The physics grad behind Oxford University’s viral Bollywood dance video is Druv Punjabi, a Dubai-based Indian expat. Druv choreographed and starred in the video, which features him and his friends dancing to the Indian pop song ‘Desi Boyz’ across iconic Oxford locations like Radcliffe Camera and Gothic archways. Druv, 24, completed his undergraduate studies in mathematics and physics at UC Berkeley before moving to Dubai in 2022.
He then joined Oxford for a one-year master’s program in physics. During his time there, he formed a Bollywood dance group with three close friends. “I wanted to blend Bollywood’s energy with Oxford’s iconic and historic backdrop,” Druv says.
“I believed it would show the fusion of two vibrant cultures, and it was a way for us to express our creative side and the form of dance that we all enjoyed so much.”
The University of Oxford’s official social media team liked the video so much that they asked to feature it on their own platforms for World Music Day. The video now has hundreds of thousands of views and is being celebrated as a unique cultural moment. Druv has been making dance videos since 2022, and one of his earliest videos even caught the attention of Bollywood director Rajkumar Hirani and producer Vidhu Vinod Chopra.
Bollywood dance takes Oxford by storm
For Druv, dance has become more than a hobby – it’s a form of expression and a creative counterweight to his intense studies in physics. Now back in Dubai, Druv is focusing on his ultimate dream of becoming an astronaut.
But he still plans to continue creating dance videos. “This video at Oxford was just one of many ideas that I have, and I’ll be pursuing the others very soon,” he says. The vibrant performance by Druv and his friends has captured the imagination of students and onlookers, illustrating a seamless fusion of tradition and modernity.
The choice of Oxford University as the backdrop adds a unique charm, juxtaposing the university’s old-world allure with the spirited energy of Bollywood dance. Social media users have praised the students’ choreography and energy. One user exclaimed, “Guys! Science has never looked hotter! Please, don’t stop!” Another commented, “This is super incredible… Such a big achievement… The halls of Oxford University echoing with Bollywood mashups.”
The creativity and enthusiasm shown by these Oxford students highlight the universal appeal of Bollywood music and dance, transcending cultural and geographical boundaries.
It’s a testament to the power of art to bring people together and spread joy.
