From Saffron Bikini To Kissing Scene In Fighter: Check Out Deepika Padukone’s Controversial Journey Through Bollywood

Continue reading to find out how Deepika Padukone has stirred up controversy with her film choices and strong opinions.

Deepika Padukone’s Controversial Journey ( Image Source :Screengrab from YouTube )

New Delhi: Deepika Padukone has often been the centre of controversy in the glittery Bollywood world, where her every action and statement is carefully observed. In spite of all the controversy around her, the actress has handled the industry with poise and strength. 

Here are six times Deepika Padukone has stoked controversy, whether via her film choices or her strong opinions:

Padmavat: The controversy surrounding Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 2018 magnum opus ‘Padmavat’ was one of the most tumultuous periods in Deepika's career. Portraying the legendary queen Padmavati, Deepika faced backlash from certain groups who alleged distortion of historical facts. Protests intensified after the film's premiere, leading to rape and death threats directed against Deepika and other cast members. 

Saffron Bikini: Deepika's song ‘Besharam Rang’ from the film ‘Pathaan’, featuring her in a saffron bikini stirred up a storm of controversy. Critics accused her of cultural insensitivity and disrespecting religious sentiments. Right-wing organisations were quick to call for a boycott because to Deepika Padukone's attire in the song. 

"Sex Outside Marriage" Comment: For Vogue India, Deepika shot a video ‘My Choice’, where her dialogue about sex outside marriage sparked a heated debate. The video shows her saying,  "It's my choice to have sex before marriage or outside marriage." The conservative sections of society condemned her for promoting immorality. Despite her attempts to clarify her stance, the controversy continued to haunt her.

JNU Visit: Deepika Padukone's solidarity visit to Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) during the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) divided public opinion. While some lauded her for taking a stand on a crucial issue, others criticised her for allegedly politicising her celebrity status. The controversy reignited discussions on the role of celebrities in socio-political movements.

Deepika later clarified, "I went to JNU to express my solidarity with the students who were protesting against a fee hike. I believe that everyone has the right to protest and to express their views freely."

Koffee with Karan Episode: Deepika's appearance on the famous chat show ‘Koffee with Karan’ stirred controversy when she made remarks about her past relationship status. She hinted at being in a causal or open relationship with Ranveer Singh. She said, "Even if we were technically allowed to see other people, we would just keep coming back to each other." The episode fueled gossip columns and the actress was targeted by trolls. Some even slut shamed and humiliated her.

Legal notice over Kissing Scene: Most recently, Deepika found herself in the media's eyes yet again due to a kissing scene in her latest film ‘Fighter’ starring Hrithik Roshan. Certain conservative groups and moral activists condemned the scene as inappropriate and demanded its removal. A legal notice has been sent for alleged defamation and insult to the Indian Air Force and its officers.

Regardless of the controversies, Deepika remains one of the most beloved actresses in Bollywood.