Few onscreen pairings in Bollywood have managed to capture the hearts of audiences quite like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol. In 2025, the duo reminded fans once again why their chemistry is often described as legendary, lighting up stages and screens with a series of heartfelt reunions and celebratory moments. But it wasn’t just nostalgia that kept them in the headlines this year—both stars were at the center of new achievements, tributes, and even cinematic endorsements that rippled through the Indian film industry and beyond.
The year began with a bang for Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol at the 70th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2025 With Gujarat Tourism. According to Filmfare, the pair delivered a show-stopping performance, dancing to the beloved tracks "Yeh Ladka Hai Deewana" from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai and "Suraj Hua Maddham" from Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. The audience was transported back to the golden era of Bollywood romance—an era defined, in many ways, by the effortless camaraderie and spark these two stars brought to the silver screen. Their performance was more than just a nod to the past; it was a living testament to the enduring appeal of their partnership, one that has spanned decades and inspired generations of moviegoers.
But the nostalgia didn’t stop there. The duo’s next public appearance came at the highly anticipated screening of Aryan Khan’s directorial debut series, The Baads of Bollywood. The event was a family affair, with support pouring in from the Devgn family—Kajol and her husband Ajay Devgn among them. As Filmfare reported, Kajol shared photos and videos from the screening, where she was seen posing alongside Suhana Khan, Gauri Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Aryan Khan. In a candid social media post, Kajol wrote, "With the Bads of Bollywood ;) congrats @__aryan__ .. only thing more awesome I'm sure will be ur show! Too excited .." The event underscored not just the tight-knit nature of Bollywood’s leading families, but also the willingness of its stars to champion new creative voices—especially when those voices come from the next generation.
Arguably the most historic moment of the year for Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol—and for Indian cinema as a whole—took place in London on December 10, 2025. In a ceremony that drew fans and media from around the world, the pair unveiled a bronze statue at Leicester Square, immortalizing their iconic pose from Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ). According to Filmfare, this tribute marked the 30th anniversary of DDLJ, which still holds the record as the longest-running film in Indian theatrical history. Shah Rukh Khan, dressed in an all-black ensemble, and Kajol, resplendent in a sky-blue saree, stood before the statue—a symbol of not just their own legacy, but the global reach and impact of Bollywood storytelling. The moment was emotional for many, a rare recognition of Indian cinema’s influence in a city known for its own storied film tradition.
The pair’s whirlwind year also included a joint appearance on the BBC, where Shah Rukh Khan opened up about why he couldn’t attend Kajol’s new talk show, Two Much With Kajol and Twinkle. In a moment of characteristic candor, he explained, "I’m doing a film right now, so I told her, and I think I was injured too, I had broken my shoulder. I felt really bad, I would have loved to have come on it... But except for the food-eating part, there’s just so much food to eat there. Really too much." His lighthearted remark offered a glimpse into the playful friendship that has long endeared the duo to fans, even as their professional paths occasionally diverge.
While Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol were making headlines for their reunions and tributes, Shah Rukh was also busy championing new Indian cinema. On December 10, 2025, the superstar took to social media to share his thoughts on Homebound, a film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and produced by Dharma Productions. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa, and Janhvi Kapoor, Homebound has been selected as India’s official entry for the Oscars 2026 in the Best International Feature category. The film, which premiered globally at Cannes 2025 and was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), tells the story of two childhood friends from a North Indian village who aspire to become police officers during the COVID-19 lockdown—a narrative inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times essay, "Taking Amrit Home."
Shah Rukh Khan’s review was glowing. As reported by Filmfare, he described Homebound as a "gentle, honest and soulful" film, adding, "Lots of love and big hugs to the phenomenal team for creating something so human and engaging. You have won hearts world over by making something truly special!" His endorsement brought further attention to a film that was already attracting critical acclaim. Homebound earned a nine-minute standing ovation at Cannes in the Un Certain Regard section and won both Best Film and Best Director at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). Director Neeraj Ghaywan responded to Shah Rukh’s praise with gratitude, writing, "This means the world to me! ‘अपने ही पानी में पिघल जाना बर्फ का मुक़द्दर होता है’ #homebound (sic)."
The success of Homebound is particularly significant in a year when Indian cinema is celebrating its heritage while boldly pushing into new creative territory. The film’s exploration of friendship, ambition, and resilience during an unprecedented crisis resonated with audiences and critics alike, both in India and internationally. Its journey from Cannes to the Oscars is emblematic of the growing recognition of Indian stories on the global stage—a development that stars like Shah Rukh Khan are quick to champion.
This convergence of honoring the past and embracing the future was evident throughout 2025. The bronze statue at Leicester Square isn’t just a tribute to a beloved film; it’s a reminder of how Bollywood’s most memorable stories continue to inspire, even as new voices and narratives emerge. Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol’s continued presence at the heart of these celebrations speaks to the enduring power of their artistry—and their ability to connect with audiences, whether through a classic love story, a live performance, or a heartfelt review of a new film.
For fans and industry insiders alike, 2025 has been a year of looking back with pride and forward with anticipation. With films like Homebound making waves internationally and iconic figures like Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol still shining bright, Indian cinema’s story is far from finished—if anything, it’s entering a thrilling new chapter.
