In a memorable cultural fusion, King Charles III and Queen Camilla were greeted at Westminster Abbey with an unusual yet electrifying Bollywood performance during the Commonwealth Day ceremony. The Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band, an Indian ensemble celebrated for blending Scottish bagpipes with Hindu influences, played “Dhoom Machale” as the royals made their entrance. The song, originally from the 2004 Bollywood hit Dhoom, resonated through the abbey, leaving an indelible impression.
The astonishing moment was captured on video and quickly went viral, captivating social media users worldwide. One Instagram user humorously suggested, “That’s clearly Hrithik Roshan disguised as Camilla,” a nod to Dhoom 2’s legendary scene where Hrithik Roshan impersonates Queen Elizabeth during a high-stakes heist. This imaginative take resonated with many, contributing to the video’s online momentum.
Founded in the 1950s, the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band has built a rich legacy of performing in front of royalty. With branches in various countries, including the UK, India, the US, and Kenya, the group has mastered its distinctive musical synthesis, delighting audiences with performances that meld Scottish and Indian sounds. The band’s rendition of “Dhoom Machale” was confirmed by BBC’s coverage, putting to rest any doubts about the authenticity of the viral video.
This event showcased Bollywood’s increasing influence on global culture, spotlighting its power to connect people across different backgrounds. From Oscar-winning tracks like “Jai Ho” to the energetic beats enlivening Hollywood films, Bollywood’s global reach is undeniable. At Westminster Abbey, the spontaneous yet heartwarming cultural crossover reaffirmed its ability to transcend borders and unite audiences in shared joy.
As the video reached Indian viewers, many playfully pondered, “Where is Hrithik Roshan?” in response to his cinematic role where he masquerades as a queen to execute a heist. The comment section teemed with Dhoom 2 GIFs and lighthearted speculation, highlighting the enduring impact of Hrithik Roshan’s iconic impersonation.
