Sanjay Leela Bhansali, renowned for his grand cinematic spectacles, has earned admiration worldwide for his contribution to Indian cinema. One of his iconic creations, the energetic song Malhari featuring Ranveer Singh from Bajirao Mastani, found a unique platform in Marvel’s What If…? Season 3, thrilling Indian fans with its unexpected recreation in the animated series.
In the second episode of the season, Kumail Nanjiani’s character Kingo, a Bollywood superstar and superhero of Indian origin, leads a vibrant dance performance to Malhari. Originally performed by Ranveer Singh in the 2015 epic, the recreated sequence retained the song’s infectious energy while blending seamlessly with Marvel’s storytelling. Fans lauded the respectful homage to Indian cinema and its authentic choreography.
Marvel’s effort to fuse cultural elements has always stood out, but recreating a beloved Bollywood song elevated this representation. The sequence resonated with Indian fans, marking a proud moment as Bollywood’s essence was celebrated in the Marvel Universe.
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