New York | June 25, 2025: Indian singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh has taken the global fashion world by storm with his sensational debut at the Met Gala 2025. More than just a red-carpet appearance, Diljit’s presence became a cultural moment for millions of Indians and Sikhs around the world. From crying over his Met Gala outfit to sneaking in his kirpan with unexpected help from Shakira, this story is as emotional as it is iconic.
Diljit Dosanjh at Met Gala 2025: A Maharaja Arrives
Wearing a custom-designed ivory sherwani with a rich, embroidered cape, Diljit channeled royal Punjabi vibes at the world’s most elite fashion event. Designed by Prabal Gurung, the outfit was nothing short of a cultural statement. The cape featured a map of Punjab and Gurmukhi script, symbolizing heritage, resilience, and pride. His accessories—a turban, lotus-and-peacock motif belt, and a ceremonial sword—completed the look of a true Maharaja.
Speaking to BBC Asian Network, Diljit said, “I always had this belief that when I go, I’ll look like a king.” And he did.
Why Diljit Cried Before the Gala
Diljit revealed that he broke down emotionally while preparing for the Met Gala. It wasn’t just about fashion—it was about representing Punjab on a global platform.
“I cried when I thought of my look—that I would wear an outfit with the Punjab flag on my back and Gurmukhi script written on it… It wasn’t important that I go there, it was important that Punjab goes there, that the turban goes there. That thought alone made me cry.”
The sherwani and cape were more than clothing—they were symbols of identity, of a homeland that often finds little representation at such platforms.
The Kirpan Moment: How Shakira ‘Helped’ Diljit
One of the most talked-about moments came when dosanjh revealed how he sneaked his kirpan—a sacred ceremonial dagger worn by Amritdhari Sikhs—into the Met Gala, despite being denied permission.
In a light-hearted yet profound revelation, Diljit shared that he unintentionally carried the kirpan in his car while leaving for the event. Knowing it might be confiscated, he was mentally prepared to surrender it if asked.
Diljit dosanjh narrated how he entered the venue alongside global pop icon Shakira, who was in his group and wearing a heavily embellished outfit. As she stepped into the metal detector, the sensors naturally beeped due to the metal in her dress.
“I had the Kirpan under my cape. They checked Shakira but didn’t check me. I thought, ‘If we get caught, we both will; if not, then not.’”
He smiled recalling how this spontaneous moment, helped unintentionally by Shakira’s elaborate attire, allowed him to carry a deeply personal item with him on one of the world’s biggest stages.
A Powerful Cultural Message to the World
Diljit’s outfit, emotion, and narrative at Met Gala weren’t just about breaking into Western high fashion—they were about inclusion, visibility, and cultural pride. His sherwani bore lotus motifs and peacocks, symbols from Indian mythology and art. But it was the map of Punjab and Gurmukhi script that stole the show.
Fashion critics called it one of the most culturally significant moments in Met Gala history, and fans on social media hailed it as a “win for Sikh and Punjabi identity on a global stage.”
Diljit Dosanjh: Beyond Music and Acting
Diljit is already a global icon in music and films, but Met Gala 2025 has added a new dimension to his influence. He is now being celebrated as someone who proudly carried his roots into a global space that rarely accommodates such authenticity.
In India, especially Punjab, his gesture has gone viral, with many saying “Punjab gaya tha Met Gala” (Punjab went to Met Gala) instead of just Diljit.
Fans React to Diljit’s Royal Appearance
Social media flooded with reactions:
- “Diljit carried all of Punjab to Met Gala.”
- “Wearing a turban, kirpan, and still shining like a star—that’s real representation.”
- “He didn’t go as a celebrity, he went as a community.”
Even international outlets praised Diljit for honoring his culture without compromising on style or tradition.
[…] directors, and producers from the film industry have refrained from making any public statements. Diljit Dosanjh himself has remained silent, perhaps in a strategic move to avoid fanning the […]