A video showing Indian office employees performing dance routines to welcome a visiting foreign client has gone viral, sparking a sharp and polarised debate on corporate culture, professionalism, and workplace norms in India.
The clip, which circulated widely on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), captured staff members dancing in synchrony to the Telugu track "Killi Killi". One employee also performed solo to the Bollywood song "Main Tera Boyfriend". The foreign guest, initially watching with an amused smile, eventually joined in, attempting a few dance steps with the team.
However, the reception online was far from unanimous. While some social media users praised the display as a cheerful gesture of hospitality and team bonding, others condemned it as unprofessional, performative, and deeply reflective of lingering colonial mindsets in the Indian workplace.
The post ignited a flurry of responses, many of which echoed the criticism.
“Nothing screams we're not serious louder than making a foreign client do bhangra at a Q4 review,” one user commented. “We've got world-class engineers writing billion-dollar code and HR's out here rehearsing flash mobs for client visits.”
Another remarked: “This person will go back and announce layoffs understanding how many extra people he hired.”
Others criticised what they saw as ingrained submissiveness within Indian corporate settings.
“Submissiveness is a state of mind. To foreigners, politicians, bureaucracy, or even business magnates,” one post read. Another added, “Servants in front of their boss. Cheap and vulgar.”
Another user wrote: “This is terrible and cringe! I've been part of companies that call these ‘all-hands’ and ‘celebration’ but it’s a really pathetic mockery of people and talent.”
Beyond the dance itself, the incident sparked broader reflections on Indian corporate culture. One user pointed to a deeper cultural disconnect: “The first step is to stop calling people in a professional environment ‘Sir’ and ‘Madam’. Native English speakers seldom use that at work. This ‘thanks for giving us work, we’re now your slaves’ attitude should stop.”
However, not everyone agreed with the condemnation. Some defended the video as a light-hearted moment of celebration meant to ease tension and promote positivity in the workplace.
“Happens everywhere across the world. Roles reversed as well. In every country. And helps a long way,” one user argued.
Another comment read: “This is done in most workplaces to break the fatigue of sitting behind a desk and doing a mental reset. It helps with the physical as well as mental well-being of these workers.”
Others said the intention was likely innocent and rooted in hospitality, not submission.
“The performance was probably meant to showcase culture, bond with the guest, and ensure they leave with a memorable experience.”
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