Karan Johar to debut at Met Gala 2026? Here's what we know

Karan Johar is reportedly set to attend the Met Gala 2026, with official confirmation still awaited. His expected debut comes as Indian names continue to gain visibility at the global fashion event.

In Short

• Karan Johar may debut at Met Gala 2026
• He is expected to wear a Manish Malhotra design there
• Natasha Poonawalla, Manish Malhotra and Isha Ambani are also expected

With the Met Gala around the corner, speculation is building over the Indian presence on fashion’s biggest night. Filmmaker Karan Johar is reportedly set to make his debut at the 2026 edition, though an official confirmation is still awaited.

According to Variety India, Johar will attend the May 4 event alongside Natasha Poonawalla, a regular on the Met Gala red carpet, and designer Manish Malhotra. He is also expected to wear an outfit designed by Malhotra for the occasion.

Johar, known for his bold sartorial choices, has often engaged with the Met Gala from afar – sharing opinions on celebrity looks and celebrating Indian representation on the global stage.

The annual fundraiser, scheduled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is expected to see a mix of global and Indian names on the red carpet.

Apart from him, several Indian personalities are expected to attend this year, including Manish Malhotra, Isha Ambani and Natasha Poonawalla.

The 2025 edition marked a notable moment for India, with Shah Rukh Khan and Diljit Dosanjh making their debuts. Johar had publicly praised their appearances, as well as that of Kiara Advani. Shah Rukh Khan had walked the carpet in a black ensemble designed by Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Theme and event details

Held annually on the first Monday of May, the Met Gala is among the most exclusive global events, bringing together actors, musicians, designers, politicians and cultural figures.

According to Deadline, the 2026 theme is “Costume Art”, with a dress code of “Fashion Is Art”. The accompanying exhibition will feature around 200 garments alongside 200 art objects, exploring fashion as an embodied art form.

The showcase will also examine how clothing interacts with the body, presenting garments across different body types and artistic interpretations.

Hosts and what to expect

This year’s gala will be co-chaired by Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour, with Lisa joining the host committee. With the event just days away, it remains to be seen whether Karan Johar will officially join the guest list this year.

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