Bollywood stars often find themselves caught between fan expectations and political trolling
MUMBAI — Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has become the latest target of Hindutva outrage after appearing in an Abu Dhabi tourism advertisement in an abaya and covering her head at the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
The ad, featuring Deepika alongside her husband Ranveer Singh, has drawn furious reactions from Hindu right-wing supporters, who accused the actress of “promoting Islam” and “ignoring her own religion”.
The advertisement, titled Visit Abu Dhabi, was filmed under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, where Ranveer Singh serves as the brand ambassador.
In the commercial, Deepika is seen gracefully walking inside the mosque wearing a modest red abaya, while Ranveer appears in a sherwani-like outfit. The simple act of wearing a culturally appropriate outfit inside a place of worship has, however, triggered a torrent of abuse from online trolls associated with Hindutva groups.
One user posted, “Deepika Padukone wore a hijab to promote Abu Dhabi’s mosque but never dressed like this for her own temples.”
However, many users quickly countered this hate narrative. One social media user wrote, “This is not about religion, it’s about respect. Even global pop star Rihanna wore an abaya when she visited the same mosque.”
Another person commented, “Deepika has never disrespected Hindu temples, so why is there such an unnecessary uproar now?”
A third user added, “People are overreacting. This is simply about showing respect to a holy place, not about promoting any faith.”
Despite widespread condemnation of the trolling, Hindutva accounts continue to target the actress, digging up her past statements and controversies to intensify their online attack.
Observers say such incidents reflect a growing pattern of intolerance and Islamophobia among certain Hindu nationalist circles, where any act of respect toward Islamic culture is viewed with suspicion.
A Muslim social media user remarked, “The problem is not Deepika’s dress, the problem is with those who cannot tolerate any sign of respect towards Muslims.”
Another user pointed out that the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque requires all visitors — regardless of religion — to wear modest clothing and cover their heads as a mark of respect. “If a Hindu, Christian, or atheist visits the mosque, they must follow the same rules. It’s about etiquette, not religion,” he said.
Deepika and Ranveer Singh have not yet responded to the controversy, perhaps choosing silence over confrontation. But their quiet dignity contrasts sharply with the venomous tone of their detractors.
Many Indians have expressed disappointment over the hate campaign, calling it an example of how far right-wing intolerance has seeped into public discourse.
A university student from Delhi commented, “These so-called nationalists are exposing their own hatred. Instead of celebrating cultural respect, they’re manufacturing religious divides.”
Cultural commentators note that Bollywood stars often find themselves caught between fan expectations and political trolling. Wearing an abaya in a Muslim country — a gesture of cultural understanding — is being twisted into a political issue.
The row also highlights how Indian Muslims and symbols of Islamic culture are frequently vilified by right-wing elements online, regardless of context.
A journalist from Mumbai noted, “If Deepika had refused to cover her head, they would have called it arrogance. If she covers it, they call it appeasement. It shows the hypocrisy of the mob.”
As the debate rages on, voices of reason continue to remind people that respecting cultural and religious customs is a universal value.
“When we visit Vatican City, we also dress modestly. No one calls that promoting Christianity,” another user said. “So why the double standard when it comes to Muslims?”
For now, Deepika’s dignified silence seems to have spoken louder than any words.
In the face of hatred, her simple gesture — wearing an abaya out of respect — has turned into a quiet statement for tolerance, coexistence, and mutual respect.
