Kareena Kapoor Channels Her ‘Chammak Challo’ Era at Dubai Event, Fans Flood Comments with Nostalgia and ‘Arjun Rampal’ Jokes Nearly 14 years after the release of Ra.One, Kareena Kapoor Khan stunned fans by bringing back the magic of the 2011 blockbuster song Chammak Challo during a glamorous event in Dubai. Held on Sunday evening and organized by a prominent jewellery brand, the event quickly became the talk of social media, as Kareena effortlessly danced to the iconic track that once lit up cinema halls across India and beyond. As soon as Kareena took to the stage, the energy in the room shifted. 

Dressed elegantly and exuding her trademark poise, she responded to the audience’s cheers and requests by performing the famous hook step of Chammak Challo, a song originally picturised on her and Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan in Ra.One. The crowd erupted in applause, with fans marveling at her grace, charisma, and timeless appeal. “She’s Ageing Like Fine Wine” Clips from the event were widely circulated on social media platforms throughout Sunday night and Monday morning. Fans across generations were quick to comment on how Kareena seemed untouched by time. “She is ageing like fine wine,” wrote one admirer, while another gushed, “It seems not a day has passed. She still looks and moves the same.” Her dance reminded many of the Kareena from the early 2010s, a time when Chammak Challo was a staple at parties, weddings, and music playlists.

The track, composed by music duo Vishal-Shekhar and featuring vocals by international artist Akon—marking his Bollywood debut—was a massive hit at the time of its release. Hamsika Iyer and Blaaze also contributed to the vocals, adding to the song’s dynamic appeal. A Nostalgic Callback to Ra.One Chammak Challo was featured in Ra.One, a science fiction action film directed by Anubhav Sinha, which aimed to blend Bollywood spectacle with superhero tropes and visual effects. The film starred Shah Rukh Khan as the protagonist, G.One, and Arjun Rampal as the antagonist, Ra.One—a deadly video game character who comes to life.

Kareena played Sonia Subramaniam, Shah Rukh’s wife in the film. An interesting twist in the film’s narrative is that, during the Chammak Challo sequence, it’s actually Ra.One—disguised as Sonia—who is dancing, making it technically a moment where Arjun Rampal’s villain is mimicking Kareena’s character. This quirky trivia didn’t escape long-time fans of the movie, many of whom turned to social media to make light-hearted references. One user tweeted, “But it’s Arjun Rampal, right?”—referencing the plot twist from the movie. Another chimed in with, “14 years later and Arjun Rampal still has those moves.” These jokes, rooted in the film’s lore, created a mini-wave of nostalgic humor online, adding to the buzz around Kareena’s performance. The Legacy of Ra.One Released in 2011, Ra.One was one of the most ambitious and expensive Indian films of its time, with a production budget exceeding ₹130 crore. Despite mixed reviews, the film went on to gross over ₹207 crore worldwide. While its visual effects and action sequences received praise, critics and audiences were divided over the story and execution. Still, Ra.One remains a memorable entry in Bollywood’s exploration of science fiction. The film holds a special place in pop culture for attempting to break new ground in genre filmmaking and for giving audiences an unforgettable soundtrack, with Chammak Challo being its crown jewel. Kareena’s Enduring Stardom Kareena Kapoor Khan’s presence at the Dubai event is yet another reminder of her enduring stardom. Known for her versatility and timeless charm, she has remained a central figure in Bollywood for over two decades.

From iconic roles in films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Jab We Met, and Tanu Weds Manu Returns, to high-profile projects in recent years, Kareena has continually reinvented herself while maintaining her signature style. Most recently, she was seen in Rohit Shetty’s Singham Again, released in 2024. The action-packed ensemble film brought together some of Bollywood’s biggest stars, including Ajay Devgn, Akshay Kumar, Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Tiger Shroff, Jackie Shroff, and Arjun Kapoor. Kareena’s role added both emotional depth and glamour to the high-octane narrative, reaffirming her ability to shine amid an ensemble cast. A Moment That Sparked Joy The Dubai event, though brief, served as a powerful moment of nostalgia not just for Kareena’s fans but also for followers of early 2010s Bollywood. In a world constantly moving forward, her dance to Chammak Challo was a reminder of an era of music and cinema that still resonates deeply with audiences.