Charming or cringeworthy? Justin Trudeau’s decision to break out the bhangra moves during his state visit to India has divided commentators at home and abroad.
On the penultimate night of a visit that has been mired in controversy over his party’s alleged links to Sikh extremists, the Canadian prime minister “tried to take back the narrative” with some eye-grabbing Bollywood steps at New Delhi’s Canada House, the Huffington Post reports.
Some Indians were impressed by Trudeau's moves, which even put members of the diaspora to shame.
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But others were less impressed Trudeau’s attempts to “get down” with his hosts.
Back home, Trudeau’s performance generally inspired horror rather than pride.
Trudeau’s attempts to connect with the local culture on his Indian odyssey have already raised numerous eyebrows.
The Prime Minister’s frequents appearances in Indian-style clothing on the tour have drawn both good-humoured mockery and criticism that the Canadian leader appears more interested in “fancy dress” than statesmanship.
“It’s a little over the top, Ottawa-based economist Vivek Dehejia told Canada’s Global News. “I understand on day one having to wear the traditional clothes, but now it’s getting too much.”
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