Patiala based Kathak dancer, Shruti Gupta, who garnered a great deal of attention recently for performing Kathak at an altitude of 5,242 m at sub-zero temperature, has now set her eyes for a performance of the classical Indian dance on the highest peak of the world, Mount Everest.

Showing the world one of the most daring acts, Shruti recently attained a rare feat, entering the limca Book of Records, with her Kathak performance at an altitude of 5,242 m (17,198 feet) for seven minutes at sub-zero temperature at Baralacha Pass in lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh

Shruti Gupta, 28, who had taken up Indian traditional dance in her childhood while growing up in Kullu, says that performing at high altitudes is adventurous and difficult… something that she dreamed of doing being a dancer.

“I have now set a target to convert my 5242 m feat to 8848 m, performing Kathak at Mount Everest, highest peak in the world,” shares Gupta

As for why she would attempt such a feat in the first place, Shruti says, “It’s her devotion for lord Shiva. Shiva’s abode is Kailash (Himalayas) and there is this divine energy that one feels at heights. My performance at heights is dedicated to lord Shiva.” Shruti also dedicates her performance to Indian Army, which she says, face weather extremities to protect the country at Himalayas and are true inspiration for today’s youth.

She says, “Her twin love of dance and nature had inspired her for a performance at Baralacha Pass in October this year and she will attempt to make another record at Mount Everest, probably by next year.”

The project to perform Kathak at high altitudes is the brainchild of Shruti, who attributes her success to her mentor and Guruji Pandit Rajendra Gangani.

Before performing at Baralacha Pass, Shruti says, “She had to concentrate both on mental and physical aspect. I worked under my Guruji for six months to prepare for the performance… learned to control my breath while performance, acclimatize to perform in sub-zero temperature,   and various other aspects to perform at high altitudes… And the final result was beautiful and satisfying.”

Shruti is currently pursuing her Masters in Kathak from the Dance Department of Punjabi University. She also has a Master Degree in Sitar. She adds, “Besides, attempting to perform Kathak at Mount Everest, she is also eyeing another record, which would be the dance performance of about 100 students at 3000 mt on August 15 next year, giving a tribute to Indian Army.”