Kareena–Shahid to Arjun–Malaika: Why 2025 belongs to iconic exes reunions

Bollywood has always thrived on nostalgia, but 2025 seems to be taking it to a whole new level. This year has quietly turned into a celebration of famous former couples crossing paths again and giving fans the kind of moments they thought they’d never see. From a classic on-screen pair who ruled the 2000s, to a 90s jodi who defined an era, to a modern-day couple whose breakup made headlines, each reunion has set social media on fire and sent fans into a frenzy.

Kareena and Shahid’s IIFA Moment That Started It All

It began in March at the glittering IIFA 2025 Awards in Jaipur. Nobody expected to see former couple Kareena Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor share the same stage, let alone steal the show. But when the two walked out together during a special felicitation, the crowd erupted.

For fans who still cherish their chemistry as Geet and Aditya from the 2007 classic Jab We Met, the sight of Kareena and Shahid laughing and chatting felt like stepping back in time. Videos of their warm hug and playful exchange quickly flooded social media. Viewers gushed that nothing had changed, and they still looked like the pair who once made everyone believe in a whirlwind romance. The internet had its moment, and for weeks the reunion dominated timelines, sparking endless nostalgia.

Akshay and Shilpa Bring Back a 90s Classic

If Kareena and Shahid kicked off the trend, Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty turned it into a full-blown celebration of Bollywood nostalgia. At the 15th edition of HT India’s Most Stylish Awards 2025, the two set the stage alight by revisiting a memory that defined an entire generation.

Back in 1994, their song Chura Ke Dil Mera from Main Khiladi Tu Anari became a cult favourite, its hook step etched into every 90s music lover’s heart. Three decades later, Akshay in a crisp all-white suit and Shilpa in a stunning ivory Manish Malhotra saree recreated the iconic move, proving that their chemistry is as effortless as ever.

The audience couldn’t stop cheering as the duo twirled and laughed like no time had passed. Fans on social media declared it a dream come true and began wishing for a proper on-screen reunion. For many, it wasn’t just about a dance; it was a reminder of the magic that made 90s Bollywood unforgettable.

Arjun and Malaika’s Warm Hug Steals the Spotlight

And now, the most recent reunion has added a modern twist to the trend. Last night at the Mumbai premiere of Homebound, ex-couple Arjun Kapoor and Malaika Arora crossed paths in a way that instantly became the talk of the town.

The two, who have kept a low profile since their breakup, surprised everyone by greeting each other with a warm hug and easy smiles. Cameras captured the brief but heartfelt moment as Malaika approached Arjun after posing on the red carpet. Director Neeraj Ghaywan soon joined them, and the three were seen chatting casually, but it was that hug that had social media buzzing within minutes.

Their relationship, which began in 2018 and played out mostly in private, ended quietly last year when Arjun confirmed he was single. Seeing them share such a friendly, unguarded exchange reminded fans that some bonds linger even after love stories change.

Why Fans Can’t Get Enough

From Kareena and Shahid to Akshay and Shilpa, and now Arjun and Malaika, these moments have turned 2025 into the year of iconic exes reunions. Each encounter carries its own kind of nostalgia: a beloved film couple, a 90s music memory, or a modern love story that once made headlines.

For audiences, these reunions aren’t just about gossip or surprise appearances. They’re a reminder of why we fell for these pairings in the first place. Fans get to relive the charm, the chemistry, and the memories without the drama of the past.

As these unexpected meetings keep sparking excitement, one thing is clear, Bollywood’s exes know how to give the internet a collective heart-flutter. And in a year already brimming with iconic moments, these reunions prove that some connections truly stand the test of time.