Vaikom Vijayalakshmi. Onmanorama/File photoKochi: Famous Malayalam playback singer Vaikom Vijayalakshmi has set a world record by playing Gayathri Veena continuously for over 5 hours. She has now become the first person to play Gayathri Veena, a single string musical instrument, continuously for the longest time ever.
In breaking the record, Vijayalakshmi played 67 songs on her instrument at an event in Kochi. Though the initial plan was to play 51 songs, Vijayalakshmi continued with her performance after reaching that mark and concluded her performance after playing the 67th song.
Recently, Vijayalakshmi - who was born blind - called off her wedding with Santhosh after getting engaged to him earlier this year.
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The talented musician said she took the decision on her own as Santhosh had put forward certain conditions and asked her to stop performing in concerts after the marriage. The singer was lauded by people from across the society for not giving up on her passion for a married life.
Vaikom Vijayalakshmi plays Gayathri Veena at a concert as his father Muraleedharan looks on. Onmanorama/File photoWhat's special about Gayathri Veena?
Vijayalakshmi, who has also sung in Tamil and Telugu films, has performed several concerts with her Gayathri Veena. The instrument was presented to her by a well-wisher and her father Muraleedharan electrified and modified it.
Renowned violinist Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, who was impressed by Vijayalakshmi's performance with the Veena, gave the instrument its name Gayathri Veena.
