MUMBAI: Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone has once again made headlines — this time for her appearance in a tourism advertisement for Abu Dhabi alongside her husband and actor Ranveer Singh.
The ad, created under the Department of Culture and Tourism’s “Experience Abu Dhabi” campaign, features the couple exploring the city’s landmarks, including the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
In the commercial, Deepika is seen wearing a traditional abaya, a requirement for all women entering the mosque. While many viewers praised her for her grace and respect toward local culture, others criticised her for being “disrespectful” to Hindu traditions, with some even calling for a boycott.
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Supporters quickly came to her defense, pointing out that wearing an abaya is mandatory for women visiting the mosque, regardless of religion or nationality. They emphasized that her choice reflected cultural sensitivity, not religious bias.
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One fan commented: “As Indians, we shouldn’t feel insecure. She’s showing respect just like we expect foreigners to dress modestly in our temples. Deepika and Ranveer look regal—and that regality is Indian!” Another added: “They’re doing promotions; don’t mix religion into everything. I’m a proud Hindu, but she’s just following rules.” A third user wrote: “The same Deepika and Ranveer visit temples too. A mosque is a place of worship just like a temple—of course she would dress appropriately.”
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Despite the online trolling, the majority of reactions have been positive, with fans appreciating Deepika’s poised representation of India abroad and reminding critics that she was simply following protocol at a sacred site. The ad continues to trend online, sparking a wider conversation about cultural respect and understanding in global collaborations.