Shah Rukh Khan made a stunning debut at the 2025 Met Gala, captivating audiences with his custom Sabyasachi ensemble that featured an elongated coat in Tasmanian superfine wool. The Bollywood superstar was joined by fellow Indian celebrities, including Diljit Dosanjh, Kiara Advani, and Priyanka Chopra, at this prestigious fashion event held at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
Shah Rukh's outfit, which included a tailored tailcoat, high-waisted trousers, and a pleated satin kamarbandh, was accentuated by a stack of necklaces and a jewel-encrusted cane, making him one of the highlights of the evening. His appearance, however, was met with mixed reactions online. While some fans praised his look, others felt it did not align with his regal aura.
Actor Raghav Juyal, known for his humor, took to social media to comment on Shah Rukh's presence at the Met Gala, saying, "Thank you, Shah Sir—because of you, billions (okay, more than half of the entire planet) finally discovered that something called the Met Gala exists. To be honest, until then, I thought it was just Halloween for the ultra-rich." This playful remark resonated with many, highlighting the significance of Shah Rukh's attendance at such a high-profile event.
Despite the excitement surrounding his debut, the event was not without controversy. Interviewers at the gala sparked outrage among fans when they asked Shah Rukh, "Who are you?" Many criticized the interviewers for failing to recognize one of the most famous actors globally. This incident led to discussions about the importance of research and preparation in interviews, especially at an event as significant as the Met Gala.
In light of the backlash, a throwback video of Shah Rukh Khan resurfaced online, where he explained his reasons for not pursuing a career in Hollywood. He candidly shared that he felt out of place in the Western film industry, citing his lack of specific talents, such as martial arts or dance, and his perception of not fitting the typical Hollywood mold. "My English is not good. If they give me a role of a dumb person who doesn't speak, maybe. But I'm not trying to be modest, but I think I'm 42 years old, I'm a little brown, I don't have any special USP as an actor," he stated in the video, emphasizing his commitment to Indian cinema.
Shah Rukh's ambition remains to elevate Indian films on the global stage, expressing a desire to continue working in India rather than pursuing Hollywood roles. He stated, "I would like to continue doing work in India and hopefully take Indian cinema to the world. That's the ambition I have." This sentiment reflects a growing trend among Indian filmmakers and actors who aim to bring their unique stories and perspectives to international audiences.
After the Met Gala, Shah Rukh Khan returned to Mumbai on the evening of May 8, 2025, looking stylish in a casual outfit of a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and a black jacket, accessorized with sunglasses and a blue bag. He was accompanied by his manager, Pooja Dadlani, and bodyguard, Ravi Singh, as they navigated through the airport, greeted by eager fans and paparazzi.
Upon his return, Shah Rukh expressed his gratitude to designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee for making him feel comfortable at the Met Gala. He shared on social media, "Thx Sabyasachi & ur whole team for introducing me to the Met Gala. It's not my 'space,' but u made me feel so comfortable... because u, like me, believe... Style & Fashion... is just being who you are. And all of u made me feel like a 'K!'" This heartfelt acknowledgment underscores the importance of collaboration and support in the fashion industry.
Shah Rukh Khan's debut at the Met Gala not only marked a significant moment in his career but also highlighted the growing influence of Indian cinema on the global stage. As he continues to work on upcoming projects, including the highly anticipated film 'King,' which will star Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Deepika Padukone, fans eagerly await his next moves.
As the dust settles on the Met Gala, one thing is clear: Shah Rukh Khan's star power remains undiminished, and his commitment to championing Indian cinema resonates with audiences worldwide. His journey reflects a broader narrative of cultural exchange and the blending of artistic expressions across borders, paving the way for future generations of filmmakers and actors.