Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan made his grand debut at the Met Gala, channelling a royal look in a custom all-black ensemble by Sabyasachi Mukherjee consisting of a silk sherwani-style jacket, high-waisted trousers, a kamarbandh, and a tailcoat. He paired these with blingtastic jewellery – multiple rings, layered necklaces, and an oversized ‘K-pendant’ – living up to his rep as “King Khan, Badshah of Bollywood”, an epithet he revels in. SRK’s outfit aligned with this year’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”. The actor’s ever-so-elegant and royal look seamlessly blended Indian heritage with contemporary luxury. The majestic, floor-length coat crafted from Tasmanian superfine wool channelled maharaja vibes as he swept the audience with his look-to-die-for.
The ensemble’s sharp padded shoulders, wide lapel collars, and sleek black buttons elevated the outfit’s power, blending luxury with traditional craftsmanship. But what caught all the attention was the dazzling array of layered necklaces, including a diamond-studded ‘K’ pendant. With this appearance, Shah Rukh not only marked his territory on the global fashion stage but also reinforced his legacy as an enduring symbol of grace, charisma, and royalty.
What’s the story behind this year’s theme?
This year, the annual fundraising event held in New York City, and celebrated the history and cultural impact of Black dandyism and menswear tailoring. The dress code was “Tailored for You.” Interestingly, this time the fundraising gala was hosted by Black male icons, including Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton, Colman Domingo, and A$AP Rocky, with LeBron James as honorary chair, alongside Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
Was ‘Excited’ & ‘Nervous’, says SRK
A video featuring Shah Rukh Khan is viral on the Internet. The actor is asked how it feels to script history as the first Indian male actor to debut at fashion’s biggest night. The actor answers in his characteristic humble manner, “I don’t know about history, but I’m nervous and excited.” The actor also points towards Sabyasachi, adding, “Sabyasachi convinced me to come.”
When Foreign Media Failed to Recognise SRK
Was SRK asked to introduce himself?Sadly, yes! He was asked by a foreign journalist, “Who are you”? Even after such a bummer, the King didn’t disappoint his fans and, like a true people’s person, replied, “Hi, I’m Shah Rukh Khan.” Asked to introduce the designer who made his outfit for the event, SRK went on to introduce Sabyasachi.
Sabyasachi added to SRK’s experience & look, “Just to give a little more context, Shah Rukh Khan is probably one of the most famous men in the world, and his fan following is legendary. We nearly had a stampede outside the hotel when we came out. When you get a man like this on the red carpet, especially when it is Black Dandy, representation is the most important thing. And we wanted to represent Shah Rukh Khan as Shah Rukh Khan and nobody else.”
Other Indian celebrities at the MET Gala
Diljit Dosanjh
Singer Diljit Dosanjh turned heads in an ivory sherwani with intricate panelling and a regal turban. His look was designed by Prabal Gurung to pay homage to Punjabi heritage and Sir Bhupinder Singh, an early Indian dandy of the 20th century.
Kiara Advani
Bollywood actor Kiara Advani, who is expecting her first child, glowed in a black-gold-white Gaurav Gupta ensemble as she celebrated motherhood with a heart-shaped plate and a symbolic umbilical cord detail. Kiara’s outfit was titled Bravehearts, her little way of honouring femininity, lineage, and transformation.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra stole the show in an Olivier Rousteing polka dot suit dress accessorised with Bulgari high jewellery. She was accompanied by her husband, Hollywood singer Nick Jonas.
Manish Malhotra
Designer Manish Malhotra walked the red carpet in a velvet Inverness-style cape, worn over a sculpted sherwani and blazer, channeling a royal look. The outfit, rich in cord work and bead accents, was a tribute to 19th-century dandies and Indian craftsmanship
