At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina d’Ampezzo, Russian-born figure skater Anastasiia Gubanova, who competes for Georgia, grabbed international attention with a performance that blended elite figure skating and Bollywood music, sparking a wave of excitement online. Her routine quickly became one of the most shared moments of the Games as clips spread across social media platforms.
In her short program, Gubanova began skating to the softer tones of “San Sananana Sana” from the Bollywood film Ashoka before the music transitioned into the high-energy beats popularly associated with the Dhurandhar title track. Details from viewers highlighted that her choreography mirrored the rhythm and energy of the songs, adding spins, expressive footwork and even elements inspired by Punjabi folk steps.
Gubanova’s costume – a striking red-and-gold outfit paired with a traditional bindi – caught the attention of audiences around the world, especially in India, where fans celebrated her performance as a vibrant cultural homage. The fusion of Indian cinematic music and Olympic sport led to widespread sharing of the video, with many praising the artistic and cultural flair she brought to the ice.
Social media users noted how rare it is to see Bollywood-inspired music featured in Olympic figure skating, leading to enthusiastic reactions especially from Indian netizens who described the moment as “goosebump-inducing” and a proud crossover for Indian pop culture on a global sporting stage.
However, fact-checking by several outlets revealed that the footage circulating online may not be from the Winter Olympics itself. Reports indicate the routine might have actually been performed earlier, such as at a 2025 event in Beijing, and the video was recirculated with claims linking it to the current Games – even though that helped boost the viral reach of the performance.
Whether newly performed at Milan–Cortina or refreshed from earlier competitions, Gubanova’s routine blended sport and culture in a way that resonated with millions, showing how global audiences can connect with a creative expression that transcends national boundaries – making Bollywood rhythms an unforgettable part of the Olympic conversation.
