Shah Rukh Khan had to introduce himself at Met Gala: Fan backlash, journalists' take down and more

At the 2025 Met Gala, amid sculpted tailoring and cultural statements, one baffling moment stole the spotlight: a red carpet journalist asked Shah Rukh Khan who he was. Unbothered, he smiled and replied, “I’m Shah Rukh.” The internet, predictably, lost it.

Fans around the world erupted, wondering how the fourth richest actor on the planet—who has ruled Indian cinema for over three decades—could be met with such a blank stare. Was it a cultural blind spot? A chaotic red carpet slip? Maybe a bit of both.

But here’s where we throw journalists a bone. Red carpets are overwhelming. You're juggling names, angles, live streams, and six people yelling in your ear. Mistakes happen. It’s human. And while yes, basic cultural literacy should be standard at an event like the Met, this moment also reminded us just how gracious a true icon can be.

I’ve interviewed Shah Rukh Khan several times, and trust me—this man doesn’t need an introduction. Once, I asked him about a global poll that named him the richest actor in the world. He leaned back, smirked, and said, “Don’t believe everything you read, darling.” Another time, while promoting a luxury apartment in Ras Al Khaimah, he promised, “I’ll come with the bathtub for anyone who buys it.” That’s the kind of magnetic, cheeky brilliance he brings into every room.

So when he had to say his name on the Met carpet, it wasn’t a fall from grace—it was a masterclass in style, humility, and quiet power. Some stars fade when ignored. Shah Rukh Khan just becomes more unforgettable.