Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has found herself at the centre of a controversy after being trolled on social media for wearing a hijab while promoting Abu Dhabi tourism with her husband, Ranveer Singh.
However, her fans have come forward to defend her and respond to the negativity.
Remember Deepika Padukone's video "My Choice"?
— Ankur Singh (@iAnkurSingh) October 7, 2025
"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
Deepika's fans defend her
Deepika's fans took to various social media platforms to speak out and defend her. Many people praised her for showing respect for another culture and took pride in her actions.
"As Indians, we should not be insecure about everything. She is covering her head, just as we would expect foreign tourists to dress appropriately in our temples. More than that, the UAE is a strategic partner for our country, with significant bilateral trade and military operations. Deepika and Ranveer look regal. That royalty is Indian," wrote one.
Another fan wrote, "Let me clarify that every tourist who visits Sheikh Zayad Masjid, both male and female, must wear appropriate clothing, with women covering their heads. Many Christian celebrities also cover their heads. So stop causing problems," with one pointing out, "The same Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh for the Siddhi Vinayak temple, by the way. Mosque is a place of worship, just like a temple, so she should wear appropriate clothing? You're all just looking for engagement."
Some social media users commented that the backlash against Deepika appeared unfounded, implying that people were simply looking for reasons to spread negativity and hatred toward her.
I don’t know why people crying over this pictures Raveer singh and Deepika padukone both are actors and they are doing their work.. Some people just hates for no reason.. pic.twitter.com/orOZMl7HCR
— GHOST (@Ghostistakenn) October 8, 2025
"This is Deepika Padukone when she visited temples. She has always been respectful of Indian culture," another wrote. One comment read, "In the tourism commercial, she is dressed appropriately for the culture. You should be proud of someone who can travel to any country and remain respectful."
This is Deepika Padukone when she has gone to temples. She has always been respectful toward the culture of India.
— Tony ﾒ𝟶 (@AbelX0) October 8, 2025
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. https://t.co/biIo9kCAnl pic.twitter.com/omjq9n0l0T
Some fans were perplexed by the outrage, writing, "I don't know why people are crying over these pictures. Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone are both actors and they are doing their jobs. Some people just hate without reason."
I don’t know why people crying over this pictures Raveer singh and Deepika padukone both are actors and they are doing their work.. Some people just hates for no reason.. pic.twitter.com/orOZMl7HCR
— GHOST (@Ghostistakenn) October 8, 2025
"Another controversy; same lamea** people criticising her because she's successful, stay pressed the Indian cinema will forever be lucky to have an actor like Deepika Padukone," a colleague tweeted. One person declared, "No hate train can ever make me hate you."
"She's definitely the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in hijab," a reader said. Another wrote: "Their respect for Arab cultures and her wearing the hijab increases my love for her".
The other posted, "I love this couple, they never disrespect anyone, or have any kind of toxic drama, she named her daughter, Dua, and now she's wearing Abaya, they look so good together" .
Why did Deepika wear Abaya
Deepika and her husband Ranveer were named brand ambassadors for Experience Abu Dhabi on Monday. The update coincided with the launch of an advertisement. In the advertisement, the couple is seen showing off various locations in Abu Dhabi, with Deepika wearing a traditional Abaya at one point.
View this post on Instagram
"Abu Dhabi is the ideal family destination... "I now get to share this journey with my wife, Deepika, who has joined us as a brand ambassador," Ranveer said in a statement.
Deepika responded, "Travel is always more meaningful when it is with the people you love... I can't wait to travel, explore, and enjoy everything this lovely city has to offer."
