Diljit Dosanjh wanted to wear worth Rs 21,000 Crore necklace at Met Gala 2025 but was denied due to...

Diljit Dosanjh wanted to wear worth Rs 21,000 crore necklace at Met Gala 2025 but was denied due to...

Punjabi music sensation and actor Diljit Dosanjh made a powerful debut at the Met Gala 2025, stunning the global fashion elite with an ensemble that was both regal and rooted in Indian tradition. Clad in a majestic outfit designed by Prabal Gurung, Diljit embraced the event's theme — "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" — while celebrating his own heritage through a look inspired by the legendary Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala.

Diljit walked the red carpet in a flowing kurta-tehmat ensemble, paired with a traditional Sikh turban and an embroidered cape featuring Gurmukhi script. A ceremonial sword completed the Maharaja-inspired look, turning heads and earning applause for its cultural richness and sophistication. Yet, one element was conspicuously missing from his opulent homage — the iconic Patiala necklace.

The Patiala necklace, commissioned in 1928 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh from Cartier, is considered one of the most extravagant pieces of jewellery ever made. Set with over 2,900 diamonds, including a now-missing 234-carat De Beers diamond at its centre, the necklace originally weighed nearly 1,000 carats. At present valuation, it is worth over Rs 21,000 crore (approximately $2.5 billion), making it the most valuable necklace Cartier has ever crafted.

According to stylist Abhilasha Devnani, who helped conceptualize Diljit’s look, there was a genuine effort to feature the original Patiala necklace as the centrepiece of his ensemble. Unfortunately, their request was declined. “It sits sealed in a museum,” Devnani told The New York Times, explaining that the piece is too fragile and historically significant to be loaned for public appearances.

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In light of this, the team collaborated with renowned Indian jewellers Golecha to design bespoke pieces reminiscent of the Patiala royal family’s treasure trove. These included an ornate turban brooch that elegantly compensated for the absence of the legendary necklace.

Despite the setback, Diljit's appearance was hailed as one of the most striking of the evening. Fashion critics and fans alike lauded his commitment to authenticity and the way he seamlessly blended tradition with high fashion. Speaking to The New York Times, Diljit said, “It’s what I’ve been doing all this time. It’s about carrying your identity with pride, right?”

The 2025 Met Gala marked a watershed moment for Indian representation. Alongside Diljit, Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan made his Met debut, joined by Priyanka Chopra, Kiara Advani, and renowned designers like Sabyasachi, Manish Malhotra, and Prabal Gurung, collectively showcasing the timeless elegance and diversity of Indian fashion on a global stage.