DECEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: A POWERFUL END TO THE YEAR

December closed the year on a powerful note, delivering stories that resonated far beyond their moment. From landmark achievements to global recognition, the month did not fail to capture attention.

Here’s a look back at the moments that shaped this month…

 

Samantha Ruth Prabhu’s New Beginning

Samantha Ruth Prabhu made headlines in December as she tied the knot with filmmaker Raj Nidimoru, marking a fresh chapter in her personal life. The actor shared heartfelt glimpses from the intimate ceremony on Instagram, offering everyone a window into her happiness, four years after her divorce from Naga Chaitanya. The pictures quickly went viral, drawing an outpouring of love and blessings from fans and industry colleagues alike. The wedding emerged as one of the month’s most talked-about celebrity moments, with many applauding Samantha for choosing joy and new beginnings on her own terms.

DDLJ’s 30-Year Legacy Honoured in London

A historic milestone unfolded as Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge completed 30 years, reaffirming its timeless place in Indian cinema. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol marked the occasion by unveiling a bronze statue of their iconic pose in London’s Leicester Square, the first-ever statue dedicated to an Indian film overseas. The tribute sparked widespread celebration among fans across generations, underscoring the film’s enduring global appeal. Three decades on, DDLJ continues to define romance and nostalgia, proving that its cultural impact transcended borders and time.

Homebound Entered the Oscar Race

Indian cinema received global recognition once again as Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound was shortlisted in the Best International Feature category at the Oscars. Standing among 15 films from across the world, the critically acclaimed film continued its impressive journey after a celebrated premiere at Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section. The shortlisting was hailed as a proud moment for Indian storytelling, reaffirming the global relevance of nuanced, socially rooted narratives from the country. 

Deepavali Earned UNESCO Heritage Recognition

In a landmark cultural moment, Deepavali was officially inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The announcement was made at Delhi’s Red Fort during the 20th ICH Committee session, hosted by India for the first time. As chants of “Vande Mataram” echoed through the venue, the recognition celebrated Deepavali’s traditions, values and community spirit. The honour marked a global acknowledgment of the festival’s message of light over darkness and India’s rich living heritage.

Ranveer Singh Sparked Controversy 

Ranveer Singh issued a public apology after facing intense backlash for mimicking Rishab Shetty’s Daiva act from Kantara Chapter 1 at IFFI 2025. The on-stage moment, which unfolded in Rishab’s presence, soon became one of the month’s biggest controversies, triggering widespread criticism online. Many viewers called the act insensitive and culturally inappropriate. Addressing the backlash, Ranveer responded via Instagram Stories, clarifying that his intention had been to honour Rishab’s powerful portrayal rather than mock it.

Football Legend In India 

Lionel Messi’s ‘GOAT Tour’ triggered massive excitement in December, with celebrities and fans going into a frenzy to meet the football icon. Several Bollywood stars shared glimpses of their encounters with Messi, and the legend was also welcomed by Anant Ambani at Vantara in Jamnagar. However, the frenzy also invited criticism. A 70-foot iron statue of Messi drew mixed reactions, with many calling it unnecessary. Indian footballer Sandesh Jhingan also shared a post on Instagram questioning the contrast between the crores spent on the tour and the fragile state of India’s domestic football ecosystem.

Smriti Mandhana’s Historic Knock

Smriti Mandhana created history by becoming the first Indian woman cricketer to cross 4,000 runs in Women’s T20 Internationals. She achieved the milestone during the opening T20I against Sri Lanka in Visakhapatnam. Her landmark knock was celebrated across the cricketing world. Smriti’s achievement stood out as a defining sports highlight of the month, inspiring a new generation of women cricketers across the country.