‘Huge moment’ as Bollywood music comes to Strictly

Krishan, whose parents moved from the Punjab to Scotland in the 1970s, said she hoped her children would feel “really proud”, seeing her performing the couple’s choice routine to a Bollywood song. “But [it’s] also for South Asians or any child that just wants to see something a bit different or just to feel included,” she added. “Representation matters, so for me this is a huge moment and I can’t wait, and I know my granny in India is just so excited, so it will be really special.” Strictly has dabbled with Indian music before, including with two professional dances in a Bollywood style. Singer Will Young also performed a salsa to Jai Ho from Slumdog Millionaire in 2016 – although that film was by Danny Boyle, and not Bollywood. But never before has India’s massive film industry been represented by one of the couples. Released in 2001, Bole Chudiyan is remembered for being the signature sound of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Last week, it was voted the UK’s favourite noughties Bollywood tune. The family drama movie featured some of Bollywood’s biggest names such as Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor Khan and Hrithik Roshan. “It’s basically the Love Actually of Bollywood,” Krishan said of the film. “It’s a proper comfort movie.” She added that her dance partner Márquez had been singing the song all week. “You’ve really taken on Indian culture, you’ve embraced it all,” she told him.