Russian-Georgian Skater Mesmerizes 2026 Winter Olympics with Viral Bollywood Songs
Russian-Georgian figure skater Anastasiia Gubanova made headlines at the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan-Cortina. Her performance, accompanied by Bollywood songs, captivated audiences and went viral online.
Anastasiia Gubanova’s Bollywood Flair at the 2026 Winter Olympics
During her routine, Gubanova skated to “San Sanana,” a track from the film Asoka, which features stars Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor. She seamlessly transitioned to the title track of the movie Dhurandhar, showcasing her unique style and musical choices.
Sporting a stunning red and gold costume adorned with a traditional bindi, Gubanova impressed spectators with her fluid choreography. The performance can be viewed in a now-viral video posted by the pop culture Instagram account @_thejuggernaut.
Cultural Impact and Audience Reactions
- Gubanova expressed her enthusiasm for Indian music, stating, “I feel most comfortable with an Indian style.” She credited her friends for helping her select the music.
- The skater’s embrace of Bollywood songs has been praised by many on social media, who lauded her for representing Georgia on such a prestigious stage.
- Comments ranged from appreciation of her cultural choices to concerns about the lack of Indian representation in international competitions.
Internet users have widely reacted to Gubanova’s performance. Many noted that her use of Bollywood music is an homage rather than appropriation, emphasizing the long-standing influence of Indian cinema even in Russia.
Recent Popularity of Bollywood Soundtracks
“San Sanana” gained immense popularity in 2024, becoming a viral sensation. The track inspired influencers to create makeup looks using the song as audio. Similarly, Dhurandhar recently topped global charts, furthering the reach of Bollywood music.
As the 2026 Winter Olympics progresses, Gubanova’s striking performance remains a standout, merging Russian figure skating with Indian musical tradition. This unique intersection celebrates cultural diversity and highlights the universal language of sports and art.
