A Symphony on Ice
At the prestigious 2026 Winter Olympics, also known as the Milan-Cortina Games, figure skater Anastasiia Gubanova delivered a performance that quickly
became a global sensation. Representing Georgia, the Russian-born athlete gracefully navigated the ice to the energetic beats of popular Bollywood music. Her routine featured 'San Sanana' from the iconic film 'Asoka,' starring Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor, and the equally captivating title track from 'Dhurandhar.' Gubanova's performance was not just a display of athletic skill but also a vibrant cultural statement, leaving spectators and online audiences utterly mesmerized by the fusion of figure skating and Indian cinematic music.
Visuals and Vibrancy
The visual spectacle of Gubanova's routine was as striking as its musicality. Clad in a dazzling red and gold costume, accented with a prominent red bindi, she embodied a spirit that resonated deeply with viewers. The choreography was meticulously synchronized with the driving rhythm of 'San Sanana,' an energetic track that perfectly complemented her movements. As the music transitioned to the powerful 'Dhurandhar' title track, which has garnered considerable praise from music enthusiasts for its composition, Gubanova continued to impress with her artistry and precision, making the performance a truly unforgettable moment on the Olympic stage.
Embracing Indian Style
Gubanova's bold choice of music stems from a genuine appreciation for Indian culture and a desire to express herself authentically. She openly shared in 2025 that she feels most at ease incorporating an Indian aesthetic into her performances. The selection of music was a collaborative effort, with friends assisting her in finding the perfect tracks. This artistic direction has led her to affectionately embrace the persona of an 'Indian girl,' a role she clearly relishes. Furthermore, for her 2025 qualification, she also incorporated 'Jogi' by Panjabi MC, showcasing a broader engagement with Indian musical genres.
Global Reaction and Appreciation
The video of Gubanova's performance rapidly went viral, sparking widespread discussion and admiration across the internet. Many praised her for bringing the vibrant spirit of Hindi songs to such a prominent international platform. Online commentators celebrated her performance as a beautiful act of appreciation rather than appropriation, recognizing her genuine connection to the music. Some users reminisced about Bollywood's longstanding influence, noting that Indian films were popular in Russia decades prior. The performance also prompted a discussion among Indian social media users about the lack of government support for their own athletes in similar international competitions.
Cultural Crossover Success
The impact of the chosen music further amplified the viral nature of Gubanova's performance. In 2024, 'San Sanana' from 'Asoka' had already conquered the internet, inspiring numerous influencers to create makeup tutorials and content using the song's audio. Separately, the film 'Dhurandhar' recently achieved significant global recognition, topping Netflix's Top 10 non-English films list with an impressive 7.6 million views, highlighting the widespread appeal of Indian cinema and its music in contemporary popular culture.
