In brief
In an era dominated by social media, 2025 saw a series of viral moments that resonated deeply with Indian audiences. Highlights include Shah Rukh Khan's debut at the Met Gala, the unique musical welcome for King Charles, India's historic Women's World Cup win, and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's journey to the ISS, each creating a whirlwind of online engagement and celebration.
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 GalaIn 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 was Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, focusing exclusively on menswear. Khan arrived in an outfit by Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, complete with a dandy cane and sunglasses. Fans across social media expressed their excitement for his much-anticipated appearance.### King Charles welcomed with a Bollywood hit songDuring the Commonwealth Day service in March, an unexpected Bollywood tune filled Westminster Abbey when a pipe band played Dhoom Machale to welcome the royal family. The surprising combination of Scottish and Indian music went viral, illustrating the unique cultural intersections that can capture an audience's attention.### When Indian women made World Cup historyNovember marked a monumental occasion for women's cricket in India as the national team clinched its first Women’s World Cup title. The environment during the final was electric as skipper Harmanpreet Kaur secured the victory, resulting in nationwide celebrations and reflections on the significance of this win in promoting women's sports in India.### The first time an Indian stepped foot on the ISSJune saw astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla make history as the first Indian to step foot on the International Space Station (ISS). His journey, which was a part of the Axiom Mission 4, attracted massive online viewership, particularly when he demonstrated tasks in zero gravity, showcasing India's capabilities in space exploration.### Magnus Carlsen's table slam after defeat against GukeshIn a tense moment during the Norway Chess tournament, young Indian chess prodigy Gukesh Dommaraju defeated world champion Magnus Carlsen. Carlsen's frustrated reaction, striking the table after the match, sparked viral trends across social media as fans and creators began recreating the moment in different humorous contexts.These events underscore the dynamic nature of social media and its ability to reflect cultural moments that transcend boundaries, generating both pride and engagement across India.
