Anger Erupts!! When Bollywood Met Hollywood: Aishwarya Rai Teaches Virgin River Stars Martin Henderson & Daniel Gillies the Art of Garba
Before Netflix’s Virgin River, The Vampire Diaries, or even Grey’s Anatomy catapulted them to global fame, Martin Henderson and Daniel Gillies shared an unforgettable cinematic experience
that many fans today might find surprising: learning the intricate steps of a traditional Garba dance from none other than Bollywood superstar Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.
This magical moment took place during Gurinder Chadha’s 2004 cross-cultural musical Bride and Prejudice, a vibrant reimagining of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice.
The film fused Bollywood’s colorful energy with Hollywood storytelling, producing a delightful spectacle that continues to resonate with audiences—especially the iconic Garba sequence, which remains a fan-favorite throwback.
From Rising Actors to International Icons
When Bride and Prejudice hit theaters, neither Henderson nor Gillies were the household names they would later become. Daniel Gillies, who would go on to captivate audiences as the brooding Elijah Mikaelson in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, was still carving his path in the acting world. Martin Henderson, now beloved for his portrayal of Jack Sheridan in Virgin River and Dr. Nathan Riggs in Grey’s Anatomy, was likewise a rising talent navigating a complex new genre: Bollywood-style musicals.
Their roles in the film required them to embrace a cultural tradition far removed from their own—learning the precise, rhythmic movements of Garba, a folk dance from India’s western state of Gujarat, all while keeping pace with Aishwarya Rai, one of the world’s most celebrated actresses and former Miss World.
The Garba Sequence: Flirtation Meets Dance
One of the most memorable moments in Bride and Prejudice came during the lively “Dola Dola” dance number. Here, Henderson’s character, William Darcy, and Gillies’ George Wickham engage in a playful, competitive battle for the attention of Rai’s Lalita Bakshi. On the surface, it’s a simple romantic rivalry—but add the infectious beats of traditional Garba, and the result is pure cinematic magic.
Henderson and Gillies threw themselves into the choreography with equal parts determination and awkward charm. Some moves were tentative, others surprisingly in sync—but the energy of the scene was undeniable. Meanwhile, Aishwarya Rai glided across the floor with effortless grace, her performance both a guide and a challenge for the two Western actors. The clash wasn’t just between suitors; it was a cultural dialogue, a moment where East met West in a whirl of color, music, and movement.