Filmmaker Karan Johar had a personal mission during his debut at the Met Gala, and it was not just to impress on the red carpet. Instead, his primary goal was to meet singer Sabrina Carpenter, as requested by his daughter Roohi.
A Stunning Debut
Karan Johar made a striking appearance on the iconic Met Gala stairs wearing a bespoke ensemble by Manish Malhotra, titled 'Framed in Eternity.' The outfit included a structured vintage jacket paired with a hand-painted cape inspired by the works of legendary Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma, incorporating motifs from paintings such as 'Hamsa Damayanti' and 'Lady with the Peach.'
Representing Culture and Heritage
Speaking to reporters on the stairs, Johar expressed his excitement: 'It's amazing to represent your nation, culture and heritage on a global platform as magnificent as the Met, which truly signifies the work of art. Today's theme really beautifully blends fashion and art in our time. I couldn't have chosen a better debut to be on a theme like this. So very excited.' He added, 'How does it feel... Well, exhilarating, nervous, and also heavy in equal measure.'
A Daughter's Request
Revealing his personal mission, KJo shared that his daughter Roohi had one special request for the evening. 'My daughter told me that I must meet Sabrina Carpenter, so I have to meet her, because it is her dream come true if I do. I'm going to look for her inside,' Johar told reporters.
Sabrina Carpenter's Met Look
Sabrina Carpenter also stunned at the Met Gala in a custom Dior gown that paid homage to Audrey Hepburn's 1954 film 'Sabrina,' starring Humphrey Bogart and William Holden. 'It's all made of film, which is my dream,' Carpenter told Vogue correspondent Lala Anthony at the top of the Met steps. 'It's from the movie 'Sabrina,' which is one of my favorite films of all time.'
Inspiration Behind the Outfit
Karan Johar shared the inspiration behind his ensemble, stating, 'For me, it had to feel personal and the moment it felt personal, it became Indian, because that's where everything I know comes from. Every story I've told, every film I've made, every emotion I've tried to put on screen has come from this place. Raja Ravi Varma felt right because his work does something I've always tried to do in cinema. Ravi Varma painted feelings.'
According to Johar, the Met Gala was the perfect platform to pay tribute to the iconic Indian painter. 'This look is my way of wearing that inheritance and I think that's the most honest thing I could have done for my first Met. To arrive not with a concept, but with a feeling I've carried my whole life and finally found the right form for.'
