Director Lena Khan on Crafting Netflix's Bollywood Fusion Dance Movie 'Best of the Best'
Director Lena Khan's latest film, "Best of the Best," delves into the competitive realm of Bollywood fusion dance, a vibrant yet often underexplored aspect of American college culture. This Netflix production, premiering this Friday, follows the journey of childhood friends Maya and Anjali as they navigate the intense world of UCLA's dance team, aiming for the U.S. Championship. Khan's vision for the film extends beyond mere entertainment, aiming to foster pride and authentic representation for South Asians in media. She worked closely with screenwriters Hasan Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam, drawing from their personal experiences in competitive circuits, to craft a narrative that resonates deeply while challenging conventional stereotypes.
Netflix Film "Best of the Best" Illuminates Bollywood Fusion Dance Scene
On September 18, 2026, Lena Khan's eagerly anticipated film, "Best of the Best," will debut on Netflix, bringing the dynamic world of competitive Bollywood fusion dance to a global audience. The narrative centers on Maya and Anjali, portrayed by talented actors including Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, as they embark on an arduous journey within UCLA's dance team, vying for national glory. The script, co-written by Hasan Minhaj and Prashanth Venkataramanujam, draws heavily from their personal immersion in similar collegiate competitive environments. Khan, who previously directed episodes of Netflix's "Never Have I Ever," sought to infuse the film with a sense of cultural pride and authenticity, contrasting with past stereotypical portrayals of South Asians in media. She emphasized the importance of showing South Asian characters with depth and humanity, allowing for universal relatability. Actress Maitreyi Ramakrishnan underwent a rigorous physical transformation, undertaking months of intensive dance training to embody the demanding role. The intricate dance sequences, a cornerstone of the film, were meticulously choreographed by Phillip Chbeeb, Makenzie Dustman, and co-choreographer Joya Kazi, blending diverse regional styles such as Kuthu, Bharatanatyam, and Pakistani-influenced dance to reflect the team's multicultural makeup. Khan also notably challenged industry norms by casting a "token white guy" as the traditionally nerdy minority character and championed the inclusion of music from South Asian artists like Joy Crookes.
"Best of the Best" serves as a powerful testament to the evolving landscape of representation in cinema. It highlights the importance of showcasing diverse cultures with respect and authenticity, allowing audiences worldwide to connect with stories that defy simplistic categorizations. Khan's approach to filmmaking, rooted in a desire to tell overlooked stories, encourages a broader appreciation for cultural nuances and shared human experiences. The film's success on Netflix could pave the way for more nuanced and diverse narratives, demonstrating that audiences are eager for content that reflects the richness and complexity of the global tapestry.
