On Monday, May 5, 2025, the Met Gala showcased a dazzling array of fashion and celebrity, but it was the presence of South Asian superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh that sparked a global conversation about representation and recognition. Both men made their debut at what is often regarded as the pinnacle of red carpet events, yet their experiences highlighted a troubling disconnect between their international fame and the awareness of some event co-hosts.
Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as King Khan, is a titan in the Bollywood film industry, boasting a career that spans over three decades. His global influence was underscored when Time magazine named him one of the world’s most influential people in 2023. In 2015, Forbes estimated that his earnings positioned him as potentially the biggest movie star in the world. Despite this, when he arrived at the Met Gala, co-hosts Teyana Taylor and Ego Nwodim appeared largely unaware of his significance. During the livestream, Nwodim even asked, "And this is the designer tonight?" referring to Sabyasachi Mukherjee, who designed Khan's outfit.
In response to the awkward exchange, Mukherjee interjected, stating, "Shah Rukh Khan is probably one of the most famous men in the world." This moment became emblematic of the challenges faced by international stars who do not receive the recognition they deserve on prominent platforms. The creator behind DietSabya, an influential Instagram account focusing on Bollywood and fashion, described the incident as "a hot mess," suggesting that such disrespect would not have been afforded to other stars of similar stature.
Meanwhile, Diljit Dosanjh, a record-breaking artist and actor, also faced a similar fate. Known for his chart-topping hits and sold-out tours across North America, Dosanjh made a culturally significant appearance on the red carpet. However, the Vogue livestream quickly panned away from him, leading to disappointment among fans. Jasleen Singh, a social media user, expressed her heartbreak in a TikTok video that garnered over 128,000 views, stating, "I understand that a lot of people in the United States and the photographers and the journalists might not know who he is, but that doesn’t mean that he’s not as significant as the other people."
In defense of the event, a representative for Vogue clarified that Nwodim did acknowledge Khan's historic presence as the first male Bollywood star at the Met Gala, and emphasized that it was not intentional for the livestream to cut away from Dosanjh so quickly.
The Met Gala also celebrated its theme, "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style," which paid homage to the contributions of Black culture in fashion. Rihanna, who made a stunning entrance after a five-hour wait, was named best-dressed of the night in a custom Marc Jacobs outfit that highlighted her pregnancy. The event was co-hosted by A$AP Rocky, Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, and Lewis Hamilton, who opened the proceedings in a display of modern style.
Williams described the evening as a celebration of the working class, emphasizing the importance of self-respect and joy in fashion. In addition to Rihanna, other notable attendees included Jodie Turner-Smith and Cardi B, both dressed in Burberry, and Zendaya in Louis Vuitton. The mood of the night was one of liberation and confidence, as articulated by Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
Leonardo DiCaprio also made headlines by attending the Met Gala for the first time, joining his supermodel girlfriend Vittoria Ceretti inside the event. DiCaprio, who did not walk the blue carpet, wore a sleek tuxedo that complemented Ceretti’s striking mini dress. The couple has been together since 2023 and was spotted at Teyana Taylor’s post-Met Gala cabaret event.
The after-parties following the gala were equally vibrant, with Burna Boy and DJ Black Coffee hosting a lively celebration at The Standard’s Boom Boom Room. The atmosphere was electric, filled with stars like Lupita Nyong’o, Halle Bailey, Nick Jonas, and Priyanka Chopra, all enjoying the pulsating beats of Afro-fusion and deep house music.
A$AP Rocky also hosted an after-party at Jean’s in NoHo, which attracted a slew of celebrities, including Rihanna, Jenna Ortega, and Keke Palmer. Janelle Monáe’s event, titled "A Phenomenal Affair," transformed PUBLIC into a chrome dreamland, showcasing a blend of art and cabaret with a soundscape by Kaytranada.
The night culminated in a variety of celebrations, with guests enjoying the freedom to express themselves through fashion and music. Tracee Ellis Ross, Natasha Lyonne, and Jodie Turner-Smith were spotted sneaking away for late-night snacks at Monáe's after-party, while Teyana Taylor’s event at Paradise Club featured surprise performances and an energetic atmosphere reminiscent of Studio 54.
As the Met Gala concluded, it became clear that while the event serves as a platform for fashion and celebrity, it also reflects broader cultural conversations about representation and recognition in the entertainment industry. The experiences of Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh remind us that even icons can be overlooked, and that the world of fashion must continue to evolve to embrace and celebrate diversity.
