Deepika Padukone wears abaya in Abu Dhabi ad, faces backlash; fans clap back | VIDEO

Abu Dhabi: Deepika Padukone’s appearance in a traditional abaya and hijab in a new Abu Dhabi tourism campaign has triggered backlash from some social media users — but her fans have swiftly come to her defence, calling the criticism unnecessary and baseless.

The actor was unveiled on Monday as the brand ambassador for Experience Abu Dhabi, alongside husband Ranveer Singh, through a promotional video showcasing the city’s key attractions. In one segment, Deepika is seen wearing a black abaya and headscarf while visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Critics were quick to mock the move, accusing the actor of double standards and performative behaviour.

“What happened to Your Maa Choice? Not valid in Abu Dhabi?” one user wrote, referencing a popular women’s rights campaign Deepika once led.

Another questioned, “Okay in Indian clothes with dupatta on head you can go — why is it necessary to wear abaya and hijab?”

A harsher comment read: “Earn in India, cry patriarchy in India, insult Indian culture and wrap burkha in Abu Dhabi for shaikhs’ money. Don’t come back to

India.”

However, the backlash was met with strong support from fans, who defended Deepika’s appearance as appropriate, respectful, and culturally sensitive.

“As Indians, we need not show insecurity about everything. She is covering her head just like we would expect foreign tourists to wear decent clothes in our temples… Deepika and Ranveer are looking regal. That regality is Indian,” one user wrote.

Another pointed out: “Let me clarify — every tourist who visits Sheikh Zayed Masjid, male or female, has to wear appropriate clothing. Women must cover their heads. Many Christian celebrities do the same. So stop making it an issue.”

“The same Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh go to Siddhivinayak Temple, by the way,” a third added. “A mosque is a place of worship just like a temple. Obviously, she would dress respectfully.”

In the campaign launch, Ranveer Singh described Abu Dhabi as the “ultimate family hotspot,” adding,

“I now get to experience this journey with my wife, who joins in as a brand ambassador, Deepika.”

Deepika said:

“Travel is always more meaningful when it is with the people you love… I cannot wait to travel, explore, and experience everything this beautiful city has to offer.”

Many fans slammed the backlash as nothing more than targeted hate.

“This is Deepika Padukone when she goes to temples. She’s always respectful of Indian culture too,” one user noted.

Another wrote, “In the ad, she’s dressed appropriately for the culture. You should be proud she represents India with such grace.”

Some expressed confusion over the outrage altogether:

“I don’t know why people are crying over these pictures. Ranveer and Deepika are doing their job. Some people just hate for no reason.”

Others called out the pattern of unwarranted trolling.

“Another controversy. Same lame-a** people criticising her because she’s successful. Stay pressed — Indian cinema is lucky to have her.”

“She’s the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen in a hijab,” one fan wrote.

Another added, “Their respect for Arab culture, and her wearing the hijab, only increases my admiration.”

Deepika Padukone has been appointed as the new regional brand ambassador of "Experience Abu Dhabi," the destination brand of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi.