Strictly’s Punam Krishan is proof this year’s series is all to play for
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Each year, Strictly Come Dancing sees certain contestants gaining early popularity, and many of them quickly show they deserve that attention. This season, ex-Love Island contestant Tasha Ghouri quickly became a standout, earning a score of 30 in her first week and then an impressive 35, putting her at the top of the overall leaderboard.
JLS vocalist JB Gill danced alongside Amy Dowden, who made a triumphant comeback after her cancer treatment, while Sarah Hadland, known for her role in Miranda, quickly caught the judges' attention as well. However, during Saturday night's live performance, another celebrity took the spotlight, demonstrating that this year's competition is wide open and anyone can win.
During a week filled with amazing changes and unforgettable performances, one act that will definitely leave an impression on the audience came from Dr. Punam Krishan. The doctor from Morning Live, who is still working with the NHS while participating in the show, made history on Strictly by showcasing a Bollywood Couple’s Choice dance to the song “Bole Chudiyan” from the beloved film Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
The introductory video made it evident how important the performance was to Krishan. He took his dance partner Gorka Marquez to visit his parents for a family dinner, immersing himself in Bollywood culture as they prepared for their training.
"I had never seen Indian girls performing on popular TV shows, so getting the chance to do an Indian dance on a stage like Strictly is a significant moment," Krishan shared. She also mentioned that the performance was dedicated to her grandfather, who died during the pandemic.
On the dance floor, she truly came alive. The anxiety from the first two weeks vanished entirely as Krishan approached Marquez, skillfully mirroring her partner's every move and lighting up with joy as she embraced the thrilling lifts.
Later, she became emotional and started crying as she shared with host Claudia Winkleman, "This means so much to me... I thought about my four-year-old self, who would have been thrilled to experience something like this while growing up. You can't envision a future for yourself without seeing it represented."
Krishan's routine, along with the touching moments that preceded and followed it, truly embodies the spirit of Strictly. It’s wonderful to witness a show that's been around for two decades still dedicated to introducing new experiences. This particular performance not only elevated one of its most relatable and beloved contestants on the leaderboard but also secured a spot in Strictly's legacy.
The routine drew a notable comparison that Krishan should keep in mind. Judge Motsi Mabuse, who was visibly moved and trying hard to hold back tears, compared the dance to the Afrobeats Couple’s Choice performed by Hamza Yassin and Jowita Przystal. That performance is considered one of the finest ever showcased on the show, marking a significant milestone as it was a first for Strictly. It also played a key role in Hamza winning the Glitterball Trophy in 2022.
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Similar to Yassin, Krishan may not be the most prominent figure in her series, but like him, she has shown that this is irrelevant. Forget about who's favored or who has the most followers on social media. The most memorable moments on Strictly are when a celebrity unexpectedly wows us all, demonstrating that they can truly shake up the competition.
Mabuse began a thought during her critique but didn’t complete it: “If you give us that energy for a few more weeks…” Motsi, I hope you’re okay with this, but I'd like to revise that a bit. Punam, if you can maintain that energy throughout the rest of Strictly, the Glitterball Trophy might just be within your reach. And really, who wouldn’t want to witness that?
