Met Gala 2024 witnessed a striking moment when Alia Bhatt, gracing the event for the second time after her debut last year, captured attention with her elegant presence. Embracing the theme ‘Garden of Time’, she radiated cultural charm in a meticulously crafted saree by Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Amid the flurry of admiration for her attire and poise, a noteworthy incident unfolded.
During her grand entrance on the iconic steps, a clip surfaced on X (formerly Twitter), showcasing Alia Bhatt posing gracefully for the photographers. Clad in a resplendent saree adorned with intricate 3D flowers, she exuded an aura of sophistication.
However, what piqued interest was the moment when photographers mistakenly identified her as Deepika Padukone.
Not the paparazzi mistaking her for Deepika yaar #MetGala #DeepikaPadukone #AliaBhatt pic.twitter.com/XkYd4FrRMJ
— Misha Jaspal (@monjulika1929) May 7, 2024
Despite the misidentification, Alia remained composed, continuing to pose with grace for the cameras.
Alia Bhatt’s attire for the Met Gala 2024, much like her previous year’s debut, sparked a digital frenzy. Draped in a sheer saree embellished with three-dimensional floral motifs, she enchanted onlookers. Designed by the skilled hands of Sabyasachi Mukherjee, the ensemble boasted a remarkable 23-feet long train and a distinctive butterfly-inspired blouse. In a subsequent red carpet interaction, Alia elaborated on her ensemble, attributing its allure to the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde aesthetics.
The sari’s design, with its translucent, glass-like appearance is not just a nod to the ethereal quality of the garden in Ballard’s story but also a tribute to the exquisite, enduring craft of sari-making. What drew me to this look was the sheer audacity of it—how it merges traditional craftsmanship with avant-garde aesthetics. Sabyasachi, known for his dedication to bringing old-world charm and modern sophistication together, seemed like the perfect choice to encapsulate the theme of this year’s Met Gala.”
Regarding the cost of attendance, it’s noteworthy that a single ticket for the Met Gala commands a staggering price of 75,000 USD per person, equivalent to approximately Rs. 63 lakhs in INR. While corporations and design houses often procure tables for their guests, individual attendees bear the cost of their tickets. Hence, it’s plausible that Alia Bhatt invested a substantial sum to grace the esteemed event.
In a departure from past years, Deepika Padukone, a notable figure at the Met Gala since her debut in 2017, was absent from this year’s proceedings. Speculation surrounding her absence ranged from pregnancy rumors to scheduling conflicts with her upcoming projects. Despite her absence, Deepika’s past appearances at the event remain iconic, leaving a lasting impression on fashion enthusiasts.
The incident of Alia Bhatt being mistaken for Deepika Padukone at the Met Gala 2024 invites contemplation on the nature of celebrity, perception, and the nuances of public recognition.