Mumbai: After Priyanka Chopra, Bollywood star Deepika Padukone will also give the Met Gala 2026 a miss, choosing instead to focus on her upcoming film projects.
The prestigious fashion event is scheduled to take place on May 4, 2026, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Deepika’s absence comes as a surprise to fans, given her consistent and impactful appearances at the global red carpet event over the years.
Busy schedule with major film projects
According to reports, Deepika is currently occupied with two major films King and Raaka which require her full attention.
The actress is said to be deeply involved in shooting schedules, including action sequences and key scenes that are crucial to both films. With tight timelines and back-to-back commitments, attending an international event like the Met Gala was reportedly not feasible.
Collaboration with leading stars
In King, Deepika stars alongside Shah Rukh Khan in what is expected to be a high-octane action entertainer. The film, directed by Siddharth Anand, is slated for release on December 24, 2026.
The project also features a star-studded cast including Suhana Khan, Anil Kapoor, Abhishek Bachchan, Raghav Juyal, and Rani Mukerji.
Meanwhile, Raaka marks Deepika’s first collaboration with Allu Arjun and director Atlee. The pan-Indian sci-fi action thriller is expected to release in 2027 and includes large-scale action sequences.
Focus on career and personal life
Sources also indicate that Deepika is focusing on her personal life, as she is expected to embrace motherhood for the second time. Balancing personal commitments with demanding film schedules has reportedly influenced her decision to skip the event this year.
Her choice reflects a shift in priorities, with emphasis on long-term career projects and personal milestones rather than global appearances.
Priyanka Chopra also opts out
Deepika’s absence follows confirmation that Priyanka Chopra will also not attend the Met Gala 2026. Chopra is currently busy promoting the second season of her series Citadel, which is set to release on May 6.
She is also scheduled to attend the Gold House Gala in Los Angeles, where she will be honoured with the Global Vanguard Award for the second consecutive year.
Fans react to absence
Deepika’s Met Gala appearances have often been widely discussed for their bold fashion choices and global appeal. Her absence this year is likely to be felt by fans and fashion observers alike.
However, many have expressed support for her decision, acknowledging the importance of her professional commitments and personal priorities.
Conclusion
While the Met Gala remains one of the biggest fashion events globally, Deepika Padukone’s decision to skip the 2026 edition highlights her focus on cinema and personal life. With major releases lined up and high expectations from audiences, the actress appears to be prioritising her on-screen presence over red carpet appearances this year.
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