Scroll-Stoppers Of 2025: Meet The People Who Broke Internet This Year

2025 turned out to be one of the most unpredictable and internet-driven years in recent memory. It was a year when people laughed, cried, danced, debated, and connected almost entirely through social media. With the internet more active than ever, trends rose and fell at lightning speed, shaping conversations across platforms.Social media didn’t just amplify moments, it created stars overnight. Ordinary individuals, creators, artists, and even actors found themselves at the centre of attention as their videos, images, or performances struck a chord with millions. Search trends, viral reels, and endless memes turned several names into household conversations.Here’s a look at some of the most viral personalities of 2025:1) Monalisa Bhonsle (Maha

Kumbh’s “Mona Lisa”)During the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Monalisa Bhonsle, a young garland seller, became an unexpected internet sensation. Her striking hazel eyes, calm expression, and dusky complexion led social media users to compare her to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, earning her the nickname “Mahakumbh ki Mona Lisa.”

Hailing from a modest background in Madhya Pradesh, she sold rudraksha and pearl garlands to support her family. While videos of her spread rapidly online, the sudden fame also brought difficulties—crowds surrounded her for selfies, disrupting her work and raising safety concerns. She eventually returned home early, dismissed rumours of earning ₹10 crore, and later received offers from Bollywood, including a lead role in a film.2) IIT Baba (Abhey Singh)Abhey Singh, an IIT Bombay graduate in aerospace engineering, drew massive attention at Maha Kumbh 2025 after choosing spirituality over a high-paying career in Canada. Popularly known as “IIT Baba” or “IITian Baba,” he stood out for explaining spiritual ideas using scientific language and diagrams.

His journey sparked widespread debate online about success, purpose, and life choices. However, his rise was followed by controversy when he was expelled from the Juna Akhara over allegations of misconduct, including disrespect towards his guru.3) Hanumankind (Sooraj Cherukat)Kerala-born rapper Hanumankind, whose real name is Sooraj Cherukat, had a breakthrough year in 2025. His track Big Dawgs, along with its high-risk “well of death” visual, went viral globally. He later made history with his Coachella debut, blending Indian chenda melam drums with hip-hop.

He released his debut mixtape Monsoon Season, toured internationally, and played a key role in taking Indian hip-hop to a global audience. Even the Prime Minister praised his cultural fusion. He recently grabbed headlines again by performing the theme song for the blockbuster film Dhurandhar.4) Aura Farming Boy (Rayyan Arkan Dikha)The global “Aura Farming” trend began with 11-year-old Indonesian boy Rayyan Arkan Dikha. A video of him calmly dancing on a racing boat during the traditional Pacu Jalur festival captured the internet’s attention. His effortless confidence came to define “aura”—a cool, unforced charisma.

The trend quickly spread worldwide, with celebrities and athletes recreating the move. In India, it took on a humorous twist, with people performing the dance in flooded streets and everyday settings. Even the Mumbai Police joined the trend, further boosting its reach.5) Prashant Croissant Boy (Ayush)Content creator Ayush unintentionally sparked one of 2025’s most humorous viral moments after mispronouncing “croissant” as “Prashant” in a language-learning video. His confused reaction instantly became meme material.

The clip snowballed into a full-blown trend, with brands like Swiggy and Britannia joining in—Britannia even temporarily rebranded one of its products as “Prashant.” What began as a simple mistake soon turned into a major marketing moment.6) Akshaye KhannaAkshaye Khanna’s performance in Dhurandhar brought him back into the public spotlight—without any major PR campaign or promotional blitz. Clips and stills showcasing his intense expressions, understated dialogue delivery, and quietly menacing presence spread organically across social media.

Audiences praised his ability to leave a lasting impact even in limited screen time. Phrases like “scene-stealer” and “an underrated actor finally getting his due” trended online, driven entirely by viewer appreciation rather than publicity efforts.Together, these viral personalities reflected the many ways the internet shaped 2025—from chance encounters and cultural moments to talent, humour, and quiet brilliance. Some found fame overnight, others earned it through years of work finally being recognised, but all of them captured public attention without following a single formula. Their stories highlight how social media continues to redefine influence, turning everyday moments into global conversations and reminding us that virality, in 2025, was as much about authenticity as it was about visibility.