INDIA: 54-year-old Indian man Ram Singh Chauhan noses towards a world record with a moustache fast approaching four metres

An Indian man from the north-western desert state of Rajasthan is inching his way to a hair-raising record, literally, as the owner of world's longest moustache measuring nearly four metres (12 feet). Ram Singh Chauhan, a 54-year-old Rajasthan state tourism official is a major attraction with tourists who come to city known for its sand dunes, royal palaces and colourful festivals. Chauhan, who started growing his moustache in 1982 after being inspired by a fellow Rajasthani, Karna Bheel -the then Guinness world record holder for the longest moustache - says his long hair has turned him into a celebrity with people jostling to be photographed with him, wherever he goes. "I am here on a trip to India and we have just come across this man who has the longest moustache," said Australian tourist Evette Marion. "That is the biggest moustache I have ever seen, that is unbelievable, absolutely amazing. Congratulations to him for having gone so long," said Josh, also from Australia. He takes meticulous care of his precious hair when he is not performing on the streets by wrapping it in a cloth and hanging it around his neck. He was forced to camouflage his prized possession after a near fatal accident with a motorist - the driver almost crashed into Chauhan as he could not take his eyes off the moustache. Chauhan massages the moustache with mustard and coconut oil regularly to keep it in a healthy state. It takes him nearly two hours every morning to groom his facial hair and the challenge is to do it without letting the dangerous razor blades do any damage as he shaves his beard. "Whatever endeavour we take in life, we have to work very hard for it, we have to struggle and toil hard for it. Moustache has to be tended to and nurtured just like a baby," said a proud Chauhan. And the pain has brought pleasure. The moustache has brought him fame, money and a passport to travel around the world to showcase his prized possession to awe-struck audiences at various trade shows and international fairs. Chauhan also plays the traditional Rajasthani Morchang and sings folk songs of the region. He says that his claim for the longest moustache is still being examined by the Guinness Book of World Records for an official entry. Chauhan says his moustache has brought him to share the stage with Bollywood superstars, international beauty queens and heads of states. His wife Asha says for the warrior Rajputs, a moustache is a thing of honour and Chauhan's long whiskers ensure privileged treatment for the entire family wherever they travel. "I feel very happy that he is such a renowned man. My children are also very happy because of this. A wife feels very proud of her husband if he does anything that gets him fame and recognition from everyone around," she said. A quirky story.

ITN Source | February 25, 2007

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