Deepika Padukone to skip Met Gala 2026. Here's why

Deepika Padukone will not attend the Met Gala this year because of filming commitments. Met Gala to take place on May 5 (IST).

In Short

• Deepika Padukone to give Met Gala 2026 a miss
• King is slated for release later this year, while Raaka follows
• A source said her immediate focus remains finishing two major films

Actor Deepika Padukone will not be attending this year’s Met Gala, with sources confirming that the decision stems from her current filming commitments. The actress has previously attended Met Gala in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

According to a source close to the development, Padukone is currently prioritising her film schedule, with two major projects in the pipeline. “Her priority has always been and continues to be films. With King slated to release at the end of this year and Raaka scheduled to release next year, her priority at the moment is to complete the shoot for these two films,” the source stated.

With Deepika and Ranveer Singh spotted at the airport recently, speculations were rife that the duo would be making their first Met Gala appearance together. However, a source close to this has confirmed that it is not true.The actress opted to fulfil her working commitment as she dabbles professional commitments with personal life. Deepika announced her second pregnancy recently.

Meanwhile, Padukone, who has been a recurring presence at the Met Gala over the years, has often balanced international appearances with her growing slate of film projects. Her absence this year comes at a time when Indian representation at the gala continues to expand.

The Met Gala 2026 is scheduled to take place on May 5 (IST) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year’s edition, themed “Fashion Is Art,” is expected to draw a wide mix of global celebrities from film, music, fashion and sports.

Among the high-profile attendees and co-chairs are Beyonc, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour, alongside names like Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner expected on the red carpet. From India, Karan Johar will be making his Met Gala debut this year.

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