A Symphony of Bollywood
Anastasiia Gubanova, a Russian-born athlete representing Georgia, made waves at the 2026 Winter Olympics (also known as the Milan-Cortina Games) with a truly
captivating figure-skating routine. Her choice of music was a departure from the norm, featuring infectious tracks from Indian cinema. Specifically, Gubanova gracefully navigated her performance to 'San Sanana' from the movie 'Asoka,' a film celebrated for its star power and iconic music, and the title track of 'Dhurandhar.' The visual spectacle was equally striking, with Gubanova adorned in a dazzling red and gold costume, complete with a prominent red bindi, further enhancing the Indian aesthetic. The viral video of her performance begins with her perfectly synchronizing her movements to the energetic rhythm of 'San Sanana,' before transitioning seamlessly to the equally admired 'Dhurandhar' title track, which has garnered significant appreciation from music enthusiasts worldwide. This bold selection not only showcased her technical prowess but also her artistic courage and ability to connect with a global audience through vibrant cultural expression.
Skater's Indian Connection
Gubanova's affinity for Indian music extends beyond this single Olympic performance. An Instagram handle specializing in pop culture, @_thejuggernaut, shared that for her 2025 qualification, she also incorporated 'Jogi' by Panjabi MC into her routine. This indicates a developing and genuine appreciation for Indian musical styles. In a statement to Sports24 in 2025, Gubanova herself expressed her comfort and connection with this genre, stating, "I feel most comfortable with an Indian style." She further credited her friends for assisting her in selecting the music, highlighting a collaborative and personal approach to her artistry. Her embrace of this cultural theme led her to playfully remark, "Now I’m an ‘Indian girl,’ and I love it!" This sentiment underscores her genuine enjoyment and identification with the Indian aesthetic, transforming her performances into a celebration of cross-cultural artistic expression that resonates deeply with fans.
Global Applause and Debate
The widespread sharing of Gubanova's performance video triggered a cascade of reactions across social media platforms. Many users lauded her for courageously showcasing Hindi songs on such a grand international stage, seeing it as a positive step for cultural exchange. However, the discussion also touched upon the representation of Indian athletes, with one social media user lamenting the absence of Indian competitors performing at this level, attributing it to a lack of governmental support for athletes in India. Contrasting this sentiment, another user offered a positive perspective, commenting, "She is so cute! This is so obviously appreciation, not appropriation," highlighting the nuanced difference between cultural engagement and exploitation. A third user shared a historical context, noting that "Bollywood crossed over to Russia many decades ago," recalling that their Russian friends were avid viewers of Indian films in the past, illustrating the long-standing cultural connections between the two regions.
Bollywood's Viral Reach
The virality of the songs chosen by Anastasiia Gubanova is not a new phenomenon; both tracks have independently achieved significant global traction. In 2024, 'San Sanana' from 'Asoka' became an internet sensation, sparking a worldwide trend where numerous influencers created makeup looks synchronized with the song's audio, demonstrating its broad appeal. Separately, 'Dhurandhar' recently ascended to global popularity, notably topping Netflix's Top 10 non-English films list with an impressive 7.6 million views. This dual success of the musical pieces underscores the powerful reach of Indian entertainment and its ability to captivate audiences across continents. Gubanova's decision to integrate these widely recognized and beloved songs into her Olympic performance not only showcased her musical taste but also tapped into a global phenomenon, amplifying her impact and the positive reception of her innovative routine.
