Indian influencers are taking the train dance craze to new heights, and not everyone is happy
If we asked about the craziest place you've filmed a reel for social media, you might mention a mall or a sidewalk. But a new trend is emerging where influencers are filming themselves dancing inside or outside trains, often to replicate famous movie sequences or just for the thrill, and it's drawing criticism from many.
What's happening
Going viral might not always be a good thing, as the latest trend demonstrates.
Have you seen videos of people, mostly women, dancing exuberantly inside or near trains? Seems normal, right?
But there's a twist: these videos are making many uncomfortable in real life, particularly those inside the trains. They've received comments and even threats of police complaints due to their dancing.
Where did it all begin?
- Unlike most trends, you can pinpoint the exact starting point of this one.
- Over time, numerous Bollywood movies, including SRK's 'Jawan' (featuring a train dance sequence) and 'Chaiya Chaiya' from 'Dil Se,' have showcased train dancing.
- However, this year, following SRK's 'Jawan' dance debut in the Delhi Metro, many people, including kids, began imitating his moves.
- If you search 'Delhi Metro Jawan dance' on YouTube, you'll understand what I mean.
Now, this doesn't imply that SRK is responsible for this trend, as people have been using the metro or local train as a stage for their dances for a long time.
However, of late, there has been a rise in this trend.
The viral phenomenon
‘Train reels’ or ‘Train dance reels’ are among the most popular ones and often lead to recommendations like 'viral train dance girl'.
Reels like these have garnered millions of views on Instagram alone. Take a look at some (it's as crazy as it sounds):
The criticism
If you think Indians have received these videos with appreciation, you're mistaken. Let's consider an example: Tube girl from Malaysia gained widespread applause for grooving in the London Metro. Remember her? She not only made headlines but also received commendation for her confidence.
However, in India, women partaking in these videos are receiving a lot of hate. When I say hate, it's a mild word; they are subjected to all sorts of derogatory names and cursed at.
You can go through these videos and check the comment section, but we've selected some decent ones.
Is it even legal?
If you're wondering whether someone can file a complaint against them, don't worry. Some people did raise the issue on Twitter, and the DMR Mumbai responded by stating, "We appeal to all passengers to refrain from engaging in such activities and stunts during train travel."
Check out the complete reply:
Regarding the legality of dancing on trains, the official Delhi and Mumbai metro Twitter handles have consistently stated that such activities are not permitted. Warnings against dancing are also displayed within the metro premises, yet it appears that these instructions are being disregarded.