SRK and Priyanka Chopra Jonas. / Instagram

It was a proud moment for Indians at the Met Gala 2025, with a significant presence of Indian actors, designers, and leading prominent industrialists, each leaving a mark on the iconic event. The theme for this year’s Met Gala, ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,’ inspired interpretations that exhibited a mix of Indian heritage with the sophistication of dandyism. Here are the highlights of the top Indian moments.

Shah Rukh Khan

Making his much-anticipated Met Gala debut, the Bollywood superstar graced the ‘blue carpet’ in a custom black silk sherwani-style jacket over black trousers by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. His outfit was elevated with layered necklaces, including a striking diamond pendant of the letter ‘K,’ a nod to his moniker “King Khan.” A brooch featuring the Bengal tiger added a regal touch. Sabyasachi stated that he aimed to represent Shah Rukh Khan as himself, emphasizing his iconic status.   
“I don’t know about history, but I’m very nervous and excited,” said Shah Rukh Khan on the blue carpet. “Sabyasachi made this for me. My only request was to let it be black or white. And it’s very comfortable, which is the most important thing… I’m actually very shy. The most exciting thing for me is that I have little kids who are very excited about the Met. I don’t know if I would have come here on my own, but when Sabyasachi suggested it, my kids went ‘wow.’”

“Shah Rukh Khan is one of the greatest superstars in the world. A cinematic hero, his blockbuster performances and leading-man charisma have created a legendary international fan following. My interpretation of the Black Dandy is demonstrating his superstardom on a global stage. Dressed in classic menswear with the maximalist flourish of Sabyasachi, Shah Rukh Khan is a magician, superstar, and icon. Period,” mentioned Sabyasachi. 

Kiara Advani

This year, Bollywood actress Kiara Advani made her Met Gala debut while expecting her first child. Her outfit was a futuristic Gaurav Gupta couture gown known as ‘Bravehearts.’ The arresting black gown boasted gold metallic ornamentations, a flowing white cape, and a heart-shaped plaque, which paid homage to her baby. This one-of-a-kind outfit exhibited Gaurav Gupta’s signature sculptural and futuristic design aesthetic.   

“A tribute to defiance, legacy, and new beginnings. Bravehearts is built on the spirit of the Black Dandy — those who challenged norms and reshaped culture with grace, strength, and individuality. On the pregnant Kiara Advani, the look takes on a deeper meaning, representing how identity is inherited and reimagined through generations. At its core, a gold-sculpted breastplate with two hearts - mother and child, connected by an abstract umbilical cord. She is enveloped in a dramatic white cape echoing André Leon Talley’s 2010 Met Gala look; the piece is both armor and offering,” added designer Gaurav Gupta.

Diljit Dosanjh

The well-loved singer-actor also debuted his Met Gala, staying true to his Punjabi roots in a custom Prabal Gurung outfit.  The outfit celebrated Indian heritage, paying homage to Sir Bhupinder Singh, the early 20th-century Maharaja of Patiala. Indian jeweler Golecha created pieces reminiscent of the prince’s collection, adding a layer of historical richness. Moreover, the outfit had several India-inspired elements, such as lotuses and peacocks decorated with the belt. The outline of Punjab and the Gurmukhi script, reportedly Diljit’s own idea, enhanced the overall look.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Priyanka, a Met Gala veteran, returned for her fifth appearance, walking the carpet with her husband, Nick Jonas. She wore a custom black strapless gown with a thigh-high slit by Balmain, complemented by white opera gloves and a spectacylar 11.6-carat Bulgari diamond necklace. Her polka-dot-inspired look showcased a blend of classic couture with striking accessories. Nick Jonas complemented her elegance in a black leather jacket, a white shirt, and a polka-dot suit.   

“Every year, I really look forward to everyone’s interpretation of the theme. This year’s theme, I was so excited about just because of the excellence of it, the tailoring of it, and the fact that it’s an expression of what fashion has been. Which has such a power to it. Which I was very excited to see. I’m also excited to see old friends and colleagues. We don’t end up meeting because everyone’s lives are busy.”

Manish Malhotra

The celebrated Indian designer himself walked the Met Gala blue carpet, making a strong fashion statement. He wore an elaborate embroidered cape coat over a silk shirt and intricately detailed tie, embodying Indian craftsmanship while aligning with the ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ theme. A golden elephant-face brooch added a significant nod to Indian heritage.   

Isha Ambani

The Reliance heiress, a familiar face at the Met Gala, made a powerful return in a custom Anamika Khanna outfit. Her three-piece outfit beautifully merged contemporary tailoring with Indian craftsmanship. The ensemble featured intricate embroidery, a handwoven Benarasi train, a halter-style top with pearl and gold thread in an infinity symbol, sleek black tailored trousers, and a structured white jacket. The creation reportedly took 20,000 hours to craft.   

A highlight of her look was a vintage Cartier necklace from her personal collection, once owned by the Maharaja of Nawanagar. The necklace featured 89 stones totaling 481.42 carats. Her accessories also included a diamond headpiece, Tiffany & Co. bird rings, and pearl-encrusted bird ornaments in her hair, showcasing historical and cinematic significance.

Natasha Poonawalla

While details of her walking the main carpet are still emerging, Poonawalla was spotted in New York wearing a dramatic Rahul Mishra design from his Spring 2025 collection, a sculptural corset embroidered in 3D, titled ‘Raven’s Flight,’ paying homage to the theme.   

In recent years, the number of Indian actors, designers, and industrialists attending the Met Gala has drastically increased. With each passing year, we are witnessing a growing influence of Indian fashion and artistry on the American stage. We hope to continue to see this encouraging trend.

Also read: All you need to know about Indian representation at Met Gala 2025

Kiara Advani and Diljit Dosanjh. / Instagram