Met Gala 2026: After Priyanka, Deepika Padukone To Skip The Grand Event? Here's What We Know

Deepika Padukone is set to miss the MET Gala 2026 as film shoots take centre stage. The actor is focused on completing King and Raaka, two major projects lined up for back-to-back releases. Fans worldwide had expected another strong red carpet appearance, but scheduling has tilted firmly towards work commitments this year.

Industry sources have confirmed that Deepika Padukone will stay away from the MET Gala 2026 despite invitations. The decision is linked to tight timelines for both upcoming films. The choice underlines Deepika Padukone’s priorities at a time when global fashion watchers were keen to see new looks on the New York carpet.

Deepika Padukone, MET Gala 2026 and conflicting schedules

Explaining the situation, a source close to the development stated, "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 comment reflects a clear tilt towards cinema over MET Gala 2026 glamour.

Followers of Deepika Padukone’s style will therefore not see any MET Gala 2026 outfits from the actor this year. Observers point out that two of the country’s biggest films are now in production with Deepika involved. The schedule leaves limited room for international fashion events, even highly watched gatherings like the Met Gala.

Deepika Padukone, MET Gala 2026 theme and Indian representation

The MET Gala 2026 takes place on 5 May (IST) at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. This year’s theme, "Fashion Is Art," is expected to draw elaborate interpretations on the red carpet. Deepika Padukone will not join MET Gala 2026 guests, but organisers are preparing for a large list of global names across film, music, fashion and sport.

High-profile co-chairs for the MET Gala 2026 include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour. Stars such as Rihanna, Kim Kardashian, Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner are also expected. From India, Karan Johar will reportedly attend MET Gala 2026 for the first time, alongside Natasha Poonawalla and Manish Malhotra.

Deepika Padukone, MET Gala 2026 absence and film projects King, Raaka

Deepika Padukone has been shooting King with Shah Rukh Khan in Cape Town, generating steady attention online. Unofficial pictures and videos from the King sets have circulated widely, showing the pair back together on screen. The collaboration has lifted expectations for the film, which is scheduled to hit theatres towards the end of this year.

Reports also state that Deepika Padukone plays a key part in Atlee’s film Raaka. Shooting for Deepika’s Raaka portions has already concluded, including a large-scale entry scene and an action sequence with Allu Arjun. Raaka is expected to release next year, adding pressure on timelines and indirectly influencing the MET Gala 2026 decision.

Alongside work, Deepika Padukone is expecting a second child with Ranveer Singh, yet continues filming. Observers have noted how Deepika is balancing pregnancy, the shoot of King, post-production planning for Raaka and international expectations like MET Gala 2026. For now, the focus remains squarely on delivering the two films on schedule rather than appearing on the famed Met steps.