JANUARY HIGHLIGHTS: HOW THE YEAR BEGAN MAKING HEADLINES

The first month of 2026 arrived with impact, blending nostalgia, milestones and turning points across industries. January captured attention with emotional farewells, long-awaited comebacks and record-breaking achievements that set the tone for the year ahead.

Here are some of January’s most talked-about moments…

Stranger Things: End of Beginning

Netflix’s cultural phenomenon Stranger Things officially reached its conclusion as its much-awaited finale aired on January 1. The final chapter marked the end of a journey that had captivated audiences for nearly a decade. Social media overflowed with emotional reactions, tributes and throwbacks as fans bid farewell to Hawkins and its beloved characters. The series, which redefined sci-fi storytelling for a generation, left behind a lasting legacy in pop culture, fandom and the streaming era, closing one of television’s most influential chapters.

2026: The New 2016

A wave of nostalgia swept across Instagram in January as the viral trend “2026 is the new 2016” dominated feeds. The trend invited users to revisit their 2016 memories, aesthetics and milestones. Celebrities across Hollywood and Bollywood embraced the movement, with Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Ananya Panday and many more joining in.

Their posts sparked massive engagement, turning the trend into a shared cultural moment. More than a throwback, it became a reflection on how identities, fashion and pop culture had evolved over a decade.

Nivin Pauly’s ₹100 Crore Milestone

Malayalam cinema marked a historic moment as Panorama Studios announced a ₹100 crore collaboration with actor-producer Nivin Pauly. The deal, the first of its scale in the Malayalam film industry, signaled a shift toward bigger budgets and ambitious storytelling. Known for backing major Bollywood hits and franchises, Panorama Studios’ entry into Malayalam cinema was seen as a vote of confidence in the industry’s growing global appeal. For Nivin Pauly, the collaboration positioned him as the first Malayalam star to secure such a high-value production deal.

King Kohli’s Another Rare Milestone

Indian cricket icon Virat Kohli added another milestone to his legendary career by becoming the fastest player to reach 28,000 international runs across formats. Achieved during the first ODI against New Zealand on January 11, the feat was widely celebrated throughout January. Kohli reached the landmark in just 624 innings, surpassing records held by Sachin Tendulkar and Kumar Sangakkara. At 37, his consistency and hunger for runs continued to set benchmarks in world cricket.

Global Pop’s Most Anticipated Return

January brought major excitement for global music fans as K-pop giants BTS and BLACKPINK announced their long-awaited comebacks. BLACKPINK revealed their third mini album, Deadline, set for release on February 27, 2026, while BTS confirmed their new album Arirang, scheduled for March 20, 2026. The announcements instantly dominated social media, reigniting fan anticipation worldwide. The return of these two global powerhouses reaffirmed K-pop’s influence and its ability to command attention across borders.

 

Neha Kakkar Addressed the Noise

Neha Kakkar remained in the spotlight after announcing a break following heavy trolling over her song Candy Shop. Her social media post about stepping back from responsibilities, relationships and work sparked widespread speculation, including rumours surrounding her marriage. Addressing the narrative, Neha firmly denied divorce rumours involving her husband Rohanpreet Singh and urged people to stop linking her personal break to marital issues. Her statement highlighted the need for boundaries around celebrities’ personal lives.

The World Lost a Fashion Legend

The fashion world mourned the loss of legendary designer Valentino Garavani, who passed away at the age of 93 on January 19, 2026. Tributes poured in celebrating a career that shaped 20th-century fashion. Valentino’s creations were worn by icons including Elizabeth Taylor, Julia Roberts and Gwyneth Paltrow. Co-founder of the Valentino fashion house, he stood among fashion’s greats alongside Giorgio Armani and Karl Lagerfeld. His passing marked the end of an era defined by elegance, craftsmanship and timeless style.