Strictly Come Dancing is set to make history this weekend by introducing a brand new style of dance that has never been seen in the show’s 20-year run. Despite facing scandals and controversies over the past year, the popular family series has returned to the BBC with a fresh lineup of celebrities eager to showcase their dancing skills.
While the show has played it safe with song choices this season, except for some backlash over footballer Paul Merson dancing to “Vindaloo,” it is now prepared to explore uncharted territory. TV personality Dr. Punam Krishan, partnered with professional dancer Gorka Márquez, hinted at the upcoming performance during Thursday’s episode of the spin-off show It Takes Two. The duo will be presenting a traditional Bollywood dance for Movie Week as a tribute to Dr. Krishan’s South Asian heritage.
Their performance will be set to the song “Bhole Chudiye” from the hit film Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, a renowned movie in the Indian film industry. Dr. Krishan likened the film to the Western classic Love Actually, describing it as a heartwarming story of families uniting with elements of romance and generational bonds, making it a beloved feel-good movie.
Last year, Gorka Marquez danced with BBC radio presenter Nikita Kanda, who aimed to incorporate her South Asian background into their routines before her elimination from the competition. Dr. Krishan highlighted the importance of representation in media, expressing her excitement for the Bollywood performance, not only for the South Asian community but also for any individual seeking diverse and inclusive content.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Dr. Krishan emphasized the impact of seeing Bollywood representation on mainstream television and how it resonates with a wide audience. She expressed anticipation for the performance, mentioning her grandmother in India’s enthusiasm, labelling it as a truly special occasion.
Although the show has featured Bollywood performances by professionals in the past, this will mark the first time that celebrities will perform a traditional Bollywood dance on the Strictly stage. Will Young and Karen Clifton previously danced to Nicole Scherzinger’s “Jai Ho,” a track incorporating Bollywood music by AR Rahman, but Saturday’s performance will showcase an authentic Bollywood routine by celebrity contestants.