Actor Deepika Padukone has found herself in the middle of yet another social media storm. The reason this time is her hijab look in a new Abu Dhabi tourism ad with husband Ranveer Singh.
The video, meant to showcase the Emirati capital’s culture and beauty, quickly turned into a topic of online controversy.
The moment the ad dropped, a section of users began trolling Deepika Padukone for wearing a hijab. Some accused her of “appeasement” while others called it a “publicity stunt.”
But amid the noise, a louder,a wave of support came from fans who stood up for the actor’s intent.
Fans defend Deepika Padukone’s choice
“People are so insecure for no reason,” one fan wrote on X. “She’s showing respect toward another culture, just like we expect tourists to dress decently in Indian temples.”
Another pointed out the obvious: “Every tourist who visits Sheikh Zayed Mosque has to cover their head. Even Christian celebrities do it. Why single out Deepika Padukone?”
Supporters shared older pictures of the actor visiting Indian temples in traditional attire, arguing that she has always been respectful of cultural and religious spaces. “She wore a saree to Siddhivinayak. So obviously, she’d wear an abaya in a mosque. People just need drama,” read one viral post.
One user wrote, “She looks elegant and graceful. Her wearing a hijab doesn’t make her less Indian—it shows her class.” Another added, “She’s probably the most beautiful woman I’ve seen in a hijab.”
Why Deepika Padukone wore the abayaOn Monday, Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh were officially announced as brand ambassadors of Experience Abu Dhabi. In the ad, the couple is seen exploring the city’s landmarks, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, where Deepika Padukone appears in a traditional abaya and headscarf.
“Abu Dhabi is the ultimate family hotspot,” Ranveer Singh said in the campaign statement. “And now, I get to experience this journey with my wife who joins as brand ambassador, Deepika.”
To this, Deepika Padukone added, “Travel is always more meaningful when it’s with the people you love. I can’t wait to explore everything this beautiful city has to offer.”
Despite the trolling, it’s clear that fans aren’t buying into the hate. They’re seeing the gesture for what it truly is — a mark of respect.
Also read: Rajvir Jawanda dies after battling for life, Punjabi singers and film industry mourns the lossFAQs1. Why was Deepika Padukone trolled for wearing a hijab?Because she wore it in an Abu Dhabi tourism ad, some social media users accused her of being “politically correct.”
2. What was the ad about?The ad promoted Experience Abu Dhabi, featuring Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh exploring the city’s culture and landmarks.
3. How did fans respond?Fans defended her, saying wearing a hijab was a respectful gesture toward local traditions, not a controversial act.
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