05 May,2026 03:56 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Vijay Varma (Pic/ Instagram)
Vijay Varma has once again blurred the lines between character, charisma, and couture- this time with a playful, internet-winning twist. As he dropped AI-generated images of himself dressed as Brij Bhatti from Matka King, reimagined on the grand stage of the MET Gala, fans couldn't help but applaud his creativity.
He captioned the post, "Cotton market se MET Gala tak⦠Brij Bhatti ka style chalta hai METkaKing," and the post instantly struck a chord. It's the clever wordplay, transforming Matka King into METka King, one that truly seals the moment. Witty, self-aware, and perfectly in sync with Vijay Varma's evolving public persona, the post reinforces his image as an actor who doesn't just perform characters but knows how to extend them into pop culture conversations.
Fashion has always been one of his strongest side quests, and here too, he delivers. Whether it's red carpets or experimental editorials, Varma has consistently outdone himself, embracing bold silhouettes, textures, and storytelling through style. What makes these images even more striking is how meticulously he has retained Brij Bhatti's signature look while placing the character in a MET Gala setting.
The timing couldn't be sharper. Fresh off widespread praise for his recent performances, Varma is riding a wave of critical acclaim
The Met Gala is known as one of the biggest fashion events in the world. It brings together stars from music, films, fashion, and business. Every year, celebrities step onto the red carpet in outfits that reflect art, culture, and creativity, making the event a global talking point.
This year's Met Gala theme, "Costume Art," focused on the relationship between clothing and the human body. The exhibition, curated by Andrew Bolton, explores different forms and stages of the body through fashion.
This year, filmmaker Karan Johar made his debut at the Gala. Karan brought to life his interpretation of the "Costume Art" theme--and the dress code of "fashion is art" in a Manish Malhotra creation.
The ensemble, designed by Manish Malhotra, draws its visual language directly from the paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, interpreting the master's iconic command of drape, light, and ornament through contemporary couture. The silhouette is rooted in classical Indian drapery, restructured with a precision that allows fabric to move with the body without losing its sculptural authority. The garment draws from some of Varma's most iconic works, among them - Hamsa Damayanti, Kadambari, Arjuna and Subhadra, and There Comes Papa - each painting selected not for spectacle, but for the quiet emotional truth it carries.
