Actor Deepika Padukone faced social media backlash after a new advertisement promoting Abu Dhabi tourism was released, showing her wearing a hijab/abaya. However, her fans have quickly mobilized online to defend the star, praising her for demonstrating respect for local culture.
Deepika and her husband, Ranveer Singh, were recently announced as brand ambassadors for ‘Experience Abu Dhabi,’ and the ad features them exploring various locations, with Deepika wearing the traditional garment in one segment.
Fans Highlight Cultural Respect
In response to the criticism, Deepika’s fans took to social media platforms to push back against the negativity. Many argued that her choice of clothing was a simple act of cultural appreciation and respect for the places she was promoting and visiting.
Key points made by her supporters include:
- Appropriate Dress for Religious Sites: Many users clarified that covering the head is a requirement for tourists, both male and female, at holy sites like the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, just as visitors are expected to dress modestly in Indian temples. “Mosque is a worship place just like temple so obviously she would wear clothes appropriately??” a fan commented.
- Consistency in Behavior: Fans pointed out that Deepika has always shown respect by wearing appropriate attire when visiting Indian temples, such as the Siddhi Vinayak temple, demonstrating a consistent respect for places of worship.
- Strategic Partnership: One supporter noted that the gesture should be viewed positively, given that the UAE is a strategic partner to India.
The overwhelming sentiment from her fanbase was that the controversy was “baseless” and fueled by people simply looking for reasons to spread hate against the successful actor. “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,” wrote another fan.