Dhurandhar track steals the show at Winter Olympics 2026
Bollywood’s reach just went global. A track from the hit film Dhurandhar, starring Ranveer Singh and Akshaye Khanna, recently made waves at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Russian-Georgian figure skater Anastasiia Gubanova brought a full Bollywood vibe to the ice, leaving audiences both in the arena and online stunned.
Fans of Indian cinema celebrated as the catchy beats of Dhurandhar’s music, originally titled Na De Dil Pardesi Nu, echoed through the Olympic rink, turning the performance into an instant internet sensation.
The viral Olympic performance
Anastasiia Gubanova blends Bollywood and figure skating
Gubanova’s routine was a seamless mix of Indian music and figure skating precision. She started her performance with San Sanana from the film Asoka and then transitioned into the viral Dhurandhar title track, Jogi. Gliding effortlessly across the ice, she matched her spins, footwork, and jumps perfectly with the rhythm of the Hindi songs.
A highlight of her routine was a brief Punjabi folk step that she incorporated mid-performance, drawing loud cheers from the crowd. Her striking costume, a red-and-gold form-fitting outfit, was complemented by a red bindi, adding a touch of Indian culture to the international stage.
Social media reaction
Fans and social media users were quick to praise the performance, calling it a proud moment for Bollywood’s global presence. Many noted how the skater seemed to embrace Indian culture, even though she represented Georgia in the Olympics. Comments included:
- “India didn’t send anyone for figure skating, but Russian Anastasiia Gubanova volunteered to be the ambassador for Hindu culture and Indian music.”
- “Wow! Dhurandhar magic is global now. Russian figure skater Anastasiia dances on Dhurandhar title track.”
- “Amazing tribute to Indian culture and music by Georgia’s skater Anastasiia Gubanova at the Winter Olympics.”
The performance highlighted the power of Bollywood music to transcend borders and unite audiences across the world.
Dhurandhar: A hit film with global appeal
About the movie
Dhurandhar was released in theatres on December 5 last year and quickly became a massive hit. The film features an ensemble cast including Ranveer Singh, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, R Madhavan, Arjun Rampal, and Rakesh Bedi.
Set in Lyari, Karachi, the film revolves around covert intelligence operations against the backdrop of real-life geopolitical and terror events such as the Kandahar plane hijack, the 2001 Parliament attack, and the 26/11 Mumbai attacks.
Upcoming sequel
The Dhurandhar franchise is expanding with a sequel, Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, scheduled to release on March 19. The new film promises a high-stakes continuation of the espionage-driven story, and it will compete at the box office with Yash’s pan-India film Toxic. The official Hindi teaser for the sequel has already generated excitement among fans.
Bollywood meets Winter Olympics
How Indian music reached the ice rink
The fact that a Bollywood track was performed at the Winter Olympics reflects the global influence of Indian cinema. While India did not have a representative in figure skating at the games, Gubanova’s performance became a symbolic celebration of Indian culture and music. Her costume, choreography, and use of a bindi all showcased elements of traditional Indian aesthetics in a modern Olympic setting.
Cultural crossover
This performance is not just entertainment; it is a cultural crossover. By incorporating Hindi music and Indian dance elements into her Olympic routine, Gubanova introduced audiences worldwide to Bollywood’s energy and style. It demonstrates how films and music can bridge cultures, even in unexpected places like a figure skating rink in Italy.
The impact of viral moments
The Olympic performance has further fueled Dhurandhar’s popularity, creating a connection between cinema and sports that rarely happens. Social media users shared clips widely, celebrating the blend of athleticism and Bollywood flair. For many, it was proof that Indian music and culture continue to resonate globally, beyond film screens.
Fans’ excitement
Online, viewers expressed amazement and pride:
- “Dhurandhar fever reaches Winter Olympics in Italy. Russian figure skater Anastasiia performed with a red bindi, blending Indian culture and music with sport.”
- “Just saw Anastasiia ice skating at the Milan Olympics with full Hindu vibes. Cheering for her!”
The reactions show how a single performance can generate a global conversation about culture, cinema, and creativity.
Why Dhurandhar continues to resonate
Dhurandhar’s music, narrative, and high-energy action have struck a chord with audiences not only in India but worldwide. The film’s engaging story, featuring espionage, heroism, and real-life-inspired events, makes it both entertaining and relatable.
With its sequel set to release soon, the franchise is poised to expand further, capturing new audiences and maintaining a strong fan base.
Anastasiia Gubanova’s Winter Olympics routine shows the universal appeal of Bollywood. By performing to Dhurandhar’s music, she not only captivated viewers at the games but also brought Indian culture to an international audience. This moment proves that Bollywood’s reach extends far beyond cinema halls, leaving a lasting impact on global platforms.
Dhurandhar continues to create waves, blending entertainment, culture, and now even sports, demonstrating the power of film and music to unite people across borders.
