"I often feel like a character in Motherland."
Dr Punam Krishan has made a mark on Strictly Come Dancing with her partner Gorka Marquez.
Since swapping the GP’s office for the dancefloor, the pair have impressed fans and in week three, they made history by becoming the first competitors to dance to a Bollywood song.
But away from the BBC dance show, Punam is not the only famous face in her household.
Her husband is Dr Sandesh Gulhane, who is also an NHS GP and a Member of the Scottish Parliament.
The couple have two children – son Aarish and daughter Ellora.
Punam and Sandesh have been married since 2011 and their wedding included two ceremonies – one in the UK and one in India.
He is the Scottish Conservative Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care and has been an MSP since 2021.
Sandesh represents the Glasgow region and is the first Hindu man of Indian descent to be elected to the Scottish Parliament.
Dr Punam Krishan previously opened up about the reality of trying to raise two children while having a full-time job in the NHS.
In 2022, she revealed she spent around £1,300 a month on nursery fees and £480 a month during term times for after-school clubs.
Her daughter, who was two at the time, was in nursery every day from 8:30 am until 6 pm, while her son would often participate in after-school clubs.
Punam said at the time: “I often feel like a character in Motherland.
“When I turn up at work I feel in utter control, but there is so much childcare chaos behind the scenes, the before-and-after work rush of making sure you get to your kids on time, that you’re present for them when you go and meet them and they don’t see how stressful it’s been – that in itself is an art.”
Despite her busy family life, Punam admitted at the time that she considered reducing her hours or not working.
However, she stated medicine is a “vocation”, saying:
“I have a strong sense of duty and a calling and I think it’s really important that my kids see their parents working.
“In turn, I hope it inspires them with work ethic.”
On October 5, 2024, Dr Punam Krishan and Gorka Marquez left the judges in tears with their performance to ‘Bole Chudiyan’ from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham.
Watch Punam & Gorka’s Bollywood Dance
As they danced, judge Motsi Mabuse was on her feet and got emotional.
Delivering her verdict, she said: “That really moved me.
“I know so many people are watching you right now and feel so proud to see this on Strictly Come Dancing.
“Just watching you, and your hair flying, and your eyes sparkling and giving the whole story.
“This has been so wonderful to see, so wonderful to see you in that way.”
Punam also became emotional as she and Gorka headed up the stairs to chat with host Claudia Winkleman.
She said: “That meant everything.
“I feel like I just went to four-year-old me that would have loved to see something like this when I was growing up and I guess you just can’t be what you can’t see.
“This wasn’t just for my grandad, who sadly passed away during the pandemic, but [it was] also for my mum who came here at the age of 18 with nothing and was so worried that her girls would grow up not connected to their culture.
“Just wish I’ve done all my Indian community proud and brought a bit of India to Strictly!”
Receiving three eights and a nine, Punam and Gorka shot up the leaderboard with 33 points, 15 more than in week two.
On social media, British South Asians were proud to see Bollywood and Indian culture showcased on the popular show.
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