Bollywood star Kartik Aaryan recently found himself in the middle of social media chatter after his appearance on India’s Best Dancer 4, where he shared the stage with veteran actress Karisma Kapoor. The duo danced to the iconic 2000s Salman Khan track “Pyar Dilon Ka Mela Hai” from the film Dulhan Hum Le Jayenge. The moment was part of the promotional campaign for Kartik’s upcoming film Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3, and the segment was clearly designed to blend nostalgia with a touch of new-age charm. Karisma flawlessly revisited her original steps, while Kartik joined in with confidence, even incorporating a few hook steps from his own movie’s title track. The chemistry between the two was well-received by the judges, including Vidya Balan and Terence Lewis, who cheered them on with enthusiasm, adding to the charm of the moment.
However, as the clip circulated online, not all reactions were kind. A wave of criticism came from Salman Khan’s dedicated fanbase, often referred to as “Salmaniacs.” Many felt Kartik’s performance didn’t do justice to the original, with some accusing him of trying to imitate Salman Khan. Comments like “He is doing the steps wrong,” “No one can copy Salman,” and “Don’t try to copy Salman Khan” were spotted across various social media platforms. While some viewed the performance as a tribute to a classic moment from Bollywood, others were quick to dismiss it as an unoriginal attempt to recreate Salman’s unique style.
Despite the trolling, the segment sparked a wave of nostalgic conversation among fans of 90s and early 2000s Bollywood. Several viewers appreciated the throwback and praised Kartik for taking the bold step of dancing alongside Karisma to such a memorable track. The viral moment once again highlighted the emotional connection audiences still have with the golden era of Bollywood music and stars. In the end, whether one saw it as a tribute or an imitation, the performance made headlines, proving once again that iconic moments from Bollywood’s past continue to influence and stir up strong reactions—even decades later.
