"I’ve loved taking on a new challenge each year"
BBC Asian Network Breakfast with Nikita Kanda achieved a Guinness World Record for the longest relay of people dunking pakoras.
More than 250 people took part in the record, which took place at The Old Library in Birmingham on September 23, 2026.
For the relay, the participants formed a continuous single-file line.
Each person dunked a pakora into the next participant’s chutney before eating it and passing the challenge on.
Nikita Kanda and BBC Asian Network brought together listeners, celebrities and BBC presenters to help set the new record.
Participants included Radio 2’s OJ Borg, Coronation Street’s Ellie Leach, fellow world record holder Preet Chandi and comedian Lindsey Santoro.
The record attempt was broadcast live on Asian Network, with the result captured during Jaz Singh’s show.
Nikita said: “Ever since I started hosting the Asian Network Breakfast Show, I’ve loved taking on a new challenge each year – although my knees still haven’t forgiven me for abseiling down Anfield Stadium!
“Setting a Guinness World Records title is something I’ve secretly wanted to do since I was a kid, growing up reading the Guinness World Records books.
“To now have the chance to set a brand-new record alongside the Asian Network listeners is very special.
“They’re such a huge part of the show and I didn’t want to do it without them; they really get behind all of my chaos!
“Pass the Pakora felt like the perfect way to bring the whole community together using something we all love, FOOD! And we can put world record holders on our CVs, so it’s a win-win!”
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Ahmed Hussain, Head of BBC Asian Network, said: “A massive congratulations to all of the teams involved, especially Nikita!
“What we’ve seen today is the very best of what BBC Asian Network can do.
“Yes, we’ve broken a world record, but more importantly we’ve brought people together.
“From the communities who took part, to the audiences who supported us along the way, this has been a celebration of the things that connect us most: food, music and culture.
“That’s where our listeners really come into their own, helping turn a fun idea into something that united people across the country.”
The attempt was officially verified by Guinness World Records adjudicator Will Munford, who said:
“It was fantastic to officially verify BBC Asian Network Breakfast with Nikita Kanda’s achievement today.
“Mass participation attempts are always really special because they bring so many people together around one shared goal, and seeing more than 250 people line up to take part in the longest pakora dunking relay really brought that to life.
“It was a brilliant example of what we mean by ‘Be Part of It’ – everyone had a role to play in making the record happen.
“Congratulations to Nikita, the BBC Asian Network team and everyone who took part!”
Alongside the record attempt, BBC Asian Network also held Mix, Meet and Mentor, where DJs, presenters and production staff shared career advice and answered questions from 18 to 34-year-olds interested in radio, audio and music.
