MUMBAI: Janhvi Kapoor has fired back at mocking Indian celebrities at the 2025 Met Gala, calling out the "Chandivalification" jibe as a reflection of lingering colonial attitudes. In a pointed Instagram comment on Diet Sabya’s post, she celebrated the global spotlight now shining on Indian artisans and designers.
“It was high time. Our artisans and designers are the best in the world. They deserve the spotlight on a global stage like the Met. As do our icons,” Janhvi wrote, emphasizing the significance of Indian representation at such prestigious events.
She further criticized the notion that Indian presence at the Met Gala diminishes its glamour, stating, “Shouldn’t we be happy we’re finally getting our due instead of salty about how seeing our own people on this platform is making it seem a little less aspirational Might I say our garments were amongst the most spectacular. Amusing how we're being almost classist towards ourselves, clearly colonial trauma hasn't left us.?”
Janhvi highlighted the rich heritage of Indian craftsmanship, noting, “For decades, the work of our artisans has been exported from our country and put on global platforms without credit. For decades, they have borrowed our fabrics, our embroidery, our textiles, our jewellery and presented it as a creation of which they are the rightful owners.”
The 2025 Met Gala witnessed a significant Indian presence, with Shah Rukh Khan making history as the first Indian male actor to attend, Kiara Advani breaking ground as the first Indian woman to walk the carpet while pregnant, Diljit Dosanjh turning heads with his Maharaja-inspired look, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas returning for her fifth appearance.
She added saying, “I'm glad our people are finally getting the chance to represent so much of our work and heritage. If anything, the sense of pride I felt seeing our artists and garments at the Met made whole affair seem even more magical.”
Janhvi's remarks resonate with many who view such events as a long-overdue acknowledgment of India's rich cultural and artistic contributions on the global stage.
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