Strictly Come Dancing: Punam Krishan says it's a 'huge moment' as Bollywood music comes to show

Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez created a historic moment on Strictly.

Punam Krishan, a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, expressed that it was a "big milestone" for her and her professional dance partner as they introduced Bollywood music to the dance floor.

On Saturday night, the TV doctor and Gorka Márquez performed a dance to "Bole Chudiyan," a song from the popular 2001 movie Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

For the first time in the show's 20-year history, a couple competing has danced to a classic Bollywood track.

"I've never seen Indian girls perform on popular television before, so being able to showcase an Indian dance on a major platform like Strictly is incredibly significant," the 41-year-old expressed.

“I take great pride in being a Scottish Indian girl,” Krishan said, noting that her parents relocated from Punjab to Glasgow in the 1970s.

"In this couple's decision, I truly wish to highlight my culture and background."

The judges were extremely complimentary about the performance, giving two of the dancers a score of eight, while one judge rated them a nine.

"I'm not claiming to be an expert in this genre, my dear," Craig Revel Horwood remarked. "However, from what I observed, it was truly remarkable."

Motsi Mabuse expressed her emotions by saying, "I found that incredibly touching. I can tell that many viewers are tuning in at this moment and feeling a deep sense of pride watching this on Strictly Come Dancing."

"Proud Moments With My Children"

Before the dance, Krishan shared on the Strictly spin-off show, It Takes Two, that she wanted her children to feel "really proud" while watching her perform their chosen routine to a Bollywood song.

"But it's also meant for South Asian kids or any child who wants to experience something unique or simply wants to feel like they belong," she noted.

"Having representation is important, so this feels like a significant milestone for me."

Strictly has explored Indian music in the past, featuring two dance performances that showcased a Bollywood flair.

In 2016, singer Will Young showcased his salsa skills by dancing to "Jai Ho" from the movie Slumdog Millionaire. It's worth noting that while the film is often associated with Bollywood, it was actually directed by Danny Boyle.

However, for the first time, a couple from India's vast film industry has taken the spotlight.

Launched in 2001, Bole Chudiyan is known for encapsulating the iconic music of Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.

Just last week, it was named the most beloved Bollywood song from the 2000s in the UK.

The family drama film showcased several of the biggest stars from Bollywood, including Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Kareena Kapoor Khan, and Hrithik Roshan.

"It's essentially Bollywood's version of Love Actually," Krishan remarked about the film. "It's the kind of movie that brings you comfort."

She mentioned that her dance partner, Márquez, had been humming the tune throughout the week.

"You've truly immersed yourself in Indian culture and accepted it completely," she said to him.

Nick Knowles has been performing in the show alongside his partner, Luba Mushtuk.

During Saturday night's movie-themed event, JLS member JB Gill teamed up with dancer Amy Dowden to showcase their American smooth routine set to "Pure Imagination" from *Wonka.* Meanwhile, comedian Chris McCausland and Dianne Buswell brought energy to the stage with a lively jive to the *Wayne's World* theme song.

However, Nick Knowles was absent from the program, as he had to withdraw because of an injury.

The DIY SOS host and his partner Luba Mushtuk were set to dance the Charleston to the song "Rain on the Roof" from the movie Paddington 2.

A message on Strictly's Instagram account announced that Knowles, 62, suffered an injury while practicing, so she won't be performing this weekend.

According to the competition's guidelines, Nick and Luba will automatically advance to next week, where they hope he can dance once more.

All of us at Strictly Come Dancing are hoping for a quick recovery for Nick.

No additional information regarding the injury has been shared.