In brief
2025 was a remarkable year for India, characterized by several viral moments that captivated the nation. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan made waves at his first Met Gala, while Indian women's cricket captured hearts with an unprecedented World Cup victory. The year also witnessed memorable moments like King Charles being welcomed by a Bollywood tune and the historic achievement of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla aboard the ISS. Each event brought its own flavor to social media, reflecting India's vibrant culture and ambitions.
With millions of posts uploaded every day, India's social media churns out a viral moment almost on cue. If you've lost track of what thrilled - and infuriated - users in 2025, here's a handy recall: a round-up of the year's moments that made the country pause, laugh, or even scoff.
Shah Rukh Khan at his first ever Met Gala
In May, Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan attended his first ever Met Gala and clips of him walking the red carpet got an ecstatic reception from fans worldwide. The theme for this year's Gala, one of the biggest nights in fashion, was 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,' focusing exclusively on menswear. Khan arrived on the red carpet in an outfit created by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee - decked out with his own dandy cane, plenty of bling and sunglasses. This iconic moment led many fans to wonder why he hadn’t attended earlier, but better late than never.
King Charles welcomed with a Bollywood hit song
At the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey, a Bollywood song made unexpected waves when a pipe band played Dhoom Machale to welcome the Royal Family. This catchy tune, from the 2004 blockbuster film Dhoom, went viral on Indian social media, showcasing the playful bridge between Scottish and Indian music at a formal event celebrating diverse cultures.
When Indian women made World Cup history
November saw India clinch its first Women's World Cup title, when Captain Harmanpreet Kaur took the final catch against South Africa. The celebratory wave spread across the nation, marking a significant milestone for women's cricket in India, a country long averse to equating women's sports with men's. The jubilant celebrations highlighted the dawn of a new era in cricket.
The first time an Indian stepped foot on the ISS
June marked a historic moment when astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla became the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station (ISS). His journey was celebrated across India, as thousands watched him pilot the Axiom Mission 4 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. His accomplishment not only underlined India's aspirations in space exploration but also united the country in awe and pride.
Magnus Carlsen's table slam after defeat against Gukesh
Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju caused a stir by defeating reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen at the Norway Chess tournament. Carlsen's surprising outburst after the match became a viral phenomenon, with many reimagining the scene humorously. This moment highlighted Gukesh's rise in the chess world as a formidable competitor.
