Shah Rukh Khan’s Met Gala Moment: For His Kids, With Pride For India

Photo: @sabyasachi

India-West News Desk

NEW YORK, NY – Bollywood megastar Shah Rukh Khan turned heads on May 5, sending his legions of fans into a tizzy and making history as the first Indian male actor to walk the red carpet at fashion’s most prestigious global event: the Met Gala. The 59-year-old icon, known for his rare public appearances, revealed the heartwarming reason behind his debut.

“I have little kids who are very excited about the Met,” Khan shared with a smile on the red carpet. “I don’t know if I would have come here on my own, but when Sabya suggested it, they went ‘wow’.”

Though Khan hinted this might be his first and only appearance at the Met Gala, his debut left an indelible impression — a moment that seamlessly merged family, fashion, and the pride of representing India on one of the world’s most iconic cultural stages.

Before heading to the famed steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Khan charmed fans waiting outside the Mandarin Oriental Hotel — shaking hands, blowing kisses, and exuding the same warmth that has earned him generations of admirers across the globe.

Styled by celebrated designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee, Khan embraced the evening’s theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with understated elegance and royal flair. He reimagined the modern Indian Maharaja in a custom all-black ensemble: a floor-length coat crafted from Tasmanian superfine wool, featuring Japanese horn buttons, wide lapels, and a sharp peak collar. The coat was paired with a black crepe de chine silk shirt and tailored trousers, cinched at the waist with a pleated satin kamarbandh — a subtle nod to traditional Indian menswear.

His accessories elevated the look further. Layered gold chains added a touch of opulence, but it was the monogrammed ‘K’ necklace — a playful, regal nod to his title “King Khan” — that truly stood out. He completed the ensemble with a show-stopping Bengal Tiger Head Cane, crafted from 18k gold, tourmalines, sapphires, and diamonds — symbolizing both power and a tribute to Sabyasachi’s Bengali roots.

Speaking with TIME magazine, Khan reflected on the deeper meaning of his appearance. “It’s important to represent my countrymen and people,” he said. “India is taking a stand in a lot of things, and it’s important to have our presence felt.”

He also praised the Met Gala’s theme: “I liked what it stood for — the concept of revolution and resolution, not through anger or fighting, but by being exuberant and artistic. Dressing up in a way that made a statement.”