In a newly released advertisement for Abu Dhabi tourism, actor-couple Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal are seen exploring the serene beauty of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. The video, shared by Sonakshi on her Instagram, has garnered significant attention, not just for its stunning visuals but also for igniting a conversation about the public’s perception of celebrities, especially when compared to a similar recent promotion featuring Deepika Padukone.
In the promotional clip, Sonakshi and Zaheer are depicted walking gracefully through the grand corridors and courtyards of the iconic mosque. The couple posed for several shots against the backdrop of the mosque’s magnificent architecture. For the visit, Sonakshi was dressed in an elegant green and white printed short kurta and pyjama set, with her head respectfully covered by a matching green dupatta. Zaheer complemented her look in a black shirt paired with green trousers. Sharing the video with her followers, Sonakshi captioned the post, “Found a little sukoon (peace), right here in Abu Dhabi! @visitabudhabi #InAbuDhabi #ad.”
The post was quickly met with a wave of comments from fans and followers. Many praised the couple’s appearance and the aesthetic quality of the video. One user commented, “Your dress totally matches the aesthetic,” while another simply wrote, “Beautiful.” However, the conversation soon took a more complex turn as users began to draw parallels between Sonakshi’s post and the recent criticism faced by Deepika Padukone, who was also featured in a tourism ad where she wore a hijab.
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One fan pointed out the perceived double standard in the public’s reaction, writing, “So it’s normal for Sonakshi but not for Deepika?? Both visited the same mosque, and both looked wonderfully amazing with their husbands. Can we stop trolling people and let them live peacefully?” This sentiment was echoed by others who defended the act of covering one’s head as a sign of respect in a place of worship, regardless of one’s personal faith. “In a temple or a mosque, it’s a spiritual thing to cover the head, whether or not you’re a Hindu or a Muslim,” another person commented, highlighting the cultural significance of the gesture.
Also read: Deepika Padukone Faces Backlash Over Abu Dhabi Tourism Ad Attire, Fans Comes To Rescue
This public discourse comes as Sonakshi and Zaheer continue to share glimpses of their life together since their wedding. The couple tied the knot on June 23 of last year in an intimate ceremony at their Mumbai residence, surrounded by close family and friends. The private affair was followed by a grand reception at Bastian, attended by numerous Bollywood celebrities. In a heartfelt wedding post, they shared, “On this very day, seven years back (23.06.2017) in each other’s eyes, we saw love in its purest form and decided to hold on to it.” On the professional front, Sonakshi Sinha’s career is bustling with activity. She was last seen in the psychological thriller Nikita Roy, which was released in theatres on July 18. The film was particularly special as it marked the directorial debut of her brother, Kussh Sinha.
Fans are now eagerly awaiting her next venture, a Telugu film titled Jatadhara, where she will star alongside Sudheer Babu. The film is scheduled to hit theatres on November 7 and features a large ensemble cast including Divya Khossla, Shilpa Shirodkar, and Indira Krishna. Directed by Venkat Kalyan and Abhishek Jaiswal, the project marks Sonakshi’s expansion into regional cinema, promising another versatile performance from the acclaimed actress.