‘A unique interview’: Why Rihanna’s Bharatanatyam lesson with influencer is breaking the internet

Rihanna’s Mumbai takeover continues. After meeting Orry and Janhvi Kapoor, the global icon sat down with influencer Nejm for a masterclass in Indian classical dance.

Rihanna learns BharatnatyamThe influencer explains Rihanna how emotions in Bharatanatyam are expressed through eye movements (Image source: @keepinitnejm/Image source)
2 min readNew DelhiApr 26, 2026 06:50 PM IST First published on: Apr 26, 2026 at 06:50 PM IST

Global icon Rihanna took the Internet by storm with her recent visit to India. The Don’t Stop the Music singer tried out a few Bharatnatyam mudras during her beauty brand event in Mumbai.

A video shared by influencer Nejm captured Rihanna taking a quick lesson in the dance form. The pop star seemed enthusiastic as she followed along while learning a few mudras (hand gestures). Nejm also explained how emotions in Bharatanatyam are expressed through eye movements, which Rihanna attempted to replicate.

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Further, Nejm asked Rihanna questions about makeup, her partner A$AP Rocky, and her children, with the condition that she could respond only through facial expressions. Rihanna gamely participated, attempting to convey answers through expressions as guided.

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