What Is ‘Gaja Gamini Walk’? Story Behind The Iconic Aditi Rao Hydari’s Viral Dance Walk From ‘Heeramandi’

Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Heeramandi', released on Netflix on May 1, has created a massive buzz on the internet. The web series has captivated audiences with its depiction of cultural heritage through mesmerising dance forms, opulent costumes, and enchanting music.

Aditi Rao Hydari's Viral 'Gaja Gamini Walk'

Among the numerous clips from the show circulating on social media, Aditi Rao Hydari's jaw-dropping 'Gaja Gamini Walk' has become a cultural phenomenon. Aditi, who played the character of Bibbojaan in the series, performs an immaculate dance to the song 'Saiyaan Hatto Jaao'. During this dance sequence, the actress showcases a graceful yet seductive walk known as the 'Gaja Gamini Walk' or the 'Swan Walk'.

I can see her walk again and again 😭 pic.twitter.com/177WZLJEK2

— Nakshatra (@ghalibkakhayal) May 10, 2024

What Is ‘Gaja Gamini Walk'?

According to the ancient Indian text Kamasutra, elephants are symbols of "unrestrained raw sexual power". It is believed that a female elephant or 'hastini' is the lustiest of women and vulgar in her carriage. The 'Gaja Gamini Walk' is inspired by the majestic gait of a female elephant in heat, symbolising sensuality and grace.

The 'Gaja Gamini Walk' finds mention in the epic Mahabharata, where queens like Draupadi were addressed as 'Mada-gaja-gamini', meaning women who walked like a cow-elephant in a rut. In simpler terms, the walk is synonymous with a voluptuous yet graceful woman. The swaying gait of an elephant has inspired countless artists and poets throughout history, including the legendary M.F. Husain.

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M.F. Husain & 'Gaja Gamini Walk' Connection

In 1967, the late painter M.F. Husain ventured into filmmaking with 'Through the Eyes of a Painter'. However, it was his 2000 film 'Gaja Gamini', starring Madhuri Dixit, that cemented his legacy as a filmmaker. Based on his series of paintings 'Gajgamini', the film depicted the various stages of a woman's life through the elusive walk, which has been used to address iconic figures like Shakuntala, Sangeeta, and Mona Lisa.

In an interview, Husain stated, "A couple of years ago, when I was in hospital, I thought of making a film on Madhuri Dixit. I have been painting her in different ways, trying to depict her as the essence of Indian womanhood and of the many manifestations of womanhood. So, rather than painting her, I thought let me try doing the same thing in some other medium."

Bollywood Actors Performing ‘Gaja Gamini Walk'

While Madhuri Dixit's performance in 'Gaja Gamini' brought the sensual walk to the forefront, she was not the first actress to depict it on screen. The late Madhubala had earlier performed the 'Gajagamini Walk' in the song 'Mohe Panghat Pe' from the classic film 'Mughal-E-Azam'.

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Image Credit: Instagram