Mumbai (Commonwealth Union)_ In the heart of Pune, India, the Kulkarni family is making headlines for their towering stature, claiming the title of the tallest family in the country, with aspirations to break the global record. The family of four, including parents Sharad and Sanjot Kulkarni, along with their two daughters, is an extraordinary sight, with a combined height of 26 feet. At the center of this remarkable family is Sharad Kulkarni, standing at 7 feet 1.5 inches tall, and his wife, Sanjot, who measures 6 feet 2.6 inches. Their daughters, Sanya and Mruga are also exceptionally tall, standing at 6 feet 1 inch and 6 feet 4 inches, respectively.
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Together, they make up a family whose combined height is a spectacle, dominating the cityscape of Pune and captivating those who encounter them. Before earning the title of the tallest family in India, the Kulkarnis were recognized as the tallest couple in the country by the Limca Book of Records. Their impressive height has made them well-known, but the Kulkarnis had aspirations that reached beyond national recognition. Their dream was to earn a spot in the Guinness Book of Records. However, their hopes were dashed when it was revealed that the world’s tallest couple, Wayne and Laurie Hallquist from Stockton, California, held the record, with a combined height of 13 feet 4 inches.
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Despite the disappointment, Sharad Kulkarni shared that the recognition still has meaning. “When your life is so unusual, it’s good to be recognized. In the end, it has a purpose. However, we’re thrilled about fresh opportunities,” he remarked. The Kulkarnis’ journey to the record books was not without its challenges. Both Sharad and Sanjot faced years of bullying and mockery due to their height. Sharad, who grew to 7 feet during his youth, channeled his energy into sports and eventually represented India in basketball. Sanjot, on the other hand, struggled to fit in during her childhood in an isolated village in India, where being a woman taller than most men was considered an anomaly.
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In Indian culture, it is often difficult for a woman to be taller than her male counterparts, as men are typically regarded as the more authoritative figures. Mrs. Sharad expressed that, for a time, she never imagined she would marry. “I would never want to wed a tiny man only to have him made fun of for his wife. Really, there was a good chance that I would never get married,” she said. However, fate intervened when her grandmother approached Sharad in Mumbai, suggesting he meet her granddaughter, who was over six feet tall. Sharad was initially skeptical, but his friends encouraged him to take the woman’s number. After a brief meeting arranged by their families, Sharad was delighted to find Sanjot significantly taller than he had expected, and their connection blossomed. In December 1988, they tied the knot, and the Limca Book of Records acknowledged them as India’s tallest married couple the following year.
Living in a world designed for shorter people, the Kulkarnis have had to make several adjustments to their home. All door frames were raised to accommodate their height, and their beds, kitchen shelves, and toilets were also custom-designed to ensure comfort. When traveling, they prefer using scooters instead of public transportation, and they always request front seats or emergency exit rows when flying. Now, with their two daughters, the Kulkarnis have their sights set on becoming the tallest family in the world. As they continue to break records and challenge conventional norms, their story stands as a testament to resilience, family unity, and embracing what makes them unique.
