World’s shortest woman wants to be Bollywood star

Published : Dec 18, 2011 - 20:12 Updated : Dec 18, 2011 - 20:12

Guinness World Records adjudicator Rob Molloy (right) confers the title of the shortest woman of the world to Jyoti Amge in Nagpur, India, Friday.( AP-Yonhap News)

NAGPUR, India (AP) ― A high school student in central India was recognized as the world’s shortest woman by Guinness World Records on Friday as she turned 18 and said she hopes to earn a degree and make it in Bollywood.

Jyoti Amge stood just 62.8 centimeters tall ― shorter than the average 2-year-old ― when Guinness representatives visiting from London measured her at a ceremony attended by about 30 relatives and friends in the town of Nagpur, in Maharashtra state.

A teary-eyed Amge, dressed in one of her finest saris, called the honor an “extra birthday present” and said she felt grateful for being small, as it had brought her recognition. After receiving a plaque, she and her guests cut a birthday cake.

“I have put Nagpur on the world map. Now everyone will know where it is,” said Amge, who says she dreams of one day becoming a Bollywood film star as well as pursuing a university degree after she finishes high school this year.