Strictly Come Dancing judge moved to tears as Punam makes history with first-ever Bollywood dance
In a groundbreaking moment for Strictly Come Dancing, Dr. Punam Krishan and her partner Gorka Márquez wowed audiences with the show’s first-ever Bollywood performance. The routine, which paid homage to Punam’s South Asian heritage, left judges visibly emotional, with judge Motsi Mabuse wiping away tears as she praised the landmark moment. Mabuse commended Punam on her performance, expressing how moving it was to see representation on the Strictly Come Dancing stage.
The performance, set to the song “Bhole Chudiye” from the iconic Indian film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, resonated deeply with Punam. She shared that the dance meant “everything” to her, highlighting the importance of seeing oneself represented. Dedicate the dance to her late grandfather, Punam expressed pride in showcasing her cultural roots through dance.
While Strictly Come Dancing has featured Bollywood performances by professionals in the past, this was the first time a traditional Bollywood routine was performed by a couple on the show. The choice to bring Bollywood to the Strictly stage was met with enthusiasm and admiration from viewers, who praised the authenticity and beauty of the performance.
During an interview on It Takes Two, Dr. Krishan likened the film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to a beloved classic, stating, “Essentially, it’s about families coming together, there’s lots of cheesy love stories, it’s about reunions, generations… it’s just such an all-time, feel-good film.”
Punam’s historic performance not only showcased her talent but also celebrated diversity and representation on a popular television platform. The emotional impact and cultural significance of her dance resonated with audiences, marking a memorable moment in the history of Strictly Come Dancing.