Bollywood on Ice
At the highly anticipated 2026 Winter Olympics, also known as the Milan-Cortina Games, a remarkable athlete named Anastasiia Gubanova, who hails from Russia
but competes for Georgia, presented a figure skating routine that has since taken the internet by storm. Her performance was set to a medley of vibrant Bollywood hits, specifically featuring the infectious track 'San Sanana' from the film 'Asoka' and the title song from 'Dhurandhar'. This unconventional music choice, coupled with her graceful execution, immediately captured the attention of audiences worldwide. The visual spectacle was further enhanced by her striking costume – a resplendent red and gold ensemble complete with a prominent red bindi, which perfectly complemented the theme of her performance. The video of her routine quickly became a sensation, showcasing her remarkable ability to blend athleticism with a deep appreciation for Indian popular culture, creating a truly unforgettable moment on the Olympic stage.
A Global Phenomenon
The viral video of Anastasiia Gubanova's Olympic performance was initially shared by an Instagram account dedicated to pop culture, @_thejuggernaut, bringing widespread attention to her innovative routine. The post highlighted not only her 'Asoka' and 'Dhurandhar' performance but also mentioned her previous use of 'Jogi' by Panjabi MC for her 2025 qualifications, showcasing a consistent embrace of Indian music. Gubanova herself expressed her comfort and connection with this style, stating in a 2025 interview with Sports24 that she feels "most comfortable with an Indian style" and that her friends were instrumental in selecting the music, leading her to playfully embrace the persona of an "Indian girl" she truly loves. The widespread reaction online has been overwhelmingly positive, with many lauding her for bravely incorporating Hindi songs onto such a prestigious international platform. Social media users expressed admiration, with some lamenting the lack of similar opportunities for Indian athletes due to governmental support, while others affirmed her performance as a clear act of appreciation rather than appropriation. A notable comment even referenced the long-standing cultural exchange between India and Russia, recalling that Indian films were popular among Russian friends decades prior, underscoring the deep roots of Bollywood's influence.
Cultural Resonance
The impact of Gubanova's routine is amplified by the recent surge in popularity of the very songs she chose. In 2024, the song 'San Sanana' from 'Asoka' experienced a global resurgence, going viral across the internet and inspiring numerous influencers to recreate its iconic makeup looks set to the audio. Simultaneously, 'Dhurandhar' has been making significant waves in a global scale, recently climbing the charts to secure a spot in Netflix's Top 10 non-English films, having garnered an impressive 7.6 million views. This widespread cultural resonance of the music provided a familiar and engaging backdrop for Gubanova's performance, contributing to its immediate and widespread appeal. Her decision to skate to these tracks demonstrates a keen awareness of current global trends and a skillful integration of them into her artistic expression, further cementing her status as a groundbreaking athlete who bridges diverse cultural landscapes through the universal language of sport and music.
