Drama at the MET? Priyanka Chopra's SNUB from Karan Johar's praise list sparks buzz

The 2025 MET Gala saw a notable presence from the Indian film industry, as several high-profile names graced the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Leading the turnout was superstar Shah Rukh Khan, accompanied by Punjabi sensation Diljit Dosanjh, actor Kiara Advani, and designer heavyweights Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Also attending was global celebrity Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who arrived with husband and performer Nick Jonas. However, what followed on social media raised some eyebrows.

Filmmaker and producer Karan Johar took to Instagram soon after the appearances, celebrating what he called a proud moment for India on the world’s biggest fashion stage. Through a series of posts and stories, Karan lauded Shah Rukh for his massive online impact, hailed Diljit’s statement-making look, and praised Kiara for her maternal grace and fashion-forward presence. Curiously, though, Priyanka Chopra did not feature in any of these tributes.

The omission has reignited chatter about a long-standing tension between the two Bollywood figures. Although both have worked together in the past, most notably in Dostana, speculation about a fallout began years ago after Karan’s cryptic tweets appeared to call out unnamed celebrities for manipulative PR tactics. At the time, those tweets were widely believed to have been aimed at Priyanka. Neither party addressed the matter publicly in detail, but the silence didn’t stop industry insiders from drawing conclusions.

While Karan’s relationships with Shah Rukh, Kiara, and Diljit have remained visibly warm—evidenced by multiple collaborations and public gestures of support—his dynamic with Priyanka has remained off-screen and under the radar. In recent years, Priyanka has been vocal about her decision to distance herself from Bollywood’s inner circles, citing professional setbacks and interpersonal politics as factors behind her move to the West. She’s spoken about being excluded from projects and hinted at underlying friction with influential players in the industry.

Though there has never been an official statement confirming a feud, the timing of Karan’s exclusion of Priyanka in his online praise has fuelled fresh rounds of speculation. The fact that she was present at the same event, representing Indian talent on a global platform, only added to the online commentary. Observers were quick to point out that while others from the Indian contingent received enthusiastic mentions, Priyanka’s name was conspicuously absent.

This isn’t the first time Karan’s social media activity has sparked debate. Known for his close connections with several Bollywood stars, Karan has often used his platforms to celebrate colleagues and friends—sometimes leading to unintended subtext when others are left out. In this case, what was meant to be a moment of collective pride has turned into yet another episode in a long-running saga that fans and followers are eager to decode.

Meanwhile, Priyanka’s presence at the MET Gala was no small affair. She arrived with Nick Jonas, turning heads with a distinctly bold ensemble. Her global brand continues to grow, as does her influence across entertainment industries. That she continues to walk global carpets with confidence despite domestic silences only adds intrigue to her journey.

As for Shah Rukh Khan, Diljit Dosanjh, and Kiara Advani, their MET Gala appearances were widely applauded. Each brought a different flavour to the event, showcasing India’s fashion and entertainment prowess. Designers Manish Malhotra and Sabyasachi, both known for their stronghold in Indian couture, further anchored the country’s stylish display.

Whether or not Karan Johar’s posts were an intentional slight or a mere oversight remains unclear. But in an industry where optics are everything, such social moves often speak louder than official words. For now, the MET Gala afterglow shines on, but the undercurrent of drama seems to have tagged along for the ride.