Bollywood star Deepika Padukone found herself embroiled in social media controversy after appearing in a promotional video for Abu Dhabi tourism alongside her husband, Ranveer Singh. The actress drew criticism and was trolled for wearing a hijab and abaya in a segment of the advertisement, which quickly ignited a debate online.
The ad, which unveiled Deepika and Ranveer as brand ambassadors for “Experience Abu Dhabi,” showcased the couple exploring various landmarks in the city. Padukone was seen dressed in traditional Arab attire, including the abaya and a head covering, while visiting a mosque. This sartorial choice sparked a wave of negativity from some users on social media, accusing her of various things.
However, the trolling was immediately met with strong support and a swift defense from her loyal fanbase, who mobilized across various platforms to clap back at the negativity and shield the actress.
Fans Come To Support Deepika- Ranveer
Deepika’s supporters lauded her for displaying respect for another culture and took immense pride in her gesture. Many pointed out the clear context for the attire, stressing that covering one’s head and wearing modest clothing is a requirement for tourists, both male and female, when visiting religious sites like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi.
“Let me clarify every tourist who visits Sheikh Zayad Masjid both males and females have to wear decent clothes and women to cover their heads. Many Christian celebrities, too, cover their heads. So stop making issue,” one fan explained, dismantling the basis of the criticism.
Another user drew a parallel to cultural expectations within India: “As Indians we need not show insecurity about everything. She is covering her head just like we would expect foreign tourists to wear decent clothes in our temples.” This sentiment was echoed by those who highlighted that the couple has always dressed appropriately when visiting Indian places of worship, such as the Siddhi Vinayak temple. “Mosque is a worship place just like temple so obviously she would wear clothes appropriately??” a comment read, suggesting the backlash was baseless.
Many fans focused on the professional context of the ad, arguing that as actors, Deepika and Ranveer were simply doing their job, which involved portraying cultural experiences relevant to the region they were promoting. One supporter declared, “In the tourism commercial she is wearing what is appropriate for that culture. You should be proud of someone who can go to any country and be respectful.”
The broader consensus among her defenders was that the backlash stemmed from a desire to spread negativity and hate against a successful individual. Some users dismissed the uproar as a “controversy” manufactured by “lame-a** people criticising her because she’s successful,” and declared that “No hate train can ever make me hate you.”
Other fans simply expressed admiration for the star’s look, with one writing, “She’s definitely the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in hijab,” and another sharing, “Their respect for Arab cultures and her wearing the hijab increases my love for her.”
Abu Dhabi Partnership Details
The tourism campaign was officially launched on a Monday, announcing both Deepika and Ranveer as the new faces of “Experience Abu Dhabi.” In a statement about the partnership, Ranveer said, “Abu Dhabi is the ultimate family hotspot… I now get to experience this journey with my wife who joins in as a brand ambassador, Deepika.”
Deepika herself expressed her enthusiasm, adding, “Travel is always more meaningful when it is with the people you love… I cannot wait to travel, explore, and experience everything this beautiful city has to offer.” The couple’s appearance in the ad, including Deepika’s brief wearing of the traditional attire, was part of showcasing the diverse experiences Abu Dhabi provides.