Deepika Padukone is currently facing online trolling from the Indian audience for wearing an abaya and headscarf (mistaken by some as a hijab) in a new Abu Dhabi tourism advertisement with her husband, Ranveer Singh.
Some social media users have criticized Padukone for wearing the head covering, with comments accusing her of hypocrisy and promoting Arab culture over Indian traditions.
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They point to her past statements advocating for women’s choices, including how they dress, in a 2015 “My Choice” short film.
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 video promoting Abu Dhabi tourism wearing Hijab.
What happened to “My Choice”? pic.twitter.com/y6bbIrqGYs
— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) October 7, 2025
Padukone’s fans and other netizens have come to her defense, highlighting that the attire is a mandatory requirement for women visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, where part of the advertisement was filmed.
They emphasize that Padukone has a history of showing respect for various cultures and religious sites, including wearing traditional attire when visiting temples in India.
This is @smriti Irani in Madina. pic.twitter.com/IojQXUYkBx
— Vanita Pande (@vrpande797) October 7, 2025
The controversy has reignited a debate online about cultural sensitivity, personal choice, and how celebrities navigate these issues in the public eye.
Overall, reactions to the advertisement have been mixed, with both positive and negative comments circulating on social media.
