Every year on the first Monday of May, the fashion world holds its breath. And this year, India is showing up to the Met Gala — the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s legendary annual fundraiser — with a delegation that would make any style lover proud. From debut appearances to seasoned red carpet veterans, here’s everything you need to know about which Indian stars are attending Met Gala 2026 and who’s sitting this one out.
Table of Contents
The Theme & Venue
The 2026 Met Gala takes place at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, hosted inside the newly opened Condé Nast Galleries beside the museum’s iconic Great Hall, on May 4, 2026 — the first Monday of May, as tradition demands. This year’s dress code is Fashion Is Art.
Indian Celebs at Met Gala 2026 — Overview
| Celebrity | Status | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Karan Johar | ✅ Attending (Debut) | Dressed by Manish Malhotra |
| Manish Malhotra | ✅ Attending | Designing for KJo & more |
| Deepika Padukone | ✅ Expected | Possibly with Ranveer Singh |
| Natasha Poonawalla | ✅ Expected | Returning regular |
| Isha Ambani | ✅ Expected | Returning since 2017 debut |
| Ananya Birla | ✅ Expected | Making her Met Gala debut |
| Priyanka Chopra Jonas | ⚠️ Uncertain | Reportedly filming Varanasi |
| Alia Bhatt | ⚠️ Unlikely | May not attend this year |
The Headline: Karan Johar Makes His Met Gala Debut
This is the story everyone’s talking about. Karan Johar is set to make his long-awaited debut at Met Gala 2026, with Manish Malhotra confirmed to be curating his entire look. Malhotra revealed the collaboration during a CBS Saturday Morning appearance, saying he’s “excited to see what we bring to the red carpet.” Reports suggest Johar may walk the carpet alongside Natasha Poonawalla.
Malhotra also spoke about the growing global recognition of Indian craftsmanship, noting that “Indian craftsmen are now receiving the recognition they deserve” and that “storytelling has become central” to fashion today.
The Uncertainties — Who May Miss Out
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, one of the most influential Indian faces at the Met Gala since her debut in 2017, is believed to be busy filming SS Rajamouli’s Varanasi. Similarly, Alia Bhatt — who made a memorable 2024 appearance in a Sabyasachi ensemble that showcased Indian embroidery and traditional craftsmanship — may not be able to attend this year either.
For more celebrity and entertainment updates, stay tuned to Technosports.
FAQs
Q: Which Indian celebrities are confirmed for Met Gala 2026?
A: Karan Johar (making his debut dressed by Manish Malhotra), Natasha Poonawalla, Isha Ambani, Deepika Padukone, and Ananya Birla are among the Indians expected to attend Met Gala 2026.
Q: What is the Met Gala 2026 theme and dress code?
A: The 2026 Met Gala’s dress code is “Fashion Is Art,” with the event hosted at the new Condé Nast Galleries at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on May 4, 2026.
