Alia Bhatt has stepped straight into the internet’s nostalgia fever, taking fans back to a year that changed everything — 2016. Joining the viral trend of revisiting mid-2010s memories, the actress shared a carousel of unseen throwback photographs on Instagram on Friday, January 16. Aptly titled “2016 Ki Kahani,” the post opened a window into a defining chapter of her personal and professional life.
Looking back, Alia revealed she began 2016 feeling “pretty grounded,” unaware that the year would soon propel her into a new league of stardom. It turned out to be one of her busiest and most successful phases, with four major film releases that cemented her reputation as one of Bollywood’s most promising and bankable actors. From candid behind-the-scenes moments to off-duty snapshots with friends, the photo collection captured the excitement, chaos, and joy that surrounded her rise.
Fans were quick to notice appearances by several Bollywood heavyweights. Throwback pictures featuring Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, and Aditya Roy Kapur instantly grabbed attention. One standout photo showed Alia posing with Shah Rukh Khan, whom she affectionately calls her “favourite co-star.” The pair worked together in Dear Zindagi (2016), a film that earned praise for its unconventional storytelling and heartfelt performances, later becoming a fan favourite.
The post also revived memories from the much-loved Dream Team Tour, a Bollywood concert series that toured the United States in 2016. Alia shared a rare group picture with Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra, and Aditya Roy Kapur, recalling the whirlwind of performances, travel, and backstage bonding. The tour featured a star-studded lineup including Karan Johar, Katrina Kaif, Parineeti Chopra, and Badshah, blending Bollywood glamour with large-scale stage production.
Beyond work, Alia included glimpses of her personal life from that year, such as attending Coldplay’s concert in Berlin — a memory she fondly revisited in her caption.
Her nostalgic post arrives at a time when social media is collectively obsessed with throwbacks. From revived fashion trends to retro Instagram aesthetics, the internet’s running sentiment that “2026 is the new 2016” has taken over timelines.
Since making her debut in Student of the Year, Alia Bhatt has delivered acclaimed performances in Highway, Gangubai Kathiawadi, Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani, and more. She was last seen in Jigra and will next appear in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War, alongside Ranbir Kapoor and Vicky Kaushal.