On the night of August 20, I felt like a groom ready to get married the next day. I am 35 and I am still an eligible bachelor, but I call RJing my girlfriend turned wife! I decided to go to sleep by 9.30 because I knew I needed lots of sleep before the BIG day! I went to bed on time but I couldn't sleep. I woke up at 10.30 and every hour after that. I found myself waking up even though I had set the alarm for 3.30 am.
Finally, I got up at 3.30 am, did some yoga and meditation. I packed my clothes a little nervously, and by 4.30 am, I reached the Big FM studio. I prayed to my parents in my mind before starting the event at 5 am. I started by playing a devotional song in praise of Vinayakar. At 6 am, I called my mother and said, "Amma, I have started my show and I need your blessings." And she blessed me. Every day, I call my mother and seek her blessings and this call connects emotionally with my listeners.
At exactly 5 am, I came on air and said, "Hi I am Big Dheena. It's 5 o'clock in the morning and I need all your support to come out victorious in this venture. Give me energy and blessings." And calls started flooding in to the studio. So many of the Big FM listeners were waiting near the radio for me to start the event.
I was happy when I completed one hour, which I announced to my listeners. The second hour also sped past. The first day just whizzed by because there was so much excitement in the studio and among the listeners. The first celebrity to come in was actor Surya who dropped in to support me. He said, "I am happy that you are the first one to attempt this. I appreciate your effort. That is why I am here." Then actress Tamannah came. Tamil director Dharani was the first celebrity to call. He said he wanted to come to the studio at night when I was alone and could use the company.
Even at night, I didn't feel sleepy. I was awake and talking. Till 5 am on Friday, I did not sleep a wink. The entire team was in the studio keeping me company. Then of course, we have to provide evidence to the Guinness World Records officials that I was awake and talking. So, the entire show was recorded.
But I was allowed to take a five-minute break after every hour, so what I did was, I went non-stop for 24 hours and then took a two-hour break.
Caption: RJ Dheena with actor Surya
Also see: Indian Salsa extravaganza!
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