Hyderabad boy is in Guinness Records

Professionally, Rahul Krishnan is an engineer & a magician, but this is not a magic

It was all hands on deck on a Sunday morning on June 1, for Rahul Krishnan, the 21-year-old boy from the city as he decided to break the Guinness World Record for the highest distance gained by throwing a playing card in the air with bare hands. Friends, family, and media marked their attendance at Meridian Plaza, Ameerpet, to witness the boy do that marvelous toss.

Rahul Krishnan officially broke the Guinness world record on the very same day with the highest throw of a playing card ever-recorded with 16.99 m (55 ft 9 in). The earlier record was set by Rokas Bernatonis from Lithuania, which was at 14.35 m (47 ft 1 in). Rahul received the certificate from Guinness Book of World Records, on Wednesday last recognising his feat.

Rajshekar Reddy, advocate of the AP High Court, had checked the length of the scale which was certified by the Weights and Measures Department of India while Rahul was doing the stunt. Other eminent people on the occasion included G Vishnuvardhan Reddy who was the official surveyor, B Nagender Rao, president for Hyderabad consumer and Education Centre and authorised notary and Ramohan Reddy from India Book of Records.

Rick Smith was the inspiration for Rahul, “The idea of attempting the world record came after watching a record with playing cards achieved by Rick Smith Jr of the USA. Rick holds the record for the farthest throw of a playing card,” he says.

His interest in cricket came in handy for the feat. “I used to play cricket in my college and was a fast bowler. So I felt, why not try my hand at throwing cards? Because the only difference is that while bowling, I use my palm and while throwing a card, I'll use my fingers. And after a year of practice, I finally decided to take a chance in attempting something big. And I attempted to break the world record in front of an official notary and official surveyor (surveyor authorised by the government of AP).”

It was after more than five throws, a few reaching nearly 54 ft that Rahul managed to surpass the 55 ft mark. With it Rahul made the official entry to the India Book of Records. He later sent the documents and video footage to Guinness Book of Records, which recognised it and declared as a world record.

Professionally a magician who did various shows in Hyderabad, Goa and Vijayawada, Rahul never let his love for magic and cards interfere with his studies. A pass out from Geethanjali College of engineering, Rahul is presently working for a private firm.

“It was magic that got me here,” he concludes.