Nat Geo Greenlights Smriti Mundhra’s Dance Docuseries

India-West News Desk

LOS ANGELES, CA – National Geographic is venturing into the realm of competitive Bollywood dance with its latest series, ‘Legends’ (working title). The series, created by Smriti Mundhra, the mind behind ‘Indian Matchmaking,’ and produced by Joe Lewis, known for ‘100 Foot Wave,’ has been commissioned by the Disney-owned broadcaster.
The six-part show follows the journey of two prominent squads of Bollywood fusion dancers as they vie for the coveted national title. While every major university in the U.S. boasts a Bollywood fusion dance team, incorporating elements of hip-hop, contemporary, pop, and traditional Indian dance styles like bhangra, raas, kathak, and Bharatnatyam, only the top 10 teams gather each April for the Legends National Championship.
Produced by Mundhra’s Meralta Films, Amplify Pictures, and 30West, the executive production team includes Smriti Mundhra, Maya Gnyp, Nina Anand Aujla, Joe Lewis, Rachel Eggebeen, Colin King Miller, Micah Green, Daniel Steinman, Sarah Hong, Betsy Forhan, and Yari Lorenzo.
Mundhra expressed her excitement, stating, “This series is my ode to young adulthood, a universal coming-of-age story told uniquely through the South Asian lens.” She hopes to introduce this vibrant world to Nat Geo’s global audiences, inspiring others as it has inspired her.

Joe Lewis, former Amazon executive, added, “Amplify Pictures is thrilled to help bring the incredible world of competitive Bollywood fusion dancing to audiences worldwide,” emphasizing the series as a compelling drama about dance and a vibrant saga of youth, ambition, and cultural heritage.

Tom McDonald, EVP, Global Factual and Unscripted Content at National Geographic, highlighted the network’s tradition of exploring diverse cultures worldwide. He described Legends as a contemporary lens into a competitive world, delving into the experiences of young first- or second-generation South Asian Americans in the 21st century.