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Did Vidyut Jammwal really hold his breath for 15 minutes? Exploring yoga and science
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News18•07-10-2026, 16:41
Did Vidyut Jammwal really hold his breath for 15 minutes? Exploring yoga and science
- •Actor Vidyut Jammwal surprised fans by claiming to hold his breath for 15 minutes during the promotion of his upcoming film Street Fighter, linking the technique to Patanjali Yoga Sutras.
- •While normal humans can hold breath for up to 40 seconds, the world record for holding breath without oxygen is 11 minutes and 35 seconds, making Vidyut's feat unconfirmed.
- •In yogic science, breath-holding is known as Kumbhaka, which includes Antar Kumbhaka, Bahya Kumbhaka, and Kevali Kumbhaka, used to calm the mind and control life force.
- •Scientific studies suggest that controlled breathing and breathing exercises can increase lung capacity, improve organ oxygenation, reduce stress, and manage anxiety.
Key Questions Answered
The current world record for holding one's breath underwater is 29 minutes and 3 seconds, an incredible feat accomplished by Croatian freediver Vitomir Maričić on June 14, 2025.
Holding your breath increases carbon dioxide in the lungs and blood, initially causing a burning sensation. Prolonged breath-holding causes the diaphragm muscles to contract and create pain, and eventually, the brain may cause a person to faint to protect itself and restart automatic breathing.
In yogic science, breath control and holding is called 'Kumbhaka', which includes Antar Kumbhaka (holding air inside), Bahya Kumbhaka (keeping lungs empty), and Kevali Kumbhaka, the highest effortless state achieved during deep meditation.
