The actress appeared on the BBC programme’s companion show on Wednesday evening alongside dance partner Julian Caillon to reflect on their groundbreaking routine from the weekend.
During her conversation with presenter Janette Manrara, the 46-year-old performer expressed feeling deeply moved by the significance of her achievement.
“When they say dreams are coming true, that was one of them. We were able to represent fully and authentically about what it means to be Punjabi,” she revealed.
The soap actress emphasised the magnitude of showcasing her heritage on such a prominent platform.
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon made Strictly history last weekend
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BBC
“To be able to platform it on a world stage was such a big, overwhelming and heart warming feeling,” she explained during the interview.
Their Saturday evening performance featured the pair dressed entirely in golden costumes as they danced a Punjabi Bhangra routine set to Ed Sheeran’s Sapphire.
The 46-year-old dedicated the Bollywood-inspired number to her mother, who passed away last year, transforming it into a tribute celebrating her cultural heritage.
The routine marked a significant moment as the programme’s first authentic Punjabi Bhangra performance, combining traditional dance elements with contemporary music.
The EastEnders star emphasised the magnitude of showcasing her heritage on such a prominent platform
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BBC
Audiences nationwide were visibly affected by the emotional tribute, with many viewers reportedly moved to tears during the broadcast.
The performance represented both a personal memorial and a broader cultural celebration, introducing mainstream television audiences to authentic Punjabi dance traditions through the popular Saturday night entertainment programme.
The response from viewers has been extraordinary, with the pair continuing to receive an outpouring of support days after their performance.
“It’s been incredible and we are still getting messages and videos,” Ms Sopal shared, whilst Mr Callion added: “We are still working through the messages. The response has been insane.”
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Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon performed a Punjabi Bhangra routine last week
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BBC
The actress revealed the emotional impact her routine had on audiences across the country.
“I’m getting people telling me that they were getting emotional and cried. I suppose you don’t realise the impact of it and I’m just realising it now. We just went out there and danced our hearts out,” she reflected.
The performance clearly resonated deeply with viewers, particularly those who connected with the cultural representation and the heartfelt tribute to her mother.
The professional dancer’s dedication to mastering the traditional dance form particularly touched his celebrity partner.
Balvinder Sopal and Julian Caillon reflected on their history-making dance
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BBC
“Julian I have to say my heart exploded seeing him take on the Punjabi Bhangra so authentically. It’s almost like there is an Indian living inside of him and that made me feel really emotional,” Sopal expressed.
Caillon struggled to articulate his experience of learning the culturally significant routine.
“I’ve been trying to put it into words. I think it was such a privilege to be brought into that world,” he responded.
The dancer acknowledged the rarity of such opportunities in his career.
“On the first day, she was like ‘I love how much you’re loving it’ and you know what I’m just so self aware to realise that I might not get to do another number like this so I wanted to lap it up,” he concluded.