Manhattan (National Times): Diljit Dosanjh, the global Punjabi superstar, etched his name in fashion history at the Met Gala 2025, becoming the first Indian to grace the iconic blue carpet wearing a traditional turban. The singer-actor, who joined Bollywood heavyweights Shah Rukh Khan and Kiara Advani at the event, turned heads with a regal Maharaja-inspired look designed by renowned designer Prabal Gurung.
Dosanjh’s ensemble was a masterful blend of Punjabi pride and high fashion, featuring an all-white achkan and pajama paired with a floor-length cape adorned with gold embroidery of the Punjab map and Gurmukhi script, including the Mool Mantra, a cornerstone of Sikh philosophy. His white turban, embellished with a golden kalgi and feather plume, exuded royalty, while a ceremonial sword added a touch of Sikh valor. The look, styled by Abhilasha Devnani, was accessorized with layered diamond necklaces from Golecha’s Jewels, evoking the opulence of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” inspired by Monica L. Miller’s Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity, celebrated menswear and individuality through the lens of Black dandyism. Dosanjh’s outfit, aligning with the “Tailored for You” dress code, reinterpreted dandyism through a South Asian perspective, showcasing Punjab’s cultural richness on a global stage.
“Diljit didn’t just walk the carpet; he brought Punjab with him,” tweeted a fan on X, echoing the sentiment of many who celebrated his historic moment. “Punjabi aa gaye oye!” wrote another, referencing Dosanjh’s signature catchphrase.
The event, co-chaired by Pharrell Williams, Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, A$AP Rocky, and Anna Wintour, with LeBron James as honorary co-chair, marked the first Met Gala in over two decades to focus exclusively on menswear. Dosanjh’s debut was a standout, earning praise for its cultural depth and sartorial elegance.
Fresh off his record-breaking Dil-luminati Tour across the USA, Canada, and India, Dosanjh continues to break barriers. His upcoming single, Buck, with K-pop star Jackson Wang, is set for release on May 9, further cementing his global influence. For now, his Met Gala appearance as the first turbaned Indian has solidified his status as a cultural ambassador, blending Punjabi pride with Maharaja elegance.
