winning

At the age of three, while all the other little toddlers were grasping their first words, Mritunjay Sharma was learning to strike the first key on his piano. Today, at the age of 19, while his friends are busy planning their career ahead, this young lad has already bagged the Guinness World Record for playing the piano non-stop for 104 hours.

Talking about his musical sojourn, he says, “It all started during my early schooldays. I was in fourth or fifth grade, and admitted to a new school. That same day there were auditions being conducted for an upcoming show. With limited preparation I decided to give it a try. It was the moment after my performance that I recollect fondly, when everyone sitting there showered me with endless appreciation. Following which I performed in umpteen shows. I guess it was moments like these which made me realise that music is my true passion.”

From an early age, Mritunjay devoted most of his hours towards practicing and understanding a variety of musical instruments. Prior to bagging the Guinness World record, he had also successfully earned a place in the Limca Book of Records, for playing the piano for 52 hours. “At that point I still hadn’t undergone a training, to mentally prepare myself. At the end of those 52 hours, it all seemed like a fantasy to me,” shares Mritunjay and adds, “The feeling of achieving your dream can truly never be expressed through words.”

But his struggle to achieving the bigger target was far tougher. He trained for two years under acclaimed musician Sudhanshu Bahuguna, who has coached popular singers such as Kailash Kher. “He has been my backbone throughout my journey. Through his training I was able to understand the depth of music and easily play through those 104 hours. From understanding the notes to play, to deciding my playlist, it would have been impossible without his support.”

Besides music, he also had to follow a rigorous fitness and health regime. He explains, “It is easy to train yourself in other aspects of life, but how can you teach yourself to not sleep through nights Physical resistance and mental strength in such scenarios become very necessary.”

At the mark of 104 hours, his entire family and friends as well as the faculty of SRCC present burst into applause. “I threw my hands up in the air and danced crazily. It was all about celebrations after that.”

Apart from music, the Guinness World record holder also has a strong passion for cooking. “After my graduation, I hope to pursue a career in music by joining the Trinity College of Music,” he says.

With a goal to break the record of the fastest pianist in the world, he concludes, “I believe our country has an abundance of talent, so we can most certainly achieve all the global titles if we truly persevere.”