Bollywood on Ice
At the prestigious 2026 Winter Olympics, held in Milan-Cortina, figure skater Anastasiia Gubanova, who represents Georgia, created a significant buzz online
with a truly unique artistic choice for her performance. Instead of traditional classical music, Gubanova opted for a medley of popular Bollywood tracks, setting the ice ablaze with energy and flair. The routine featured the infectious rhythm of ‘San Sanana’ from the film Asoka, a track that has previously achieved widespread viral fame internationally, and also incorporated the energetic title track from Dhurandhar. This bold selection not only showcased her skating prowess but also her willingness to explore diverse cultural expressions on a global stage, earning her significant admiration and attention from viewers worldwide. The visual presentation, including her striking red and gold costume and a prominent red bindi, further complemented the vibrant musical theme, making her performance a memorable highlight.
Cultural Fusion Celebrated
Gubanova's daring fusion of figure skating with Bollywood music has been met with widespread approval, especially from those who appreciate cross-cultural artistic expression. The athlete herself expressed a deep comfort and connection with Indian-inspired themes, stating in 2025 that she felt most at ease performing in this style. She also credited her friends for assisting her in selecting the music, embracing the persona of an 'Indian girl' with evident enthusiasm. This sentiment resonated powerfully with audiences, who lauded her for authentically embracing Hindi songs on such a prominent international platform. The reaction on social media was overwhelmingly positive, with many celebrating her performance as a beautiful example of appreciation rather than appropriation. Comments highlighted how Bollywood's influence has long spanned globally, with earlier generations of Russians already familiar with Indian cinema, underscoring the organic nature of this cultural connection.
Viral Sensation & Global Reach
The 2026 Winter Olympics performance by Anastasiia Gubanova has propelled her into internet stardom, with the video of her routine going viral across social media platforms. This surge in popularity is amplified by the pre-existing viral status of the chosen songs. Notably, ‘San Sanana’ from Asoka became a global phenomenon in 2024, inspiring numerous influencers and online trends. Similarly, the film Dhurandhar recently achieved significant international recognition, topping Netflix's non-English films list with an impressive 7.6 million views. Gubanova's decision to incorporate these well-known and beloved tracks into her competitive figure skating routine created a powerful synergy, tapping into a vast existing audience and generating immense enthusiasm. This innovative approach not only highlighted her talent but also demonstrated the powerful and unifying reach of global pop culture, successfully bridging artistic disciplines and geographical boundaries.
