Bollywood celebrity Deepika Padukone, alongside her husband Ranveer Singh, recently appeared wearing a hijab in a new advertisement for Abu Dhabi tourism. Since the ad was released, Deepika Padukone trolled on social media has become one of the top trends in India. The advertisement, which focused on the cultural beauty of the Middle East and modest fashion, has invited a certain section of Indian social media users, particularly Hindutva trolls, to focus on cultural criticism.
Some extremist users criticized Deepika on many social media platforms for being “hypocritical.” They drew similarities between her new ad and her past Vogue India advertisement “My Choice,” where she champions women’s rights and their choice to wear whatever they want. Someone ridiculed her with: “Remember Deepika Padukone’s video ‘My Choice’? ‘To wear a bindi or not, my choice. I decide the clothes I wear.’ Now Deepika Padukone has made a video promoting Abu Dhabi tourism wearing a hijab.”
Later, the same user said in a mocking tone, “And what happened to ‘My Choice’?” Other users then started to follow the mocking tone saying Deepika’s decision was only motivated by money. Someone commented, “Choice has a price tag” and another said “For people like her, MONEY is the only choice. The rest is all rubbish”. They just fool the Indian public. She did the same — what’s new in that?”
Another troll compared her to Smriti Irani, the Indian actress-turned-politician, sharing an old picture of Irani in Madinah wearing a saree and a tilak.
The tweet stated: “This is @smritiirani in Madinah.” The intent seemed to shame Deepika for her choice of Islamic culture clothing and appreciate Irani for ‘Indian values’ attire abroad.
Some went to the extent of attacking her and Ranveer Singh, saying they were ‘hypocrites’ and ‘fake icons.’ “These actors are hypocrites and worse humans!”, one user commented. This is part of a wider online hate that is targeted to these celebrities and the unwillingness to cross over the nationalism or the religion of the country. Deepika Padukone trolled posts continued to spread rapidly on various platforms.
Some defended Deepika Padukone. Many of her fans and even neutral observers noted that her clothing choice was part of the respect and context of the culture. “What’s your problem sir? Anyone can do anything as per their wish.” was one of the comments, and another stated “Bro, same logic — it’s her choice now too.”
A more informed user explained, “Because you cannot enter the Sheikh Zayed Mosque without a hijab,” elaborating on the UAE’s cultural and religious customs that demand more modest coverings in certain sacred places. Another comment stated, “ITS HER CHOICE,” resonating the tagline from her former campaign and effectively ending the debate.
Even while Deepika Padukone trolled messages kept trending, supporters maintained that her attire reflected cultural awareness, not hypocrisy.
When Vogue India first launched the “My Choice” campaign, it included a short film with Deepika Padukone discussing a woman’s right to autonomy and self-expression. This sparked nationwide debates on feminism and personal freedom. This is probably why the recent trolling is using her message to battle her politically.
Unlike these advertisements, Abu Dhabi tourism has Deepika and Ranveer advertising Abu Dhabi tourism as they ‘explore’ the architecture, culture and even landmarks of the city, all the while complying to dress modestly as per the local culture. Again, Deepika’s choice of ‘attire’ is a testament to culture and professionalism, not a contradiction.
The Deepika Padukone trolled incident shows how easily her message of empowerment can be twisted to fit political or cultural narratives.
It again shows the intolerance and double standards as the portraits in Indian culture. Deepika is constantly targeted for her individuality and ‘across the culture’ work. On the other side, many are not afraid to praise Deepika for ‘copping’ the ignorance politely.
Ultimately, Deepika said it best years ago, ‘My Choice,’ and it circles back to the same principle. Having the freedom to choose, be it a bindi, a hijab, or a saree, is the essence of self-expression. Despite being Deepika Padukone trolled once again, she continues to represent independence, respect, and grace in her work.
