Head-strong!

Patil is from Nandwal,Kolhapur. His whole family has been into wrestling and that’s where his unusual skill springs from. He says,“We are wrestlers and have this act of placing a coconut on our head and breaking it with a stick. I was 35 years old when I thought of breaking a coconut directly with my head. I suffered severe injuries the first time,but as time passed,I got used to it.”

He has broken 6000 coconuts till date in this manner. He always amazes people with his performance at the opening ceremony of the National Wrestling Championship in Maharashtra. He has also participated in television shows like Entertainment Ke Liye Kuch Bhi Karega,Chatrapati Shahu Maharaj and films like Saubhagyavati Sarpanch. “I have achieved this because of constant practice and great effort. In spite of injuries,I didn’t give up. I have not succumbed to any addictions and this is what keeps me fit and healthy. In fact,I want everyone to stay away from addiction of any kind,” he says of the subtle message behind his act.

Patil sent a video of his skill to the Guinness Book of World Records four years ago. “I am awaiting their response,” he says. Though doctors have advised him to scan his head for internal injuries,he has refused to do so. “I started doing this because I wanted to achieve something that nobody else has. My family is worried and wants me to stop doing this,but I can’t. Also,my performances are always free because I don’t want to sell my talent. If someone gives me any money with love,I accept that,” he admits.