2025 Rewind: The 5 Biggest Viral Moments Of The Year

From historic sporting breakthroughs to unexpected cinematic trends, the internet served as a global stage for events that resonated far beyond the screen.

Akshaye Khanna’s ‘FA9LA’ Phenomenon

The year’s most unexpected cultural reset came from the spy thriller ‘Dhurandhar’. Akshaye Khanna, portraying the antagonist Rehman Dakait, sparked a global dance trend with his entry sequence to Flipperachi’s track ‘FA9LA.’ Eschewing typical high-energy choreography for effortless swagger and cool composure, the “hookstep” became a staple for Reels and TikToks, proving that understated confidence can often outperform traditional stardom.

RCB Ends the 18-Year Wait

In a moment that transcended sports, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally secured their maiden IPL trophy in 2025. After nearly two decades of “Ee sala cup namde” (This year the cup is ours) serving as a hopeful mantra, the team turned the slogan into reality. The image of a tearful Virat Kohli celebrating on the field became the most shared sports visual of the decade, marking the end of the league’s most famous title drought.

Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala Debut

May 2025 marked a milestone for Indian cinema as Shah Rukh Khan made his long-awaited debut at the Met Gala. Adhering to the theme in a custom Sabyasachi ensemble—featuring a Tasmanian wool coat and an ornate Bengal Tiger Head cane—Khan brought a touch of Bollywood royalty to the global fashion stage. His signature open-arms pose on the Met steps became an instant viral sensation, bridging the gap between Eastern stardom and Western high fashion.

Messi’s ‘GOAT’ Tour Hits India

Thirteen years after his first visit, Lionel Messi returned to India for the multi-city “GOAT India Tour 2025.” Joined by teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, Messi traveled through Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi. Despite logistical hurdles and crowd frenzy in Kolkata, the tour provided Indian football enthusiasts with a rare, close-up encounter with the World Cup winner, resulting in a social media meltdown across all major platforms.

New York’s First Indian-American Mayor’s Musical Exit

Representation found its rhythm in the political sphere when Zohran Mamdani was elected as the first Indian-American Mayor of New York City. While the win was historic on its own, the internet erupted when Mamdani exited his victory stage to the iconic Bollywood track ‘Dhoom Machale.’ The clip perfectly encapsulated the fusion of South Asian heritage and American political success, making it one of the most celebrated cross-cultural moments of the year. (ANI)