Long before Netflix’s small-town romance Virgin River turned Martin Henderson into a household name, and before Daniel Gillies became the brooding, fan-favorite Elijah Mikaelson

in The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, the two actors found themselves in an unexpected cultural whirlwind: performing traditional Indian Garba alongside Bollywood legend Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

This unforgettable moment took place during Gurinder Chadha’s 2004 cross-cultural musical Bride and Prejudice, a vibrant adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice.

The film expertly blended Hollywood sensibilities with Bollywood flair, offering Western audiences a colorful and heartfelt introduction to Indian cinematic traditions. Among its many lively sequences, the Garba dance remains the one fans recall with the most nostalgia—a sequence that not only showcased cultural fusion but also foreshadowed the international paths Henderson and Gillies would eventually take.

From Unknowns to International Icons

When Bride and Prejudice hit theaters, both Henderson and Gillies were far from the actors audiences would later adore. Henderson, who would go on to charm viewers as Dr. Nathan Riggs in Grey’s Anatomy and later as Jack Sheridan in Virgin River, was still navigating the early stages of his film career. Gillies, destined to become one of the most beloved vampires of modern television, was likewise a newcomer learning the ropes of screen acting.

Their co-star, Aishwarya Rai, already a global icon, exuded the poise and sophistication of someone accustomed to commanding the spotlight. A former Miss World and one of India’s most celebrated actresses, Rai carried not just the dance, but the cultural weight of the sequence, making it a masterclass in elegance and precision. Henderson and Gillies, by contrast, were stepping into unfamiliar territory—literally learning to move to the infectious rhythms of Garba, a dance form steeped in Indian tradition.

The Playful Rivalry of ‘Dola Dola’

At the heart of the Garba sequence was the film’s most memorable dance number, “Dola Dola.” In it, Henderson’s William Darcy and Gillies’ George Wickham engage in a playful, flirtatious duel, each vying for the attention of Aishwarya’s Lalita Bakshi. The stage is the dance floor, and the weapons are intricate footwork, hand gestures, and pure charisma.

For fans, the scene is unforgettable not only for its dazzling visuals but for the narrative tension it conveys. Here were two Western actors, representing very different ideals of masculinity and charm, navigating a traditional Indian dance. Henderson’s movements were earnest and deliberate, Gillies’ more fluid and impish, while Rai’s performance was effortless, commanding the choreography with a natural grace that made both men look like willing students of her craft. The clash was cultural, emotional, and utterly cinematic—an East-meets-West tableau brought to life through rhythm and color.

A Cinematic Experiment with Lasting Impact

While Bride and Prejudice may not have been a worldwide blockbuster, its significance cannot be understated. The film marked one of the earliest mainstream attempts to merge Bollywood spectacle with Hollywood storytelling. For Aishwarya Rai, the project was another step in her gradual international ascent, demonstrating her ability to transcend language and cultural barriers while remaining captivating to a global audience.

For Henderson and Gillies, the film represented a unique early credit that would later gain renewed attention. As their careers progressed and audiences discovered them in vastly different roles, the Garba sequence became a beloved throwback: a glimpse of two actors learning, laughing, and twirling to dhol beats long before they became TV sensations.

The cultural exchange embedded in that scene—Western actors adapting to Bollywood choreography under the guidance of one of India’s finest—speaks to the enduring magic of film as a bridge between worlds. It’s a rare moment where the energy, joy, and learning curve are just as compelling as the story itself.

Behind the Scenes: Learning the Steps

Reports from the set suggest that Henderson and Gillies underwent an intensive process to learn authentic Garba movements. Unlike Western dance sequences, Garba requires intricate footwork, synchronized hand gestures, and precise timing to match the accompanying music. Aishwarya Rai personally guided the actors through the motions, offering corrections, demonstrations, and encouragement.

The actors have since described the experience as both intimidating and exhilarating. Gillies later recalled the difficulty of matching Rai’s rhythm while maintaining character integrity, while Henderson admitted to initial struggles with the rapid, circular patterns typical of Garba. Yet, by the end of the sequence, both actors had not only memorized the choreography but absorbed something of the dance’s communal spirit—a performance that felt both authentic and narratively engaging.

Nostalgia and Fan Appreciation

Years later, fans still marvel at the trio’s performance. For Virgin River viewers, seeing Henderson in brightly colored traditional Indian attire, moving in harmony with Rai, is a delightful contrast to the rugged, small-town persona he embodies today. For The Vampire Diaries fans, Gillies’ playful energy in the sequence is a far cry from the brooding intensity of Elijah Mikaelson.

Social media frequently revisits the Garba scene as a nostalgic gem, a “before they were stars” moment that highlights the versatility and adaptability of both actors. It also reinforces Aishwarya Rai’s international appeal—her grace, charisma, and skill in the sequence remain unmatched, leaving an indelible impression on co-stars and audiences alike.

The Broader Cultural Significance

Bride and Prejudice and its Garba scene are more than cinematic curiosities; they represent a moment when cross-cultural collaboration became mainstream. Western actors immersed themselves in Bollywood traditions, while Indian audiences saw one of their icons interacting seamlessly with Hollywood talent. The result is a joyful celebration of storytelling that transcends borders—a reminder that film can be a universal language.

Legacy and Reflection

Today, as Henderson thrives in the romantic drama of Virgin River and Gillies commands supernatural narratives, looking back at the Garba sequence feels almost magical. It’s a testament to the journeys actors take—stepping into worlds that are unfamiliar, embracing challenges, and finding joy in unexpected places. The playful rivalry, the cultural learning, and the infectious music combine to create a sequence that continues to resonate.

Aishwarya Rai, for her part, remains an emblem of global cinematic excellence, capable of mentoring and inspiring even seasoned Western actors. Her role in this dance number was not just about performance; it was about bridging cultures, guiding newcomers, and creating a moment of joy and collaboration that fans still celebrate nearly two decades later.

Conclusion: A Throwback Worth Remembering

Looking back at Martin Henderson and Daniel Gillies learning Garba under Aishwarya Rai’s expert guidance is a reminder of the unexpected paths that lead to stardom. From Bride and Prejudice to Virgin River and The Vampire Diaries, these actors have traversed genres, continents, and audiences. Yet, in that colorful, music-filled scene, we see them as they were: curious, enthusiastic, and eager to learn—dancing their way into cinematic history alongside one of Bollywood’s brightest stars.

Bride and Prejudice remains a beloved throwback not just for its humor and romance, but for this extraordinary convergence of East and West. And for fans of Henderson, Gillies, and Rai, it’s a joyful reminder that sometimes, before the fame and the accolades, all it takes is a dhol, a dance floor, and a willingness to step into something entirely new.