OCTOBER UNWRAPPED: THE MONTH THAT MADE HEADLINES

October delivered one headline after another, shaping conversations and shifting narratives. From history-making achievements and powerful public moments to emotional farewell and viral internet waves, the month stood out as a striking blend of pride, nostalgia and drama.

Here are the most talked-about moments that defined the month…

Bollywood’s First Billionaire

The Hurun India Rich List 2025 confirmed a groundbreaking shift as Shah Rukh Khan became the first Bollywood figure to enter the billionaire club, with a staggering net worth of ₹12,490 crore. The milestone reflected his unmatched dominance in entertainment, branding and entrepreneurship. The moment cemented SRK’s legacy as not just the Badshah of Bollywood, but a cultural and financial powerhouse.

India’s First Mental Health Ambassador

Acclaimed actor and The Live Love Laugh Foundation founder, Deepika Padukone, was appointed India’s first official Mental Health Ambassador. The announcement marked a major step forward for the nation’s wellness movement. Known for openly sharing her personal journey, she continued to inspire conversations around emotional wellbeing, destigmatisation and accessible care.

Kriti Made History on Global Stage

Kriti Sanon proudly became the first Indian actress to address the World Health Summit in Berlin. Representing the nation as UNFPA India’s Honorary Ambassador for Gender Equality, she powerfully advocated for women’s health, bodily autonomy and self-determination. Her address highlighted the urgent need for better systems that support emotional and physical wellbeing for women worldwide. Kriti’s presence marked a monumental moment for India’s voice in international health discourse and gender-focused conversations.

Rumours To Reality

After years of speculation and romance rumours, Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda got engaged, confirming what people had long believed. The couple, rumoured to have been dating since 2018, shared the happy news privately, with sources revealing that the wedding was being planned for 2026. Their engagement instantly became a top trending moment, as social media flooded with blessings and excitement.

Bollywood Met K-pop

Paris Fashion Week witnessed a crossover that sent fandoms into a frenzy as Ananya Panday appeared alongside BLACKPINK’s Jennie at the Chanel Spring-Summer showcase. The moment instantly turned into a social media storm, with Blinks calling Ananya “lucky” and flooding platforms with reactions, edits and playful envy. The visual of the two stars in one frame soon became symbolic of how Bollywood and K-pop are continuing to collide on global stages through fashion, music and modern pop culture.

Legal Action Against AI

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan filed a ₹4 crore lawsuit against YouTube and Google over AI-generated deepfake videos misusing their likeness. The legal action demanded a permanent ban on such content and stricter policies to prevent the use of manipulated visuals in AI training. The case reignited national debate on digital ethics, privacy, consent and online safety.

Tourism Ad Sparked Cultural Debate

Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh’s Experience Abu Dhabi campaign drew unexpected controversy after viewers reacted to visuals of Deepika at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in an abaya. The ad ignited a wide debate on cultural portrayal, personal choice and public perception. Despite the backlash, the campaign gained massive traction, making it one of the most-discussed brand moments of the month.

End of an Era

Veteran actor and comedy legend Asrani passed away in Mumbai at the age of 84 after a prolonged illness, leaving Indian cinema with an irreplaceable void. Best remembered for his jailer role in Sholay and his unparalleled comic timing, Asrani shaped the humour of generations and became one of Bollywood’s most beloved performers. Tributes poured in from co-stars and filmmakers who hailed him as a master of expression and timing. His legacy, built on decades of iconic characters and evergreen laughter, ensured that his contribution to Hindi cinema would forever be cherished.