"Main hoon Punjab," Diljit Dosanjh brings culture to the carpet of Met Gala

Singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh turned heads at the Met Gala 2025, not just with his regal outfit but with the cultural pride he carried on fashion’s grandest stage. Making his debut at the event, Diljit wore a Maharaja-inspired ensemble complete with a traditional turban, layered emerald-diamond necklace, and a custom cape embroidered with the map of Punjab. The look paid tribute to Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala and was rooted in Black Dandyism—the theme of this year’s Gala.

Diljit’s blue carpet appearance was not just about style—it was a powerful statement of identity. “Main hoon Punjab,” he wrote in his Instagram post, proudly declaring himself a representative of his roots. The post was shared in Punjabi, emphasizing his connection to his mother tongue and cultural heritage. He also thanked his creative team for helping him bring this vision to life.

The ensemble was more than fashion—it was history, art, and pride stitched into every detail. From the intricate embroidery symbolizing Punjab to the majestic jewelry reminiscent of royal India, Dosanjh’s look brought traditional elegance into a modern spotlight. As the first turbaned artist to attend the Met Gala, his appearance marked a significant moment for Sikh and Punjabi representation on the global stage.

Adding a fun twist to the night, Diljit shared a limousine ride with global pop icon Shakira, whose video greeting “Hi, India” has since gone viral. The moment underscored his increasing global presence and cultural crossover.

With this appearance, Dosanjh not only set a new benchmark in fashion but also brought Punjab’s legacy to a global audience, reinforcing that heritage can be the loudest style statement.