Bollywood dance numbers are having a moment. This time, though, that audience is global. What were once iconic film sequences have now become shared pop culture touchstones, embraced by international popstars and celebrities eager to learn, perform, and celebrate Indian choreography.
The fact that 'Bole Chudiyan' from 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' has grabbed fresh eyeballs shows the enduring pull of Bollywood music. While the track is still famous among Indians, and a constant at sangeets and cocktails at Indian weddings, seeing the Kareena Kapoor-led number get its flowers globally, is proof of how legendary music and dance can be. A video of K-pop girl group Katseye dancing to the number, led by their Indian-origin member, Lara Raj, instantly clicked online, bringing a two-decade-old hit to a younger, global audience and reaffirming its cross-cultural appeal.
Katrina Kaif's iconic 'Sheila Ki Jawani' found new life when 'Never Have I Ever' stars Maitreyi Ramakrishnan and Richa Moorjani recreated the number. The performance went viral, bridging Bollywood nostalgia with mainstream international television, and stirring new conversations around Indian pop culture.
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The shift from admiration to active participation became clear when Jason Derulo performed ‘Chammak Challo’ and ‘UP Wala Thumka’ on ‘India’s Best Dancer VS Super Dancer’. By learning the choreography on an Indian dance show, he highlighted how Bollywood dance has evolved into a global, shared language that continues to connect cultures worldwide.
Interestingly, this isn't Jason's first tryst with Indian music. Prior to this, he collaborated with Tesher for 'Jalebi Baby', and post that, did a song with Nora Fatehi, too.
Credit: AFP
From K-pop studios to Indian TV stages, from Hollywood parties to the world over, Bollywood hook steps are no longer just remembered; they are being lived, shared, and celebrated. With borders blurring through music and movement, the question perhaps remains: which Bollywood dance number will lead the next international dance resurgence?
