Billionaire Bachchas
Started in a garage selling computer parts, now powers your searches and emails.
A man just wants to scatter some ashes, but ends up fighting goons, falling in love, and outrunning an entire South Indian family.
Chennai Express
A simple question about a kitchen mishap led to this viral dialogue.
Rasode mein kaun tha?
USA, Sir!
RUSSIA
This word, meaning a dishonest or cunning plan, comes from the Hindi word for a group of deceivers.
Thug
Started by two friends to rate the attractiveness of Harvard classmates, ruled social networking.
A struggling artist is reborn as a superstar decades after being murdered on set. Oh, and there’s reincarnation and glitter.
Om Shanti Om
This cricket fan’s frustrated expression became an internet sensation after a match against India.
Halat bdal diye, jazzbat badal diye, maaro mujhe maaro
ANTI RIB
BRITAIN
Derived from a Hindi word meaning "to tie," this colorful square has gone from rural accessory to rebel fashion — worn by pirates, punks, and popstars alike.
Bandana
This ride-hailing giant was born when two friends in Paris couldn’t find a cab during a conference.
Uber
Super religious man smuggles underage girl across the border.
Bajrangi Bhaijaan
This phrase, often used by a political leader, became a meme symbolizing unexpected announcements during COVID
Mitron
REASON PIG
SINGAPORE
This word for a one piece garment, often used for work, comes from the name of a Mumbai neighborhood once known for its textile mills.
Dungaree
Started out selling air mattresses in a San Francisco apartment to make rent during a conference. Now, it’s a global empire of strangers sleeping in strangers’ homes.
Airbnb
A young boy is sent away because he’s allergic to homework. He’s eventually cured by a man who sings to furniture.
Taare Zameen Par
In 2024, a children's song about this vegetable, featuring a dancing cartoon cat, became a viral meme sensation in India.
Aha Tamatar Bade Mazedaar
MY ANGER
GERMANY
Once a luxurious scalp ritual offered by Indian masseurs, this word traveled through colonial tongues and now lives in every bathroom cabinet — though today, it’s more about bubbles than pressure points.
Shampoo
A coach with a waffle iron, a runner with a dream, and a shoe sold from a car trunk — together they built a brand that tells the world to do things… immediately.
Nike
A girl dies, but not before writing a full relationship manual for her 8-year-old daughter. Sports and friendship bracelets ensue.
Kuch Kuch Hota Hai
In 2024, a passionate fan went viral in an interview by dramatically claiming that "No one can speak in front of this man!", referring to this famous Indian YouTuber
Elvish Yadav
SALAD LOVER
EL SALVADOR
This word, meaning a standalone house with a garden, comes from a Marathi word referring to the spacious homes of Bengal.
Bungalow