As a website news editor at Dancewami.com, I’ve seen countless viral videos of people dancing in unexpected places. But the recent clip of a group of Indians grooving to ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ on Vietnam’s famous Train Street has sparked a much-needed conversation about travel behavior and cultural representation.
The video, which quickly spread across social media, shows a lively group dancing on the railway tracks in Hanoi, seemingly oblivious to the fact that this is a functioning train route. While the energy and joy of the moment are undeniable, the reaction online has been mixed. Many commenters have asked a crucial question: “Why can’t we act normal abroad?”
Let’s unpack this.
First, I get it. ‘Chaiyya Chaiyya’ is an iconic Bollywood track that makes you want to move. The song, famously filmed on a moving train in *Dil Se..*, has inspired dance covers worldwide. For many Indians abroad, hearing that beat can trigger a sense of pride and nostalgia. Dancing in a foreign land can feel like claiming space, spreading joy, and sharing culture.
But here’s the flip side: Vietnam Train Street is not a Bollywood set. It’s a narrow residential area where trains pass within inches of homes and tourists. Authorities have repeatedly warned against gathering there due to safety risks—trains come through multiple times a day without warning. Dancing on the tracks, even for a few seconds, sends a dangerous message: that adventure or a viral moment is worth more than personal safety or respect for local rules.
This isn’t just about Indians. Tourists from all over have been guilty of reckless behavior on Train Street. But when Indians do it, the backlash often feels louder, partly because we hold ourselves to a higher standard. We complain about how the world perceives us, yet moments like this reinforce stereotypes of loudness, disregard for norms, and “main character syndrome.”
The debate boils down to two questions: Can’t we have fun abroad? And should we always be ambassadors for our country?
My opinion? Yes, travel should be joyful. But joy shouldn’t come at the expense of safety, dignity, or cultural sensitivity. Dancing on a live railway track isn’t “acting normal” anywhere in the world. It’s performative and reckless. We can celebrate our culture without risking our lives or embarrassing our community.
So, next time that Bollywood beat hits you in a foreign land—dance. But find a park, a club, or a rooftop. Not a train track. Because “acting normal” isn’t about suppressing fun; it’s about knowing when and where to have it.
