Karan Johar made his debut at the Met Gala 2026, but ahead of his red carpet appearance, the filmmaker shared a personal wish that has caught attention. He revealed that meeting Sabrina Carpenter is high on his list and the reason is closely tied to his daughter. Speaking during an interaction at the Empire State Building, Karan spoke about his children and what the moment means to him beyond fashion. “Can I be honest? I’m a father of twins, Yash and Roohi, they’re both 9. My daughter is obsessed with Sabrina Carpenter. If I could meet her and take a selfie with her, that would be the best gift,” he said. A personal moment behind the glamour While the Met Gala is known for high fashion and global attention, Karan’s focus also includes a personal milestone.
His appearance marks his first time walking the iconic carpet, something he has followed for years. He spoke about how the event has always fascinated him, especially at a time when it was not widely discussed in India. “I’ve tracked the Met Gala for years and always wondered what it would feel like to be on that carpet, where every look tells a story and reflects so much artistry,” he said.
From costume design to cinema
Karan also reflected on his early days in the industry, revealing that fashion came before filmmaking for him. “I started off as a costume designer when I was about 22, but being on a film set made me realise filmmaking is what truly excites and inspires me,” he shared.
That transition eventually shaped his career as one of Bollywood’s leading filmmakers, known for blending storytelling with strong visual style.
Representing India on a global stage
For Karan, this Met Gala debut is not just about personal achievement. He also sees it as an opportunity to represent India on a global platform.
“It really feels like a full-circle moment for me, and it’s also such an important year to represent India and showcase our cultural heritage on a global stage,” he said.
The look inspired by Raja Ravi Varma
Karan’s Met Gala outfit has been designed by Manish Malhotra and styled by Eka Lakhani. The ensemble draws inspiration from Raja Ravi Varma, incorporating hand-painted elements and detailed craftsmanship. He wore a black bandhgala shirt paired with black trousers, with the highlight being a dramatic cape. The cape features intricate artwork, including zardozi borders, lotus motifs, swans and pillar designs, bringing Varma’s artistic world onto fabric.


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