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Ace filmmaker Karan Johar made a striking debut at the Met Gala 2026, marking a milestone as the first Indian filmmaker to attend the prestigious event. For the occasion, he chose a custom-designed ensemble by Manish Malhotra, inspired by the timeless artworks of Raja Ravi Varma. During his fashionable appearance on the red carpet, Karan also spoke about his BFF and superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who made his Met Gala debut in 2025.
While speaking to the BBC, Karan Johar was asked about his close bond with Shah Rukh Khan. With SRK having attended the Met Gala last year and Johar making his debut this year, the filmmaker was quizzed on what it felt like to follow in his footsteps. He shared a heartfelt response, speaking fondly of the strong, decades-old
bond he shares with the actor. Reflecting on their long-standing bond and creative collaboration, Karan credited SRK for playing a defining role in his early journey as a filmmaker. Speaking about his Met Gala moment, he described it as deeply full circle.
The Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani director said, “Well, for me it’s so emotional. Shah Rukh is such a large part of my career repertoire. I’ve done my first five films with him and he’s the reason I stand here today. So for him to have come last year and me this year, it’s like life feels like a complete circle.”
Karan Johar and Shah Rukh Khan’s creative partnership has helped shape the landscape of mainstream Bollywood in the late ’90s and 2000s. Their association took off with Johar’s directorial debut, Kuch Kuch Hota Hai. It was followed by films like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham, Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna, and My Name Is Khan, solidifying their place as one of the industry’s most successful actor-director duos.
Meanwhile, Karan earlier today shared a heartfelt note on social media after he made his power-packed debut at the Met Gala. His post read, “From loving cinema and costume as a wide-eyed dreamer to standing on the steps of THE Met Gala…life really does come full circle in the most unexpected ways. This moment wasn’t just about fashion for me. It was about storytelling. About taking the legacy of Raja Ravi Varma and letting it live again… this time, not on canvas, but in motion. To representing India and our culture, our art and our storytelling on the global ‘steps’. Thirty years of friendship and collaboration with Manish Malhotra and still creating firsts together – so grateful to you and your team for this core memory.”
His striking debut received immense love and praise from his close friends in the industry as well as the internet. People were mighty impressed by his fashionable look, intricate detailing, and the way he effortlessly carried the look on the global stage.
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