Karan Johar Unpacks the Emotional Story Behind That Epic 2018 Bollywood Star Photo

Years after it broke the internet, filmmaker Karan Johar finally pulls back the curtain on the spontaneous, heartfelt gathering that brought together Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor in one unforgettable frame.

TL;DR: Quick Bites

• The viral 2018 photo featuring Bollywood's biggest stars was taken on Ranbir Kapoor's 36th birthday.
• It was a deeply emotional day for Ranbir due to his father, Rishi Kapoor's, health struggles at the time.
• Karan Johar recently revealed on Sania Mirza's podcast that the gathering was spontaneous, born out of love and support for Ranbir.

Imagine scrolling through your Instagram feed one evening in 2018 and stopping dead. On your screen, a single image captures a scene so rare, so loaded with star power, it felt almost unreal. Six of Bollywood's most celebrated actors – Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, and Ranbir Kapoor – casually lounging on a couch with filmmaker Karan Johar. The caption, penned by KJo himself, read: "The biggest BLOCKBUSTER ever!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️." It wasn't an exaggeration; the internet collectively lost its mind. This wasn't just a photo; it was an instant legend, a snapshot of Bollywood royalty that sparked endless questions.

Unveiling the Real Reason Behind This Unprecedented Bollywood Gathering

For years, fans speculated. Was it a secret project? A planned industry summit? The sheer star power in one frame, especially considering some of the complex past relationships and current dynamics, made it seem like an impossible feat. Yet, there they were, all smiles, all camaraderie. Fast forward seven years, and the mystery has finally been unravelled. Speaking on former Tennis player Sania Mirza's podcast, "Serving It Up With Sania," Karan Johar decided it was time to share the emotional backstory that brought these titans together.

"This was Ranbir’s birthday, right before the pandemic. I think it was an emotional day due to reasons to do with his dad’s health (late Rishi Kapoor). But it was also his birthday and we just landed up to wish him and everybody whom we called, they just came."— Karan Johar (Source: HT City, 'This was Ranbir’s birthday': KJo reveals story behind iconic pic with Alia, Deepika, Shah Rukh, Ranveer and Aamir, Nov 07, 2025)

A Birthday Amidst Challenges: The Emotional Core of the Photo

The truth, as Johar explained, was far more profound than any PR stunt or film announcement. The iconic picture was taken on Ranbir Kapoor's 36th birthday in 2018. More significantly, it was a particularly challenging and emotional time for Ranbir and his family. His father, the legendary Rishi Kapoor, had just been diagnosed with leukemia. This diagnosis would ultimately lead to Rishi Kapoor's passing two years later, in 2020.

The gathering wasn't a meticulously planned event with RSVPs and call sheets. Instead, it was a spontaneous outpouring of love and support for Ranbir. KJo recounted how he and others "just landed up to wish him," and everyone they called "just came." This speaks volumes about the genuine bonds within this circle, transcending professional rivalries or past personal histories.

A 'Mega Cast' Moment That Echoes Ellen's Oscar Selfie

Karan Johar was spot on when he called the group a "mega cast" – one he believes is unlikely to ever come together again in such an informal setting. He even compared its cultural impact to Ellen DeGeneres' legendary Oscar selfie. While not a selfie itself, the picture certainly achieved the same level of viral fascination and collective awe.

The image quickly amassed nearly 875,000 likes on Instagram, becoming a symbol of rare unity in an industry often perceived as fiercely competitive (Source: Hindustan Times, Shah Rukh, Deepika, Ranveer, Aamir, Alia’s epic couch pic: ‘They came for Ranbir Kapoor’s emotional birthday,’ says Karan Johar, Nov 07, 2025). It’s a powerful reminder that beneath the glitz and glamour, these are individuals who share real connections and offer each other support during tough times.

Love Stories and Professional Triumphs: Where Are the Stars Now?

This particular evening also holds a special place in the intertwined personal journeys of some of its attendees. Just a month and a half after this birthday gathering, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone tied the knot in Lake Como, Italy. Later, in April 2022, Ranbir Kapoor and Alia Bhatt, who were dating at the time of the photo, also got married, solidifying another major Bollywood power couple.

Seven years since that legendary photo was taken, all the stars involved continue to command the industry. Here's a quick look at their recent and upcoming projects (as of November 2025):

• Ranbir Kapoor: Gearing up for two major releases: Ramayan: Part 1 and Love & War, where he'll reunite with wife Alia Bhatt.
• Alia Bhatt: Also starring in Love & War and preparing for her film Alpha.
• Deepika Padukone: Has begun shooting for her next film, directed by Atlee, alongside Allu Arjun.
• Ranveer Singh: His film Dhurandhar is set to release next month.
• Aamir Khan: Recently enjoyed the success of his film Sitaare Zameen Par.
• Shah Rukh Khan: Preparing for his upcoming movie King, with the first look unveiled on his 60th birthday.
• Karan Johar: Recently produced Homebound, which is India’s official entry to the Oscars.

The Enduring Impact of a Candid Moment

One might wonder if the spontaneity could have been entirely accidental. While KJo mentions inviting people, orchestrating a gathering of this magnitude, even informally, requires a certain social capital. However, the emotional undertone clearly made a difference. It wasn't just another party; it was a rallying around a friend in a vulnerable moment, which likely overrode scheduling conflicts that would typically prevent such an assembly. The fact that they "just came" is testament to the depth of their relationships, not a carefully managed diary.

Another point to consider is the nature of fame. These stars live under constant scrutiny, making genuine, unguarded moments rare. This photo, despite its star power, felt surprisingly authentic. It gave fans a glimpse into a side of their idols rarely seen, fostering a sense of connection and appreciation for their humanity beyond the screen.

Example: Sarah, a college student back in 2018, remembers seeing the photo pop up on her feed. "I literally gasped," she recalls. "You always see them in Movies or at big events, but to see them all chilling together, looking so normal, it felt... special. It made them feel a little more human, you know? Like they were all just friends supporting a friend, not just 'superstars'." This sentiment was echoed by millions online, contributing to the photo's lasting legacy.

What This Iconic Image Teaches Us About Bollywood and Beyond

This particular photo offers more than just celebrity gossip; it gives us a peek into the intricate dynamics of the film industry and the universal power of human connection.

• Genuine Connections Matter: Despite the competitive nature of Bollywood, this photo highlights the deep personal bonds and friendships that exist, especially in times of need.
• Spontaneity Creates Magic: The most memorable moments aren't always meticulously planned. Sometimes, the most powerful gatherings arise from heartfelt, spur-of-the-moment decisions.
• Fame Doesn't Erase Humanity: Even the biggest stars face personal challenges. The support shown for Ranbir Kapoor underscores a shared humanity that transcends celebrity status.
• The Power of Empathy: The underlying reason for the gathering – supporting a friend during a family health crisis – resonates universally, reminding us of the importance of being there for loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Iconic Bollywood Photo When was the viral photo featuring SRK, Aamir, and others taken?

The photo was taken on Ranbir Kapoor's 36th birthday in 2018, shortly before the pandemic began.

Who all were featured in Karan Johar's iconic 2018 photo?

The photo featured Ranbir Kapoor, Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, and Karan Johar himself.

Why did all those big stars gather together for Ranbir Kapoor's birthday?

Karan Johar revealed that it was an emotional day due to Ranbir's father, Rishi Kapoor's, health struggles. The stars gathered spontaneously to show their support and wish Ranbir on his birthday.

What are the stars from the photo doing now (as of 2025)?

They are all actively working on major projects: Ranbir and Alia are in Ramayan: Part 1 and Love & War; Deepika is filming with Allu Arjun; Ranveer has Dhurandhar; Aamir had success with Sitaare Zameen Par; SRK is preparing for King; and KJo produced the Oscar-entry Homebound.

Sources

• HT City, 'This was Ranbir’s birthday': KJo reveals story behind iconic pic with Alia, Deepika, Shah Rukh, Ranveer and Aamir, Nov 07, 2025.
• Times of India, Karan Johar reveals how he managed to bring Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Paduokne, Ranveer Singh, Alia Bhatt, Shah Rukh Khan and Aamir Khan together, Nov 06, 2025.
• Hindustan Times, Shah Rukh, Deepika, Ranveer, Aamir, Alia’s epic couch pic: ‘They came for Ranbir Kapoor’s emotional birthday,’ says Karan Johar, Nov 07, 2025.
• Bollywood Hungama, The story behind “Biggest BLOCKBUSTER” photo from Ranbir Kapoor’s 2018 birthday!, Nov 08, 2025.
• Filmfare, Karan Johar Shares How He United Bollywood’s Biggest Stars for a Once-in-a-lifetime Moment, Nov 07, 2025.
• India.com, Karan Johar on bringing Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir, Ranbir, Alia, Deepika & Ranveer Together in one frame: ‘A lot of emotions…’, Nov 07, 2025.
• News18.com, SRK, Deepika, Alia, Ranveer And Aamir Showed Up For Ranbir's 'Emotional' Birthday: Karan Johar Recalls, Nov 07, 2025.