The action-packed Red, White & Royal Blue, the quirky comedy of The Idea of You, the murderous Purple Hearts and Cinderella are world-wide favorites to win hearts, and the quirky British actor Nicholas Galitzine is doing it again! This time, however, it’s not only about the film he’s about to release. It’s about a promise he made to millions of Indian fans, a promise for fun but a promise for love. In a recent interview, Galitzine, together with co-star Camila Mendes, has revealed that they would be thrilled to make their next venture into India. There’s a catch, though. “Well, if we get to do a cool Bollywood dance number,” he said.
The pair have been active in promoting their new outing Masters of the Universe, which is an action fantasy adaptation filled with a lot of energy. In an interaction with India Today, the dialogue inevitably turned to the idea of shooting in India. This has always been a popular destination for movie stars, but Galitzine’s answer was directly targeted. He didn’t even think twice when asked if their characters would be in India at any point in their lives. “Oh, I’d like that,” he said. Immediately, Camila Mendes responded with the same enthusiasm, “I would want that too.”
But then Galitzine took it a step further. He added a condition to which no Indian fan would object with his casual confidence, which made him a rising star. “If we get to have a cool Bollywood dance number then,” he said. Mendes was soon in accord: “Yeah, that would be a lot of fun.”
There’s more to this moment that meets the eye than just the words: there’s the spirit behind them. Bollywood dance numbers are not just song and dance numbers. They are cultural events. They include complex moves, colorful costumes, and sometimes dozens of dancers performing in concert with one another. If it’s someone from outside willingly taking this kind of experience, it proves that they are respectful to Indian films. It’s not a reluctant homage to local viewers. It is a real passion for a cause which is dear to Indian viewers.
It is not the first time that a Hollywood star has shown an interest in Bollywood, but it is not possible to hear a condition expressed with such warmth. Galitzine and Mendes are on tour to promote Masters of the Universe, a film about the most powerful man on the planet Eternia, Prince Adam. In order to get back the sword he had lost and eventually beat the enemies that in danger his home world, he has to live an ordinary life on Earth for fifteen years. The movie is directed by Travis Knight and stars Idris Elba, Jared Leto, Alison Brie, Morena Baccarin and Kristen Wiig. The movie released worldwide on June 5, 2026.
But, in the midst of so much promotional interviews and red carpet events, this casual conversation with India was what captured the imagination of the fans. And there’s a good reason for it. In recent years, increasing numbers of international actors have started to recognise the power and passion of Indian audiences. Top stars such as Tom Cruise and Dwayne Johnson have come to this nation and lauded the distinct vibe of the audience. However, Galitzine’s assurance is unique, and in that regard, so is the way it is made. He is not only telling them, “I want to go see you.He’s not just telling them, “I want to go see you. He is telling me that he wants to do something that involves him acting.
Indian fans are excited enough to see Nicholas Galitzine and Camila Mendes dancing to a choreographed Bollywood routine. The two actors, who were already known for their on-screen chemistry, come together now in sync to a brisk tempo, perhaps set against the backdrop of the palace walls, or bustling Mumbai streets. It would be a moment which neither Hollywood nor Bollywood could miss. And, the beauty of it is that Galitzine appears to know exactly what he is asking for. The “cool Bollywood dance number” is not added as an afterthought. It’s the focal point. It takes practice, coordination, and a bit of being a little silly if you don’t go all the way. This kind of vulnerability is often more endearing, rather than unlovable.
Shooting any sequel or any Indian film makes it also sense from the filmmaking point of view. The country showcases a variety of scenery ranging from the deserts of Rajasthan, the backwaters of Kerala, the hustle and bustle of Mumbai and Delhi. But with a lesser role for visual effects than some may think, real locations can sometimes provide more authenticity than green screens can. The setting of India could provide a fantastic new layer of visual storytelling for a franchise as grounded as Masters of the Universe, which already has a mix of fantasy and reality so far.
However, there are also some good ideas to be taken into account as well as some challenges to be thought of in a promise like this. The upside is that it would open up a huge and loyal box office base for making movies in India. Indian viewers, time and again, have proved their love for local connected Hollywood movies. Avengers: Endgame, Spider-Man: No Way Home and arguably lesser movies such as The Jungle Book have performed quite admirably in India. The Bollywood dance number would enhance that appeal even more. It would also allow for Galitzine and Mendes to learn from world-class Indian choreographers and musicians, many of whom are not seen in the west.
But then again, convincing Bollywood performance is not that easy. Attempts of integrating Indian elements have been forced and stereotyped in many Hollywood productions. An excellent example is the closing credits of the film Slumdog Millionaire, which was effective in this film but was not effective in any other film. It was a dance number that would have to be part of the story or it wouldn’t work. Galitzine and Mendes would also have to work hard, maybe for weeks to become as precise as Indian viewers expect. A half-hearted shoulder shake is a dead giveaway for Bollywood fans.
