In the relentless scroll of 2025, few moments commanded the world’s attention quite like the sight of a Bollywood King conquering New York and a Royal procession dancing to a Mumbai beat.

With millions of posts uploaded every day, India's social media engine is a relentless churn of content. Yet, this year’s standout moments did more than just generate likes; they signaled a cultural shift where the subcontinent’s influence is no longer regional, but undeniably global—resonating deeply in Kenya, where Bollywood remains a household staple.

If you lost track of the timeline amidst the noise, here is how India made the world pause, laugh, and hit share in 2025.

The King Arrives: SRK Conquers the Met

For decades, Shah Rukh Khan—or SRK to his legion of Kenyan fans—has been the undisputed face of Indian cinema. Yet, for years, the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York remained unconquered by the superstar. That changed in May.

Khan’s debut at the Met Gala, fashion’s most exclusive night, was not just an appearance; it was a coronation. The theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," focused on the nuances of menswear, and Khan did not disappoint.

• The Look: A custom ensemble by celebrated Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.
• The Accessories: A dandy cane, signature sunglasses, and enough diamond "bling" to light up Manhattan.
• The Reaction: Global hysteria. Clips of his red carpet walk dominated TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) for days.

Social media users were quick to note the timing. "Better late than never," became the recurring sentiment across platforms. For the Kenyan observer, seeing SRK on that carpet was a validation of a fandom that has spanned generations, from the VHS tapes of the 90s to the streaming giants of today.

Westminster Goes Bollywood

If SRK at the Met was expected, the events of March 2025 at Westminster Abbey were entirely surreal. The Commonwealth Day service is traditionally a somber, stiff-upper-lip affair—until the pipe band struck up a tune that every Nairobi matatu driver knows by heart.

In a video that instantly went viral, the band was captured playing Dhoom Machale to welcome the Royal Family. The track, originally composed by Pritam for the 2004 blockbuster Dhoom, is an adrenaline-fueled anthem usually associated with high-speed motorcycle chases, not high-church liturgy.

The juxtaposition of solemn British pageantry with the infectious energy of Bollywood pop was a moment of pure, unscripted joy. It highlighted a modern reality: culture flows in all directions. As the year closes, these moments serve as a reminder that in a hyper-connected world, soft power is the ultimate currency, and India is minting it faster than anyone else.