• By Sukanya Saha
  • Wed, 03 May 2023 10:35 AM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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The first Monday of May in New York City is the day when the Met Gala rolls out the red carpet for a bevy of celebrities, strutting their designer-approved looks up the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

However, now, the Met Gala is not just a competition for turning up as the best-dressed celeb, but a worldwide cultural blend that recognises the new superstars of fashion. It is not just a display of inclusivity and diversity in terms of race, but also an opportunity to make a statement, as demonstrated by Priyanka Chopra and Alia Bhatt this year. It shows that South Asians, who make up 20 per cent of the world’s population, are no longer content with being overlooked or stereotyped by the West.

Priyanka Chopra, who has made a name for herself with her daring and innovative outfits at the previous Met Galas, took a more classic approach this year. To honour Karl Lagerfeld, she wore a simple yet elegant black Valentino gown with an off-shoulder neckline and a thigh-high slit.

On the other end of the spectrum was newcomer Alia Bhatt, who made her Met Gala debut in a billowing white gown adorned with pearls, complemented by a Lagerfeld-inspired white glove. She exuded sophistication while turning heads with her understated yet striking appearance and walked in with designer Prabal Gurung, thus making a statement without being too flashy.

Met Gala 2019:

During the 2019 Met Gala, which had a theme of "CAMP: Notes on Fashion," Priyanka turned heads with her daring hair and makeup style. She showcased an extravagant hairdo and completed her look with bold pink eyeshadow, lipstick and stark white eyebrows and eyelashes.

That year, Deepika Padukone also appeared at the Met Gala as an Indian Barbie, wearing a powder pink Zac Posen gown. Her vibrant eye makeup and lip combination added drama to her overall look, with the blended purple and pink eyeshadow accentuating the shape of her eyes and bringing out the deep burgundy tint on her lips. The voluminous half-ponytail hairstyle, which she wore, was also a statement in itself and captured the theme of "Camp: Notes on Fashion" perfectly.

Although some might argue that democracy is not significant at a high-brow occasion where making a statement is crucial and tickets are bought by companies, movie studios, fashion brands, and lobbyists, it is evident that investing in Priyanka Chopra, Alia Bhatt and Deepika Padukone is worthwhile. These actresses are valuable assets who have brought in substantial revenue for the film industry and their brands.

Priyanka Chopra is no longer just the Bollywood actress making waves in Hollywood. Her current role as a powerful brown woman living in the US has allowed her to fully embody the Miss World persona she once held. Chopra's portrayal allows women to see themselves in her character, as she fearlessly confronts men with her wit and charm.

Also read: The Hollywood Evolution Of South Asian Representation

Her personal life, which includes celebrating both Indian and American holidays with equal enthusiasm, and dancing to Bollywood music, further exemplifies her multi-cultural identity. By confidently showcasing her diverse background on social media, Chopra has transformed the potential awkwardness of being a minority into a powerful statement of inclusivity.

Alia Bhatt, on the other hand, who is gearing up for the release of Heart Of Stone, co-starring Gal Gadot and Jamie Dornan, may impress Hollywood enough to prove that she can handle a meaty role with effortlessly.

Deepika Padukone too has put India on the global map through her unparalleled popularity, wide global appeal and unrivalled stardom.

Being India's top female superstar, she recently attended the 95th Academy Awards in Los Angeles as the only Indian presenter and won hearts with her speech about the RRR track Naatu Naatu. Her authenticity and humour made her stand out while her stunning gown made her one of the most talked-about personalities at the event.