Copyright newskarnataka
It was a night Bollywood fans still recall with fond nostalgia — Ranbir Kapoor’s birthday celebration in 2018, which unexpectedly turned into one of the most iconic evenings in the industry’s recent history. What began as an intimate gathering of close friends evolved into a star-studded moment that would later dominate social media timelines and headlines alike. The now-legendary photograph, shared by filmmaker Karan Johar, captured a casual yet extraordinary group of stars — Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor — all seated together, radiating warmth and camaraderie. The candid picture, with its effortless authenticity, became Bollywood’s version of Ellen DeGeneres’ Oscar selfie, symbolising unity among the industry’s top names Karan Johar opens up on the viral moment Years later, Karan Johar has finally shared the emotions behind that unforgettable photograph. Speaking on an episode of Serving It Up With Sania, hosted by tennis star Sania Mirza, the filmmaker reflected on what made that night special. “It was Ranbir’s birthday, right before the pandemic. There was a lot of emotion because of Rishi Kapoor’s health at the time,” Karan said. “But everyone we called came. It was spontaneous, heartfelt, and full of warmth. Then we took that picture — and it went fully viral.” Johar explained that the night was meant to be low-key, but the presence of so many industry heavyweights made it extraordinary. “The photo wasn’t planned. We were all chatting, laughing, and someone suggested taking a group picture. None of us realised it would become such a moment,” he added. A gathering for the ages Karan described the image as a “mega cast moment” that’s unlikely to be recreated. “Just look at that lineup,” he said, recalling how rare it is to find Bollywood’s busiest stars in one frame. “It’s impossible to get everyone together like that now — their schedules, their commitments, their lives. It was one of those serendipitous evenings where everyone aligned.” When Karan posted the photograph on Instagram with the caption “The biggest BLOCKBUSTER ever!!!!!”, it wasn’t mere exaggeration. The image went on to garner nearly 8.75 lakh likes, becoming one of the most shared Bollywood posts that year. Even today, fans frequently reshare it as a nostalgic reminder of Bollywood’s golden camaraderie. The post also sparked countless memes, recreations, and discussions across platforms, with many calling it “a perfect crossover moment” for Hindi cinema. Where the stars stand today Seven years after that legendary evening, each actor in that frame continues to dominate the entertainment landscape. Ranbir Kapoor is preparing for two major projects — Ramayan: Part 1, directed by Nitesh Tiwari, and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, where he reunites with Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal. Alia Bhatt is gearing up for her action entertainer Alpha, her first major pan-India film. Deepika Padukone has begun shooting for her new Atlee-directed project opposite Allu Arjun, marking a South–Bollywood crossover. Ranveer Singh’s much-anticipated Dhurandhar is slated for release next month, promising high-octane drama. Aamir Khan is enjoying the success of Sitaare Zameen Par, his latest release after a long hiatus. Shah Rukh Khan is set to begin work on King, a film that reunites him with his daughter Suhana Khan on screen for the first time. Together, they represent a generation of artists who continue to define Indian cinema’s evolution, each forging new paths while maintaining the friendships that made that 2018 night so memorable. A photo that defined an era Industry insiders often point to the viral photograph as more than just a celebrity moment. It marked an era when Bollywood unity and friendship were celebrated at a time when competition often overshadowed collaboration. Cultural critics have since cited the picture as an example of how Indian cinema, like Hollywood, thrives on connections — professional and personal — that often transcend rivalries. “It’s not just about stardom; it’s about togetherness,” one commentator noted. For Karan Johar, the image remains a deeply emotional keepsake. “That night was special not because of who was there, but because of what we all felt — joy, nostalgia, and warmth,” he said. “It reminded us why we love cinema and each other.” In a world where celebrity moments come and go, the 2018 Ranbir Kapoor birthday photo endures as a rare snapshot of genuine connection among Bollywood’s biggest names. Years later, with each star carving their legacy, the picture stands as a time capsule of friendship, emotion, and unity — a blockbuster frame in every sense.
