- Vispy Kharadi, born January 15, 1980, in Surat, Gujarat, Is an Indian athlete and martial artist known as the “Steel Man of India.”
- He set a Guinness World Record for the longest Hercules pillar hold, lasting 2 minutes and 10.75 seconds, with pillars weighing 166.7 kg and 168.9 kg, each 123 inches tall and 20.5 inches in diameter.
- The record was achieved in Surat, India, and gained attention when Elon Musk shared it on X, boosting its global recognition.
- Kharadi holds ten Guinness World Records, including feats in martial arts, and is a stunt choreographer and fitness trainer.
Background
Vispy Kharadi, initially a banker with a post-graduation from IIM Bangalore, transitioned to fitness and martial arts in 2015, founding Spaartan Vispy’s Martial Arts Academy. His journey from finance to becoming a celebrated athlete highlights his dedication to physical prowess and teaching.
Record Details
The Hercules pillar hold, inspired by Greek architecture, involved holding two massive pillars for over two minutes, a testament to his strength and endurance. This record, set in 2025, was officially recognized by Guinness World Records .
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Recognition and Impact
Elon Musk’s share on X amplified the record’s visibility, with the video garnering over 10.9 million views, showcasing Kharadi’s international appeal (Times of India).

A Detailed Biography of Vispy Kharadi: The Steel Man of India
Vispy Kharadi, born on January 15, 1980, in Surat, Gujarat, is a name synonymous with strength, determination, and groundbreaking achievements in the world of fitness and martial arts. Known as the “Steel Man of India,” he has not only etched his name in the Guinness World Records but also inspired countless individuals through his journey from a banker to a celebrated athlete and trainer. This biography delves into his early life, career transitions, record-breaking feats, training methods, and personal life, offering a comprehensive look at a man who embodies resilience and passion.
Early Life and Education
Vispy Kharadi was raised in a Parsi family, with his parents working in banking, which exposed him to the world of finance from a young age. His academic pursuits led him to earn a post-graduation degree in portfolio management from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) (Hello Fitness Magazine). This education laid a strong foundation for his initial career in banking, where he spent a decade climbing the corporate ladder, reaching significant positions.
Transition to Fitness and Martial Arts
Despite his success in banking, Vispy’s true calling was in fitness and martial arts. In 2015, he made a bold decision to leave his banking career behind and dedicate himself fully to his passions. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his journey as a martial arts expert and fitness trainer, founding Spaartan Vispy’s Martial Arts Academy. His transition was driven by a deep-seated desire to impart training and inspire others, reflecting his commitment to physical and mental discipline (Bright Gaze).
Achievements and Records
Vispy Kharadi’s prowess in martial arts and strength training is nothing short of extraordinary. He holds ten Guinness World Records, with seven in dangerous martial art feats, showcasing his ability to push the limits of human capability. His records include crushing the maximum number of drink cans with his hands in a minute, breaking the most concrete blocks in one minute, and the heaviest concrete blocks broken on a bed of nails sandwich (Times of India).
His most recent and notable achievement, set in 2025, is the longest duration holding Hercules pillars (male), lasting 2 minutes and 10.75 seconds. This feat involved holding two pillars, each weighing 166.7 kg and 168.9 kg, with a height of 123 inches and a diameter of 20.5 inches, inspired by Greek architecture. The record was achieved in Surat, India, and officially documented by Guinness World Records (Guinness World Records). This Herculean task not only tested his strength but also his endurance, earning him global recognition.
Beyond record-breaking, Vispy has made significant contributions to the entertainment industry as a stunt choreographer for Bollywood films such as “Brothers” and “Naam Shabana.” He has also performed in international reality shows like “America’s Got Talent” and “Ab India Todegaa,” further showcasing his skills to a global audience (Hello Fitness Magazine).
Training and Teaching Methods
Vispy is not just an athlete; he is a dedicated teacher and mentor. As the General Secretary of KUDO International Federation India, he imparts training in various martial arts and self-defense techniques, emphasizing a mix of Krav Maga and Aikijujutsu, particularly focusing on rape defense for women. He has trained elite forces like the Border Security Force (BSF) and National Security Guard (NSG) in armed and unarmed combat, contributing to national security (Bright Gaze).
His commitment to empowering women is evident through his free self-defense training programs across the country, reflecting his belief in making martial arts accessible to all. His training regimen is rigorous, involving 4 hours of daily physical activity: 2.5 hours dedicated to weight and strength training, and 1 hour to martial arts. He follows a disciplined diet, primarily homecooked, with a balanced intake of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, supplemented when necessary, ensuring optimal performance (Hello Fitness Magazine).
Personal Life and Family
Vispy Kharadi is a family man, balancing his professional achievements with personal life. He is 45 years old as of March 15, 2025, and has two sons, Zidaan and Yazdan, who are already making their mark in martial arts as the youngest black belts in Kudo-Karate and Kenjutsu. His wife’s identity remains out of the public eye, reflecting his preference for privacy in personal matters. Known for his humility and down-to-earth nature, Vispy embodies values of discipline, respect, and integrity, which he instills in his training and family life (Bright Gaze).
Recognition and Global Impact
The Hercules pillar hold record gained significant attention when Elon Musk shared a video of the feat on X, amplifying its visibility with over 10.9 million views and 86,000 likes. This recognition from a global icon like Musk further cemented Vispy’s status as a leading figure in the world of strength and endurance (NDTV). His achievements have been featured in various media outlets, inspiring aspiring athletes and fitness enthusiasts worldwide.
Table of Key Achievements
Achievement | Details |
---|---|
Guinness World Records | Holds 10, including 7 in dangerous martial art feats |
Hercules Pillar Hold Record | 2 minutes 10.75 seconds, pillars 166.7 kg and 168.9 kg, 123 inches tall |
Stunt Choreography | Worked on Bollywood films “Brothers” and “Naam Shabana” |
Reality Show Appearances | Performed in “America’s Got Talent” and “Ab India Todegaa” |
Training Contributions | Trained BSF, NSG, and provided free women self-defense training |
Conclusion
Vispy Kharadi’s story is an inspiration, demonstrating that with passion, dedication, and hard work, one can achieve greatness in any field. His journey from a banker to a world-record holder and respected trainer is a testament to the power of following one’s dreams and the importance of continuous self-improvement. His legacy continues to motivate, particularly through his efforts in empowering women and training future generations.
1.Who is Vispy Kharadi ?
Ans = Vispy Kharadi is an Indian athlete and martial artist known as the “Steel Man of India,” holding ten Guinness World Records.
2.What is Vispy Kharadi’s most famous Guinness World Record ?
Ans = He holds the record for the longest Hercules pillar hold, lasting 2 minutes and 10.75 seconds with pillars weighing over 166 kg each.
3.Where was Vispy Kharadi born ?
Ans = He was born on January 15, 1980, in Surat, Gujarat, India.
4.How did Vispy Kharadi gain global recognition ?
Ans = His Hercules pillar hold record went viral after Elon Musk shared it on X (formerly Twitter).
5.What are the dimensions of the Hercules pillars used in his record ?
Ans = Each pillar is 123 inches tall and 20.5 inches in diameter.
6.How many Guinness World Records does Vispy Kharadi hold ?
Ans =He holds ten Guinness World Records across various feats in martial arts and strength.
7.What other professions is Vispy Kharadi involved in ?
Ans = He is a stunt choreographer and fitness trainer.
8.What is Vispy Kharadi’s nickname ?
Ans = He is known as the “Steel Man of India.”
9.When did Vispy Kharadi achieve his Hercules pillar hold record ?
Ans =The record was achieved in Surat, India, though the exact date is not specified.
10.What makes Vispy Kharadi’s Hercules pillar hold record unique ?
Ans = It involves holding two pillars weighing over 166 kg each for over 2 minutes, showcasing incredible strength and endurance.