Oct 09, 2025

Why Deepika-Ranveer's Abu Dhabi ad sparked controversy over her wearing an abaya

Kriti Sonali

Deepika-Ranveer ad

Bollywood actor couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh recently featured in the 'Mera Sukoon' promotional video for Abu Dhabi tourism, which was released on October 7, 2025.

Deepika in abaya

Deepika Padukone has been facing criticism for wearing an abaya in the ad.

Deepika's look

Online criticism was directed at Deepika Padukone after she appeared wearing an abaya while visiting the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, complying with the site's dress code, in a new Abu Dhabi tourism ad.

Deepika's 2015 'My Choice' campaign

The video has prompted backlash from some online users who cite her 2015 'My Choice' campaign on women's autonomy in clothing as contradictory.

'Contradicts her feminist stance'

That campaign for Vogue India back in 2015, seemingly suggesting that wearing an abaya contradicts her feminist stance.

Accused her of hypocrisy

Critics have accused Deepika of hypocrisy, questioning how someone who advocates for women's freedom could 'submit' to religious customs.

Deepika and controversies

Deepika is no stranger to controversy. She faced backlash on social media for visiting Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru University during the anti-CAA protests and for wearing an orange bikini in the song "Besharam Rang" from Pathaan.

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