Russian Skater Wears Bindi at Olympics

At the Winter Olympics 2026, currently underway in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Russian-Georgian figure skater Anastasiia Gubanova has garnered significant attention. Gubanova performed to the title track of the popular Indian film 'Dhurandhar,' a song released on December 5, 2025, which has maintained its popularity both domestically and internationally. Her performance, which also incorporated a Punjabi folk step, was widely shared on social media platforms, causing her to trend.

Adding a unique cultural touch to her routine, Gubanova was observed wearing a red bindi to match her dazzling red-and-golden costume. This choice has resonated with fans, particularly in India, sparking a flurry of positive reactions online. Earlier in September 2025, Gubanova had also sported the same attire and bindi during a performance in Beijing, China, set to a similar musical arrangement.