A group of Indian tourists is at the centre of an online controversy after a video of them dancing to the Bollywood hit Chogada at Dubai’s iconic Burj Khalifa viewing deck went viral. While the performance was seen by some as a joyful display of Indian culture, others have criticised the group for what they perceive as a lack of public decorum.
The video, posted on June 15 by Dubai-based influencer @the_walking_lens_, went viral on Instagram in no time, garnering thousands of views and divided reactions from netizens.
People praised the dancers, terming the scene “heartwarming” and “a great celebration of Indian spirit.” For them, the performance embodied India’s rich history of effervescent public expression—be it wedding processions in foreign cities or group yoga sessions abroad.
But the video also provoked a backlash from a significant part of the audience. Critics wondered if it was right to perform such an act in a formal international public arena like the Burj Khalifa’s observation deck. A user posted sarcastically, “Civic sense?? RIP,” and another said, “Why can’t Indians respect the sanctity of foreign places?”
Some Dubai-based Indian residents voiced embarrassment over the display. “As an Indian living here, it’s not always necessary to showcase our culture in such settings. It can be uncomfortable,” one user said. Others stressed the need to adapt to local customs, especially when visiting countries with different social expectations.
Various users recalled that public performances in cities such as Dubai can be subject to special permits and that pride of culture must not overrule sensitivity to local customs and legislation. The general consensus seen throughout the web was a request for more sensitivity and balance in the displays of cultural passion overseas.
This isn’t the first instance of Indian tourists receiving online backlash. Recently, a group in Austria was put under fire for encouraging local street performers to perform Garba music so they could dance, leading to the same sort of debates about boundaries and respect in public foreign environments.
As the controversy rages on, the Burj Khalifa incident is a reminder that while cultural enjoyment should be shared, it should be complemented by understanding and respecting the traditions of the host nations.
