By: Vibhuti Pathak
In a moment that has left fans fuming across the globe, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan was asked to introduce himself on the red carpet of the Met Gala 2025 — sparking widespread outrage and disbelief on social media.
The 59-year-old actor made history on Monday (5) as the first Indian male actor to walk the prestigious red carpet at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. But instead of the reverence one might expect for a global icon, SRK was met with confusion.
Shah Rukh Khan, and His Jeweled Tiger’s Head, Make Their Met Debut 🖤🔥
KING KHAN AT MET GALA #ShahRukhKhan #MetGala2025 pic.twitter.com/VsZYQNScxM
— Shah Rukh Khan Warriors FAN Club (@TeamSRKWarriors) May 5, 2025
A video clip that quickly went viral shows a red carpet reporter asking Shah Rukh, “What is your name?” as he stood poised alongside renowned Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Maintaining his signature charm and grace, the Pathaan star politely introduced himself and his designer — a moment that stunned fans who believe the reporter’s ignorance revealed a deeper lack of global awareness.
Social media platforms were instantly flooded with reactions. “What do you mean Shah Rukh Khan went to the Met Gala and people don’t know who he is?” questioned one bewildered fan on X (formerly Twitter). Another user lamented, “Saw the SRK red carpet interview – the girlies had no idea who they were talking to.”
Adding to the frustration was another incident where Shah Rukh was seen being asked to step aside during the live stream of the event. “Showing only 5 seconds of SRK at the Met Gala live is just disrespectful,” one user fumed. “He’s a king, he’s Shah Rukh Khan, and Americans don’t deserve him.”
Despite the media faux pas, Shah Rukh’s debut at the Met Gala was a massive fashion moment. Dressed in an all-black ensemble by couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the actor stunned in a floor-length elongated coat, silk shirt, and wool trousers. A satin pleated kamarbandh, layered necklaces including a ‘K’ pendant, and a regal walking stick completed his royal look, receiving applause from fashion critics and celebrities alike.
Filmmaker Karan Johar took to Instagram to hail the look, calling him simply, “The King.”
This Met Gala appearance comes at an intriguing time in Shah Rukh’s career. He is set to return to the big screen in Siddharth Anand’s much-anticipated film King. Meanwhile, rumors about the actor possibly joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe have reignited following this high-profile international appearance — adding even more buzz to his already viral presence.
While the red carpet moment may have been a letdown for many SRK admirers, it has certainly reignited conversations about cultural representation, international media preparedness, and the global reach of Indian cinema’s biggest stars. One thing is certain: the world may need an introduction to Shah Rukh Khan, but his fans will never stop reminding them who the “King of Bollywood” truly is.