On May 5, 2025, Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh made a majestic debut at the Met Gala, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, captivating the global stage. The 41-year-old global sensation wore a custom Prabal Gurung ivory and gold sherwani, inspired by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, embodying the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” His regal ensemble, featuring a turban, a cape with Punjab’s map and Gurmukhi script, and a lion-headed kirpan, sparked a frenzy on X, with fans proclaiming, “Punjabi aa gaye oye!” Diljit’s proud display of Sikh heritage, styled by Abhilasha Devnani, cemented a historic moment for Indian culture.
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A Maharaja-Inspired Masterpiece
Diljit’s outfit was a tribute to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh, known for his opulent 1920s style, including the legendary 1,000-carat Patiala necklace. The ivory sherwani, paired with a tehmat and a sweeping cape, featured gold-embroidered motifs—lotuses, peacocks, and Punjab’s silhouette—crafted over weeks, per The New York Times. A multi-layered necklace by Golecha’s Jewels, with a 130-carat emerald centerpiece, echoed the Cartier original, while a jewel-studded kirpan replaced the traditional dandy walking stick, symbolizing Sikh valor. The look, topped with a feathered turban, blended Punjabi pride with the theme’s Black dandyism ethos.
A Global Sensation
Diljit’s arrival at the Carlyle Hotel caused a near-stampede, with fans and paparazzi chanting “Maharaja!” A viral X video captured him waving, his humility shining through, while a candid moment with Shakira, where he quipped about “learning English,” won hearts, as shared by The Times of India. Some critiqued the look’s thematic alignment, but fans on X countered, “He’s honoring Black dandyism by standing with his culture,” per The Independent. Diljit’s Instagram post, “Main Hoon Punjab,” amassed millions of likes, amplifying his cultural statement.
A Milestone for Punjabi Identity
Joining Indian stars like Shah Rukh Khan and Kiara Advani, Diljit’s debut marked a pinnacle for South Asian representation. His look, detailed in Vogue India, took three months to create, with Golecha’s necklace alone requiring 50 carats of tourmalines. Despite being denied the original Patiala necklace, his team crafted a bespoke alternative, per NDTV. Minor critiques about the cape’s fit faded against praise for his authenticity, with Hindustan Times calling him “India’s most fashionable man.” Diljit’s presence at Anna Wintour’s exclusive dinner, seated with Shakira, underscored his global clout.
Diljit Dosanjh’s Met Gala debut was a triumphant celebration of Punjabi heritage and global stardom. His regal look not only honored his roots but redefined dandyism, leaving an enduring legacy of cultural pride.
By – Manoj
