Hot Shocking Update!! Throwback Magic: When Aishwarya Rai Taught Virgin River Stars Martin Henderson & Daniel Gillies to Dance Garba
Before Virgin River, The Vampire Diaries, or Grey’s Anatomy turned them into household names, Martin Henderson and Daniel Gillies were part of a cinematic experiment that beautifully blended
East and West. Long before small-town romance and supernatural drama defined their careers, the two actors found themselves in the vibrant, musical universe of Bollywood—
sharing the screen (and the dance floor) with none other than Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. It was 2004 when director Gurinder Chadha—known for her cross-cultural hits like Bend It Like Beckham—
reimagined Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice for a global audience. The result was Bride and Prejudice, a dazzling celebration of color, music, and cultural unity. The film didn’t just introduce Western audiences to Bollywood rhythms; it also gave two rising stars their first taste of international spotlight, thanks to an unforgettable Garba dance sequence that still delights fans two decades later.
From Fresh Faces to Familiar Favorites
When Bride and Prejudice premiered, both Martin Henderson and Daniel Gillies were relative newcomers in the entertainment world. Henderson, a New Zealand actor, had been slowly carving his niche through indie projects and short-lived television roles. Daniel Gillies, the Canadian-born actor, was just beginning to make waves with his striking screen presence.
What neither could have predicted was how this vibrant musical would become a pivotal—and unexpected—stepping stone toward their later fame. Henderson would go on to capture hearts as Dr. Nathan Riggs on Grey’s Anatomy before becoming the steadfast Jack Sheridan in Netflix’s Virgin River. Gillies, meanwhile, would immortalize himself as the noble yet tormented Elijah Mikaelson in The Vampire Diaries and its spin-off The Originals.
But before they became international sensations, the duo were wide-eyed performers learning to master traditional Indian dance choreography beside one of Bollywood’s most graceful icons.
Aishwarya Rai: The Graceful Guru
By the time filming began, Aishwarya Rai was already a global name. The 1994 Miss World had transitioned into one of India’s most accomplished actresses, celebrated for her ethereal beauty and refined artistry. To Henderson and Gillies—outsiders stepping into the grandeur of Indian cinema—she was both a co-star and an unspoken teacher.’
According to behind-the-scenes accounts, Rai patiently guided the two through Garba, a lively traditional dance from India’s Gujarat region. The number required intricate footwork, rhythmic claps, and expressive spins—all delivered with the exuberant precision Bollywood audiences expected. Henderson and Gillies, accustomed to Western-style performances, had to unlearn their restraint and embrace the unabashed energy of Indian celebration.