‘Steel Man’ from Surat, the nation’s leading martial artist and strength athlete, Vispy Kharadi made history yet again by setting another Guinness World Record for the ‘Longest Duration Holding Hercules Pillars (Male)’. Displaying unparalleled strength and endurance, Kharadi held the towering Hercules pillars, measuring 123 inches in height with a 20.5-inch diameter and weighing 166.7 kg and 168.9 kg, for an incredible two minutes and 10.75 seconds, surpassing the previous record of 1 minute and 30 seconds.
An impressive addition to his ever-increasing fan base was Elon Musk who reposted this record-breaking feat which was recorded by Guinness and added to their official world records. In the video, Kharadi is seen gripping two short pillars inspired by Greek architecture, for over two minutes, displaying extraordinary levels of endurance.
Responding to the Tesla CEO’s repost, Kharadi expressed his joy on X: “It was indeed a good surprise when I got to know that @elonmusk shared my Guinness World Record Video on X. Feeling so happy and on cloud 9. Moreover it gives me immense pride that an Indian is being praised worldwide in the field of strength. @narendramodi,” he wrote. The video garnered over 16 million views and won plaudits from several social media celebrities and influencers.
Just last month, on 12th February, 2025, Kharadi rewrote history securing his 16th Guinness World Record, in Italy, for the Heaviest Weight Sustained on Human Body, supporting an astounding 1,819 kilograms (4010.2 pounds) on his body.
Sharing the experience of the great challenge, he shared in a media statement, “The Hercules Hold is something a normal person can’t even imagine attempting. I respect the previous record holder, but I pushed beyond it and set a new benchmark… This is not just my victory – it’s an answer from every Indian who has ever been considered weak. We are not genetically inferior. Our strength is on par with world-class athletes, and now, the world will see that when an Indian sets his mind on something, he will achieve it.”
A multiple black belt holder and Guinness World Record breaker, Vispy is a powerhouse in martial arts and self-defense. He has trained BSF Commandos, the Indian Army, and Police in unarmed combat, reinforcing national security. His records include crushing the most drink cans by hand and bending the most iron bars with his head in a minute. Honored as Ambassador of the Fit India Movement, launched by PM Narendra Modi, Vispy is also a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment, having trained over a million women in self-defense for free. Parsi Times proudly celebrates his achievements, which showcase India’s strength while inspiring countless individuals to embrace fitness, discipline and resilience.
