"What a superstar!!" — Strictly Come Dancing fans applaud Punam Krishan's Bollywood dance

Season 22 of Strictly Come Dancing released its latest episode on Saturday, October 5, 2024. The theme for Week 3 was Movie Night, where each contestant, paired with their professional dance partner, performed routines to iconic songs from different films.

While all performances were noteworthy, one stood out. Dr. Punam Krishan and her partner, Gorka Marquez, made history as the first couple to present a Bollywood performance on the show.

As a Scottish-Indian woman, Punam wanted to represent her South Asian heritage on stage. Week 3 provided the perfect opportunity, as Bollywood is renowned for having some of the most popular songs and dance routines. Her lively performance left a lasting impression on the judges and the audience.

Strictly Come Dancing fans took to X to compliment Punam's routine. Many fans from the South Asian community thanked her for representing their culture in front of the world. One fan on X commented:

"What Punam has just done is huge. So emotional seeing authentic, unapologetic Punjabi and Indian culture on the main stage that is @bbcstrictly — what a superstar!! You could see how much that meant to her! So proud!!"

Several other fans expressed their opinions on the social media platform.

"Movie night has been exceptional this year on Strictly & Dr Punam Bollywood couples choice has been the best. Just what the Doctor ordered! Loved it & yes proud Dr. Punam," another fan commented.

"Yesssssssss @DrPunamKrishan crushed it on Strictly!!! Get voting everyone!" a netizen tweeted.

Strictly Come Dancing fans complimented Punam for flaunting her Indian roots on stage. Many said they felt represented through her performance.

"So proud of Punam & Gorka for showcasing our Bollywood culture! Making all of us British Asians scream with joy tonight… feeling seen & represented!" a user reacted.

"Punam that dance was out of this world Thank you for bringing Bollywood to Strictly I absolutely loved it,' one person commented.

"Mainstream media has a duty to be a MIRROR for the viewers it serves. Of the 6.6 million watching #StrictlyComeDancing just reached into the hearts of Asian kids all over the country thanks to @DrPunamKrishan We ALL needed that tonight. Thank you," another fan wrote.

Other Strictly Come Dancing fans praised Punam for selecting a classic Bollywood song and pairing it with traditional Indian choreography.

"I have never in my life gotten emotional watching Strictly before, but watching Punam dance in a gorgeous suit to Bole Chudiyan in tears. incredible," a user tweeted.

"OMG, I really loved Dr. Punam's Bollywood dance. It's great to see this as their couples choice. Bollywood and Bhangra are as energetic as jive and really tiring!" one person reacted.

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Strictly Come Dancing star Punam danced to Bole Chudiyan from 2001 film Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham

Punam and Gorka made history as a competing couple by dancing to a Bollywood song. They chose Bole Chudiyan from the iconic 2001 film Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham.

Punam confessed she "never saw Indian girls dancing on mainstream television." Hence, it was a "huge" achievement for her to showcase her roots on a "platform like Strictly." The 41-year-old doctor, whose parents relocated from Punjab to Glasgow in the 1970s, said:

"In this couple's choice, I really just want to bring my culture and my heritage to the forefront."

Strictly Come Dancing judges were in awe of her performance. Two scored her an eight, while one gave her a nine, bringing her total to 25. Judge Craig Revel Horwood complimented the finesse with which she pulled off the dance routine, calling it "absolutely incredible."

On the other hand, an emotional Motsi Mabuse admitted Punam's performance moved her. She said:

"I know so many people are watching you right now and feeling so proud to see this on Strictly Come Dancing."

She added that watching Punam's "hair flying", "eyes sparkling", and "the whole storytelling" was "wonderful to see."

After the performance, Punam stated her four-year-old self would be proud of her. She spoke on the importance of representation, adding, "You can't be what you can't see." She dedicated her performance to her late grandfather, who feared his grandchildren would steer away from their South Asian heritage.

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Strictly Come Dancing will return with a new episode on October 6, 2024, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.