World's shortest man from Nepal regales audiences in Mumbai circus

Mumbai, March 19 (IANS) Chandra Bahadur Dangi from Nepal, the world's shortest man, visited the Rambo Circus playing in the city and was greeted with resounding cheers by the audience on Thursday.

Holding a Guinness World Record and standing just 21.5 inches (54.6 cm) tall, this is 75-year-old Dangi's first visit to India hosted by Rambo Circus.

He is accompanied by nephew Dholak, who along with other artistes of Rambo Circus, will join the Tupa'l Bruno's Magic Circus, Samoa on an upcoming tour of the South Pacific region.

Both circuses are members of the Federation Mondiale du Cirque - the international body representing circuses globally - and frequently exchange artistes on a cross-cultural programme, said a spokesperson.

Dangi, weighing only 12 kg, subsists on a limited diet of a handful of rice and a piece of chicken, his favourite and spends most of his time travelling and making guest appearances at shows worldwide.

He forms part of the duo of the shortest man and the tallest man in the world with Sultan Kosen -- a Turkish Kurdish farmer who holds the Guinness World Record for the tallest living male at 2.51 metres.

Prior to his recognition by Guinness, Dangi led an ordinary life weaving baskets and ropes for a living in Nepal.