Users across X and Instagram are posting throwback pictures from 2016 with captions like “2026 is the new 2016.” This trend reflects a wave of nostalgia where people are comparing 2026 to 2016, often sharing decade-old photos, filters and memories to evoke a simpler, more carefree time.
Kareena Kapoor Khan's '2026 is the new 2016' trend
Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan is seen as a part of '2026 is the new 2016' trend on social media. On her Instagram handle, she posted 14 slides of images, which were from 10 years ago. Those unseen photos are from her pregnancy days when she carried Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi.
In Kareen's posted slides, she wrote, "The year of the bump (heart and rainbow emojis). In the initial picture, she shared a mirror selfie where she wore a tiger-print swimsuit with a bright red phone case. On the second slide, the actors Saif Ali Khan Pataudi and Kareena Kapoor Khan showed that Saif was bottle feeding little Taimur with a Santa hat. And on another slide, she shared her magazine front cover poster. Another slide she shared, where Saif and Kareena shared a frame, she wrote on “we are three already,” which seems like she announced. There are many images where even Kareena shared a photo with her friend and Karan Johar, where she wrote, “when they didn’t know I was pregnant.” She has given a glimpse of an unseen pregnancy on social media, following the trend.
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R. Madhavan and Dia Mirza recall their filmy memories
Dia Mirza and R. Madhavan also took part in the social media trend, where they shared a joint photo slide of Dia Mirza leaning her hands on R. Madhavan's shoulder, and they stand in front of the “Rehna Hai Tere Dil Mein” poster, where Dia wrote in the caption, “This was 2016. On 19th October 2026, it will be 25 years. A gift that keeps on giving. The film was released in 2001. Name the film. O Maddy, Maddy, look what showed up? @actormaddy #2016.” Several fans feel nostalgic after seeing their Maddy and Reena. One fan commented, “The two of you need to do a movie together soon, PLEASE @actormaddy @diamirzaofficial.” Another wrote, “Re-release in the cinema again, please. Happy Valentine’s Day.”
Premier League takes on this trend
The Premier League's Instagram and X pages have posted a thread of photos relevant to this trend. The first photo can be decoded as the iconic free transfer of Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Manchester United; the second picture in the thread features the Norway national team's dressing room, including a picture of Erling Haaland and his teammates. The third picture helps us witness Eden Hazard in his prime, playing for Chelsea and bagging the Man of the Match award. The thread features iconic moments, such as Riyad Mahrez kissing the Premier League trophy after Leicester City's magical run. We can also see the thread holds the pictures of Mo Salah with Didier Drogba and Paul Pogba with Thierry Henry.
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Nostalgia is undoubtedly ruling 2026, as evidenced by Bollywood recollections, old pictures, and even sports fans reliving memorable Premier League moments. It's not surprising that people are referring to this year as "the new 2016" as celebrities and fans reflect on simpler, happier times. Sometimes the only thing that makes this moment feel special is looking back.
