Who was Maharaja Bhupinder Singh? The inspiration behind Diljit Dosanjh's debut Met Gala look

Diljit Dosanjh's first appearance at the Met Gala 2025 was a global sensation, not only in terms of fashion but for its profound tribute to Sikh royalty and Punjabi culture. The inspiration for this historic turn was Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala, a name that is synonymous with luxury, leadership, and cultural pride of early 20th-century India.

Who was Maharaja Bhupinder Singh?

Born in 1891 to the Jat Sikh Phulkian dynasty, Bhupinder Singh was the son of Maharaja Rajinder Singh. He became king of Patiala at a young age of nine, upon the demise of his father. He reigned from 1900 until his last breath in 1938. As Maharaja, he was known for his extraordinary wealth, forward thinking, and sponsorship of sports and the arts. His rule was characterized by attempts at modernization in Patiala, and he became an icon of Indian royalty on the international scene.

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh - A patron of sports and the arts

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh is most remembered for his role in cricket. At the age of 19, he led India's inaugural cricket team on its tour of England in 1911, a landmark event in Indian sporting history. He appeared in 27 first-class games between 1915 and 1937, even playing for the elite Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC). Although he was to lead India's first official Test team in 1932, he backed out on the grounds of age and health, but his legacy continued to be foundational. He was instrumental in setting up the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and christened the Ranji Trophy, a premier championship in Indian cricket.

Maharaja Bhupinder Singh's legendary opulence

Bhupinder Singh’s legacy is also defined by his extravagant lifestyle. He was known for his vast fleet of luxury cars -reportedly owning 44 Rolls-Royces - and for commissioning some of the world’s most famous jewels. Most notably, he commissioned the Patiala Necklace from Cartier in 1928, a 1,000-carat diamond masterpiece considered one of the most expensive and intricate pieces of jewelry ever made. This piece of jewelry became a lasting icon of his magnificence and was the design inspiration for Diljit Dosanjh's Met Gala look.

Tribute by Diljit Dosanjh's Met Gala

Diljit Dosanjh honored Maharaja Bhupinder Singh at the Met Gala 2025 by wearing an ensemble that combined Sikh royal tradition with modern fashion. His bespoke ivory sherwani, turban, and ornate jewelry-including a necklace and turban brooch modeled after the Maharaja's collection-were styled to give off the royal charm of Patiala's much-vaunted ruler. The outfit also included a ceremonial sword (kirpan) and a cape embroidered with the map of Punjab and the Mool Mantra, highlighting the importance of heritage and identity.

Legacy and modern resonance

The life and legacy of Maharaja Bhupinder Singh endure, representing a singular mix of tradition, innovation, and cultural pride. Diljit Dosanjh's tribute at the Met Gala 2025 introduced this legacy to the world, showcasing the lasting influence of Sikh royalty and Punjabi culture on modern society.


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