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‘Mahabharat, Kamasutra Connection’: Aditi Rao Hydari’s ‘Gaja Gamini Walk’ In ‘Heeramandi’ Takes Internet By Storm

By Sanskriti

May 15, 2024

Among the myriad clips from the show that are doing the rounds on social media, Aditi Rao Hydari’s jaw-dropping ‘Gaja Gamini’ walk has somehow made its way through pop culture as Gen Zs and millennials continue to gush over it.

Hydari, who played Bibbojaan in the series, performs an immaculate dance to the song ‘Saiyaan Hatto Jaao’. During the dance sequence, the actor performs a ‘Gaja Gamini’ walk, which is now popular as the ‘Swan Walk’.

The actor thanked fans in a recent conversation for their overwhelmingly positive feedback on her performance in the song “Saiyaan Hatto Jaao.”

Aditi further disclosed that Bhansali was closely involved in all facets of the song’s choreography, demonstrating the painstaking attention to detail that went into its creation.

Aditi Rao Hydari expounded upon Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s attention to detail, emphasising his concentration on every detail, such as the dupatta’s movement in time with the steps.

She said, “Kruti Mahesh was there choreographing but he was completely involved in every detail of the choreography and he was very particular about this walk and how it should happen—how  the dupatta would fall, how the waist would move, exactly when the ‘chan’ sound will be heard—it was quite incredible.”

(Read More: Aditi Rao Hydari’s ‘Heeramandi’ Performance Moves Fiancé Siddharth: ‘He Was Crying, His Eyes…’)

Connection with Kama Sutra

Comments poured in, praising the subtle yet potent seduction portrayed by Aditi. One user likened her walk to a passage from the Kamasutra, depicting it as the epitome of allure.

In Sanskrit, Gaj Gamini translates to elephant walk. The Kamasutra associates elephants with “unrestrained raw sexual power.”

The text refers to a “hastini” (female elephant) as embodying the most lustful and bold feminine energy. The Gaja Gamini walk likely draws inspiration from this idea in the Kamasutra.

The ‘Gaja Gamini’ walk also has a mention in the Mahabharata. Queens like Draupadi were addressed as Mada-Gaja-Gamini, women who walked like cow elephants in a rut.

Gaja Gamini and Bollywood

It was Madhubala, who was the first Bollywood actress to perform the famous ‘Gaja Gamini’ walk in her movie ‘Mughal-E-Azam’ in the song ‘Mohe Panghat Pe’.