In 2025, India was going through a storm of extraordinary happenings. These moments became celebrations of the country’s remarkable talent and aspiration, and they enthralled viewers, both in the U.S. and around the world. Whether it was from Bollywood to space exploration and sporting triumphs, the year was rich with accomplishments that inspired billions.
In September, Shah Rukh Khan, perhaps India’s most famous film star, caused quite a stir. He made headlines when he walked the illustrious Met Gala red carpet in New York City. His appearance at the event was further complemented by a show-stopping ensemble, created by acclaimed Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The outfit contained a treasure trove of extravagant visual details, from a dandy cane to copious amounts of bling to flamboyant sunglasses. His confident swagger and familiar arms-crossed, head-wagging pose won Khan lots of new fans over as the crowd favorite at the gala.
The theme for this year’s Met Gala was “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” focusing exclusively on menswear. Khan’s stylish depiction of Indian culture at one of the most-watched global events gained him international praise from fans and fashion lovers.
Beyond his impact on film and sartorial elegance, Shah Rukh Khan left a distinct mark on the field of space exploration. He commanded the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), which launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This mission featured a multi-country crew led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, highlighting India’s growing involvement in space endeavors.
Having flown on Ax-4, Group Captain Shukla is only the second Indian, after Rakesh Sharma, to fly to space. He shared an amazing video about changing a camera lens in zero gravity. The accompanying video went viral, reaching more than 25 million views! Shukla’s experiences aboard the spacecraft were a testament to India’s capabilities in the realm of space exploration.
“From space, today’s India looks ambitious. It looks fearless. It looks confident. It looks proud.” – Shah Rukh Khan
In the world of sports, Gukesh Dommaraju emerged as a prominent figure in chess after becoming the youngest world champion last year. His truly stunning win over world chess no. 1 Magnus Carlsen in the Norway Chess 2025 tournament had to rank right at the top. During one of their matches, Carlsen displayed frustration, leading to an outburst that became a talking point among fans and commentators.
As cricket fans celebrated India’s success on the pitch, the national women’s team triumphed in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup by defeating South Africa. This victory not only highlighted the team’s skill and determination but reinforced India’s position as a powerhouse in women’s cricket.
Adding to the cultural tapestry of 2025, the Shree Muktajeevan Swamibapa Pipe Band performed a Bollywood classic, “Dhoom Machale,” during the Commonwealth Day service at Westminster Abbey. The band’s performance received rapturous standing ovations, sharing India’s rich and colorful musical and dance tradition with the world stage.
Steadfast under pressure, decisive on the offensive, and a global storyteller, throughout 2025, these events highlighted India’s starring turn at center stage. Shah Rukh Khan just gave us the biggest fashion flex of all time. At the same time, lightning-fast firsts in space and the sports world highlighted a 12 months loaded with historic, unforgettable, barrier-breaking trophies!