Dr Punam Krishan, a Scottish Indian doctor and author, has made history by performing the first Bollywood dance routine on the UK's popular show ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Proudly identifying as a 'Glajabi' (a Glasgow-born Punjabi), she danced to the iconic song "Bole Chudiyan" from the 2001 film ‘Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham’, marking the first Indian film sequence in the show's 20-year history.
a GP in her 40s, became emotional reflecting on her family's journey from Punjab to Scotland after her acclaimed performance . "It meant everything," she said, teary-eyed, as she connected with her younger self. She dedicated her dance to her late grandfather and emphasised her humble upbringing, stating, "We didn’t have much, but we made it." Choosing Bollywood for the "Couple’s Choice" category, Krishan aimed to celebrate her Indian heritage on a mainstream platform. "I am so proud to be a Scottish Indian woman. Growing up, I never saw Indian girls dancing on mainstream TV, so performing an Indian dance on ‘Strictly’ is monumental," she shared.
Reflecting on her selection for this year's ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, Dr Punam Krishan said, "It still feels unreal. I’ve watched ‘Strictly’ every year with my family, and being part of its 20th anniversary season is incredible. It's outside my comfort zone, but I'm ready for the challenge and will give it my all."
