Met Gala 2025: Fans drag foreign media for sidelining Shah Rukh Khan and Sabya; ‘not your Oscars, show some respect'
The Met Gala 2025 was poised to be a defining moment for Indian representation on one of fashion's most prestigious global stages. With Bollywood heavyweights like Shah Rukh Khan, Kiara Advani, Diljit Dosanjh, and Priyanka Chopra in attendance, expectations were high. Fans hoped for a celebration of cross-cultural style and true global inclusivity. But what they got instead was a reminder that, sometimes, foreign media still fails to do its homework.
Held at the iconic Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, this year's Met Gala wasn't short on glamour. Yet, amid the dramatic silhouettes and tailored tributes, many Indian viewers were left with a bitter aftertaste. Through the obvious lack of recognition for Indian icons, international media houses revealed a troubling blind spot on the Met's 'blue carpet'.
A viral clip from Vogue's red carpet coverage captured two interviewers visibly struggling to hold a conversation with Shah Rukh Khan, arguably one of the most recognised film stars in the world. The exchange quickly picked up an awkward air as the interviewers failed to identify designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee's name correctly and stuttered their way through questions they seemed unprepared to ask. 'And this is the designer tonight?' one asked, looking at SRK and Sabya, seemingly unaware of either man's global stature. After a point, Sabya took over the mic, saying, 'Just to give you a little bit of context, Shah Rukh Khan is probably one of the most famous men in the world, and his fan following is legendary. We nearly had a stampede outside the hotel when he came out.' The discomfort was palpable, not just for the superstars being sidelined, but for Indian fans watching their cultural icons being brushed aside in real time.
A post shared by Bollywood Journal (@bollywoodjournal)
The frustration extended beyond SRK. Coverage of Indian attendees was limited and fragmented, while stars from other regions, including K-pop received the focused, celebratory attention they deserved. The disparity didn't go unnoticed.
Online, fans voiced their disappointment. A Reddit thread titled 'Hope SRK and other stars don't go to these international events…' gained traction, with users expressing a mix of disillusionment and anger. 'It's quite embarrassing to see them in such a vulnerable state. Apna Filmfare hi sahi hai,' one wrote. Another comment read, 'As a fan, I don't mind that random Americans don't know SRK, but people working at these events should do basic research.' One user pointed out the irony of designer Sabyasachi having to explain SRK's fame: 'He had to literally say, 'SRK is one of the most famous people in the world.' Uhhhh 🤐' Still, some fans managed to see some dignity in the moment. 'Many are saying this was humbling for Shah, but I know he walked that carpet knowing exactly what he was stepping into,' one user wrote. Another added, 'This is outrageous… at least some kind of prep should be there.' One more comment was the cherry on tip: 'No preparation, no nothing. Like this ain't your Oscars, Grammys or VMAs. People from around the world come in and therefore the least you can do is prepare a bit, show some respect. And if you aren't up for the job, don't do it.'
And that's the heart of the issue. It's not about every Met Gala reporter being fluent in global cinema. It's about respect — doing the work, making space, and showing up prepared. What do you think about this?
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Indian Express
24 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Arjun Kapoor expresses his deep fondness for Shah Rukh Khan: ‘I think he is even way ahead of AI'
Arjun Kapoor began his journey in the film industry as an assistant director on the sets of Kal Ho Naa Ho. It was there that he had the rare opportunity to observe and interact closely with superstar Shah Rukh Khan, an experience he holds very dear. Recalling that memory on the Raj Shamani podcast, Arjun shared how profoundly it impacted him. The actor said, 'I was completely enamoured by the way he is. Some people are touched by Gods, some people have larger-than-life personas, they really transcend generations. I think the brain he's got, it's very unique and peculiar. I think he is even way ahead of AI. Just the way he understands, he has human compassion. He is meticulous, yet also has all the time in the world to be sits with you and looks you in the eyes while speaking…But at the same time, his awareness is so high that he knows exactly what else is going on around him).' He added: 'Even on a film set, he will show you respect because I believe his upbringing is amazing. He has suffered a lot of trauma, he lost his parents, so he has deep emotional empathy. He has always wanted to be more and more knowledgeable. He reads a lot, and when he speaks, it comes from a place of learning. He's hungry, there's a quest to be bigger and better. He is just a special human being.' Also Read | Arjun Kapoor says Pathaan is an 'emotion', calls Shah Rukh Khan the 'most cinematic actor' of the generation Continuing his thoughts, Arjun Kapoor spoke about Shah Rukh Khan's personal warmth and humility: 'Even today, if I text him, he replies. No matter how busy he is, he will make sure to respond. There's a personal warmth he always gives. He's accessible to you, but he's Shah Rukh Khan… yet he never lets you feel that distance. He is really inexplicable. He is timeless and larger than life, that's part of his charm. Every time I have met him and spoken to him, he has left an impact on me. He connects with you, engages with you, something I don't think I can do. But he's able to look into your soul and speak to you.' Reflecting on his cinematic legacy and his rise as an actor, Arjun spoke with admiration: 'He has always been the common man who reached great heights and made you believe in the power of dreams. He is really that outsider who made you believe that one day I'll buy Mannat… and he did that.'
Hans India
26 minutes ago
- Hans India
India to host first global cultural games in New Delhi in December
New Delhi: India will host the first-ever Global Pythonova Pythian Games in the National capital, New Delhi, from December 3–5, 2025. The announcement was made during the '3rd National Executive Council Meeting' of the Pythian Council of India, held in New Delhi under the leadership of Bijender Goel, founder of the Modern Pythian Games and founding secretary general of the International Pythian Council. He was accompanied by Shantanu Agrahari, President, and Siva Kumar, Secretary General of the Pythian Council of India. Inspired by the ancient Pythian Games of Greece—one of the four Pan-Hellenic Games held in honour of Apollo at Delphi—the Modern Pythian Games revive this cultural legacy after nearly 1,630 years. The games, originally focused on excellence in music, poetry, arts, and prophecy, were envisioned anew in 2020 by Goel and formally launched in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Delegates and executive members from various Indian states attended the meeting, engaging in strategic discussions to promote the Pythian Games at the local and global levels. In a press briefing following the meeting, Goel revealed that the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) has assured full cooperation in this global cultural initiative. He also shared details of his recent constructive discussions with Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, raising hopes for inclusive participation. Goel announced that the International Delphic Committee (Russia), Ecumenical Delphic Union (Greece), and the Government of Cyprus have officially endorsed the Modern Pythian Movement. 'The ancient Pythian Games were one of the four Panhellenic Games of Greece, dedicated to the god Apollo, and were held in Delphi. These games were a celebration of excellence in art, music, poetry, and prophecy, and served as a major centre for cultural exchange. After nearly 1,630 years, Bijender Goel conceived the idea of the Modern Pythian Games in the year 2020, and it was formally announced in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the movement has spread globally and has become a significant platform dedicated to art, tradition, and cultural diplomacy,' he said. "In a world full of divisions, the Pythian Games offer a global platform for unity through culture," he said. He further added that a centralised franchise model will be introduced for the Pythian Games at the global, national, and local levels, to ensure transparency, accountability, and a streamlined functioning." Shantanu Agrahari, President of the Pythian Council of India, announced that the next National Pythian Games will be held in September/October 2025. He stated, "These national games will serve as an important training ground for Indian artists and participants." He further added, "India's rich cultural heritage and young talent make it a suitable host for global events." Unlike conventional sporting events, the Modern Pythian Games are the world's only multidisciplinary cultural games, celebrating art, culture, heritage, traditional sports, and creative technology under one unified platform. 'In a world divided by differences, the Pythian Games offer a global stage for unity through culture,' said Goel. He also announced a global-to-local franchise model for the games to ensure transparency, accountability, and streamlined operations. The games serve as a complement to the Olympic Games, offering a global stage to disciplines not represented in the Olympics, such as art, heritage, traditional sports, and creative technology. Kumar emphasised that the Indian operations are guided by an international charter and supported by various governments, cultural institutions, and professionals around the world.
Hans India
40 minutes ago
- Hans India
Shah Rukh Khan offers prayers for victims & families of Air India crash
Mumbai: Actor Shah Rukh Khan revealed that he was left heartbroken after learning about the horrific Air India crash. King Khan further offered prayers for the victims and the families of the crash. Taking to his X timeline, SRK wrote, "Absolutely heartbroken with the news about the crash in Ahmedabad… my prayers for the victims, their families and all affected." Before this, Aamir Khan also offered his condolences to the families of the victims of the mishap. The team of the 'Laagan' actor shared a post on the micro-blogging site that read, "We are deeply saddened by the tragic plane crash that occurred today. At this moment of profound loss, our thoughts, and condolences are with the families of those affected." "We stand in solidarity with the individuals, communities, and responders impacted by this devastating event. Stay strong India," the post also said. Moreover, Salman Khan decided to cancel his press conference as the new face of the Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL) alongside its co-founders, Veer Patel and Ishan Lokhande. Informing about the decision, the organisers released a press note saying, "As we all have just heard the tragic incident that has taken place today. Indian Supercross Racing League and Salman Khan stand by the Nation United in this tough time. All our condolences and prayers are with the affected families. Jointly, we have made a responsible decision to reschedule this event to a further date." In addition to this, other celebs such as Akshay Kumar, Kartik Aaryan, Alia Bhatt, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Kajol, Varun Dhawan Jahnvi Kapoor, Vicky Kaushal, Shilpa Shetty, Anupam Kher, Adah Sharma, Sanya Malhotra, Randeep Hooda, Abhishek Bachchan, Pulkit Samrat, and Suniel Shetty expressed their grief over the unfortunate crashing of Air India Flight AI171 going from Ahmedabad to London just after takeoff. Along with the rescue operation, an investigation into the cause of the crash is also currently underway.
