Terence Lewis takes a bow

"I feel that the entire universe conspired to make my effort a success," says choreographer Terence Lewis, who recently broke a Guinness World Record by making 1,336 people dance in unison at Bandra

Terence Lewis takes a bow

"I feel that the entire universe conspired to make my effort a success," says choreographer Terence Lewis, who recently broke a Guinness World Record by making 1,336 people dance in unison at Bandra.

What has made Terence doubly happy is the fact that he's achieved the feat at St Teresa High School, his alma mater. "My first initiation into dance was at my school. It's like life coming full circle," says Terence. He speaks to CS about his achievement, struggle and fan following:

Blessed me
Honestly, I was very doubtful of whether I could pull it off as the timing was all wrong. I had to get people together on a scorching summer afternoon, on a day prior to Holi. Moreover, exams are on in schools so getting a ground was nearly impossible. And I had just three days to set up this event. In fact, I asked the Guinness team as to what made them think that I could achieve this feat! I spent three days running from pillar to post trying to figure out things. But once we got rolling, everything started falling into place.

Against all odds
I was a microbiology student with a degree in hotel management. After getting my degree in 1996, I got a job with a leading hotel chain with a starting salary of Rs 35,000. But when I decided to ditch that offer to pursue dancing, my parents were appalled. I have seven older siblings who created pandemonium over my decision.

But I wanted to be the best dancer ever, even if it got me a salary of just Rs 5,000 per month. I told my family that I wouldn't depend on them for my existence, and that I planned to travel abroad to learn dance and choreography. Being on television, working on films, earning money, figured nowhere on my list of ambitions. I firmly believe that if you stick to being the best in what you do, the world will automatically find you.u00a0

Fan mania
Well, I get never-ending calls from my fans, mostly from women. Once one woman came to me and said that I was her husband from previous birth. And that she had divorced her husband to marry me! It totally freaked me out.

Then there's another lady who sends me food on a daily basis. I get a lot of gifts from girls in West Bengal and North Eastern states. One lady once called up from London on my office number and said some of the most unmentionable things. But I will never let fame affect me. I find the celebrity status superficial. The real appreciation is when someone tells me that I've made a positive difference to their lives. Now that is truly very touching.

Who: Terence Lewisu00a0
What: Talks about breaking the Bollywood dance record
WHERE: Carter Road, Bandra