MS University Dance Row: Student’s ‘Dhak Dhak’ Performance Sparks Controversy

Viral video from campus event draws criticism; student apologises, says backlash affected her mental health

A controversy has erupted at Maharaja Sayajirao (MS) University in Vadodara after a student’s dance performance during a campus event went viral on social media.

The student, from the Arts faculty, performed to the Bollywood song Dhak Dhak Karne Laga during the three-day ‘Sanskar Sangam’ festival organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at the university’s C.C. Mehta Hall.

Soon after the video surfaced online, it drew sharp criticism from sections of the student community and others, who termed the performance inappropriate for a university setting.

Criticism From Student Groups
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) strongly objected to the performance. Its representatives said that a university is a “temple of knowledge” and should not host acts they described as objectionable.

Some critics also claimed that such performances could harm the reputation of the institution and the cultural image of Vadodara.

ABVP Clarifies Its Role
Amid the backlash, ABVP leaders clarified that the student had not officially registered for the performance.

According to organisers, around 140 students had registered for the festival, which included activities like traditional dance, drama and fashion shows. The student reportedly went on stage and performed during a break, without prior approval, they said.

Student Responds With Emotional Appeal
The student at the centre of the controversy later shared a video expressing her distress. She said she was wearing a saree during the performance and did not intend to offend anyone.

She acknowledged that her choice of song “may have been wrong” and apologised for it, but questioned the intensity of the backlash.

In her statement, she said she did not expect such strong reactions and added that the viral circulation of the video had affected her mental well-being.

Debate Over Expression And Campus Culture
The incident has sparked a wider debate on campus expression, cultural boundaries, and the role of student organisations in monitoring events.

University authorities are yet to announce any formal action, as discussions continue over how such incidents should be handled in academic spaces.