Indian billionaire Sudha Reddy stuns at Met Gala 2026 - but it’s her ₹142 crore tanzanite necklace that has everyone talking

New York’s biggest fashion night always brings the drama, the avant-garde, and the occasionally bizarre. But this May, as stars climbed the iconic steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the spotlight shifted to something genuinely breathtaking. The 2026 theme, “Fashion Is Art,” practically demanded museum-worthy looks.

And honestly? Sudha Reddy delivered exactly that.

The Indian billionaire, businesswoman, and philanthropist didn’t just attend - she owned the carpet, bringing a bold, unapologetic display of Indian craftsmanship to a global stage.

Let’s start with the jewellery - because this wasn’t just an accessory, it was a moment.

Sudha Reddy, director at Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Limited and founder of the Sudha Reddy Foundation, stepped out wearing a necklace from her personal collection valued at over $15 million or INR 142 crore.

At the centre of it all was a jaw-dropping 550-carat tanzanite pendant, dramatically titled the “Queen of Merelani.” The deep violet-blue stone, set in a vintage-inspired Victorian style, was surrounded by large rose-cut diamonds, adding depth and old-world drama.

In a room full of borrowed diamonds and brand placements, this felt different. Personal. Powerful. And impossible to ignore.

Of course, a necklace like that needs the right canvas—and that’s where Manish Malhotra stepped in.

Reddy wore a custom gown inspired by traditional kalamkari art, known for its intricate detailing and storytelling roots. The outfit struck a careful balance—it didn’t compete with the jewellery but instead grounded the entire look in heritage and craftsmanship.

The textures, tones, and detailing echoed the theme perfectly, turning the ensemble into something that felt less like fashion and more like wearable art.

If you’ve followed global red carpets, this moment didn’t come out of nowhere.

Sudha Reddy has been steadily building a reputation for making strong, memorable appearances at major international events. From her 2024 Met Gala look—where she wore a $20 million diamond piece—to appearances at Cannes and the Paris Olympics, she’s consistently used these platforms to spotlight Indian design and craftsmanship.

Her approach is clear: take Indian heritage global, but do it with scale, confidence, and intention.

At the 2026 Met Gala, Sudha Reddy didn’t just wear couture.

She wore history. Craft. Identity.

And somehow, she made carrying a $15 million statement piece look completely effortless.