2025 was a… year. But it was also the year Indian pop culture moments went viral: the Indian baddie, India in fashion, Indian women in sports and, unfortunately, the rise of borderline evil Indian managers. It was also a big year for the arts. People flocked to cinemas to watch re-releases, Banu Mushtaq bagged a Booker for Heart Lamp, and so many major artists performed in India that we were left broke. No, seriously—have mercy on our wallets next year. In a country as diverse as India, with a year as bizarre as this one, trying to sum up 2025 in one cohesive idea would be futile. Instead, here are the biggest, funniest and most wonderful Indian pop culture moments of the year:
1. Shah Rukh Khan attended the Met Gala
In one of the most viral moments of the year, Shah Rukh Khan became the first Indian male actor to attend the Met Gala. The star was dressed head to toe in Sabyasachi, and he attended the event alongside the Indian designer. What would have been a viral moment in itself quickly escalated when foreign press—not the two wonderful women in the video above—failed to recognise him. He was even asked, “Who are you?”—to which, in classic Shah Rukh Khan fashion, he politely replied, “I am Shah Rukh.” The lapse sparked widespread outrage among fans, who flooded social media with reactions like “You should GOOGLE him” and “Do your research.” Honestly, we’re inclined to agree—who doesn’t recognise the Shah Rukh Khan?
