Kathmandu — More than a decade after shocking global audiences with a 62-hour and 12-minute marathon broadcast in 2013, Rabi Lamichhane’s oratory remains a defining moment in Nepal’s media history. His endurance performance was so influential that former Nepali lawmaker Gyanéndra Shahi once declared, “No one can defeat Rabi by speaking — he is a Guinness World Record holder.” At the time, the remark was viewed as a political jab wrapped in admiration. But years later, the claim no longer holds. In 2023, Slovenia’s Boris Tomašič completed a 73-hour and 23-minute talk-show marathon, officially surpassing Lamichhane’s record.

Although Shahi’s assertion has been invalidated by updated Guinness listings, Lamichhane’s speaking style, quick reasoning, probing questions, and ability to sustain composure under live-studio pressure remain widely regarded as exceptional within Nepal’s media and political circles. Supporters argue that “the record may have changed, but the impact Rabi created has not faded.” Critics counter that Shahi’s earlier statement now appears exaggerated, exposing how difficult it is to anchor political praise on permanent foundations.

Analysts note that Lamichhane’s rhetorical power grew even stronger after transitioning from journalism into politics. His public addresses — capable of stirring both enthusiasm and discontent — have played a substantial role in shaping public opinion. Yet, in a striking twist, a decade after losing the world record, Lamichhane now faces an entirely different reality: he is in judicial custody amid ongoing legal proceedings. Crowds of supporters, colleagues, and well-wishers continue to visit him daily, underscoring the sustained public interest around his persona. The heightened electoral atmosphere has further intensified gatherings outside the detention center.

Amid these contradictions, one conclusion stands firm: records can be broken, and political quips may fade, but Rabi Lamichhane’s ability to influence public sentiment through speech remains one of the most potent forces in Nepal’s contemporary political landscape.

Rabi Lamichhane