Filmmaker Karan Johar has just made an electrifying new addition to his enviable fleet, the all-new MG M9, a premium electric MPV priced at over Rs. 70 lakhs. Known for his larger-than-life taste and impeccable style, Johar’s latest acquisition blends luxury, comfort, and sustainability in equal measure.

The MG M9 — MG Motor India’s flagship electric MPV — is being hailed as one of the most premium electric people-movers in the country. Roughly the size of a Kia Carnival, the M9 brings limousine-like comfort with an all-electric heart, making it a perfect fit for celebrities who value both class and conscience.

The MG M9 comes powered by a 90 kWh battery pack that delivers 245 hp and 350 Nm of torque, offering a claimed range of up to 548 km on a single charge. Designed to rival the Toyota Vellfire and Kia Carnival, the M9 stands over 5.2 metres long and 2 metres wide, ensuring massive cabin space for stars who like to travel in style.

Inside, the M9 is pure indulgence — reclining captain seats with ottomans, ambient lighting, massage and ventilation options, panoramic sunroofs, and dual rear entertainment screens create a first-class lounge experience. Add to that Level 2 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, and seven airbags, and the car checks every box for luxury and safety.

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For Karan Johar, who already owns a garage filled with high-end vehicles from brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Jaguar the MG M9 is a refreshing move toward sustainable luxury. Known for his keen sense of design and flair for all things aesthetic, Johar’s choice of a premium electric MPV mirrors his evolving, eco-conscious side.

While the filmmaker hasn’t publicly commented on his new wheels yet, the addition of an electric vehicle worth over Rs. 70 lakhs reaffirms his love for innovation and trendsetting. Just as he’s transformed Bollywood storytelling with grandeur and emotion, Karan seems ready to embrace the future of green mobility in equally glamorous fashion.

Also Read: Karan Johar ADMITS he’s “obsessed” with SS Rajamouli, reveals he personally approached him to present Baahubali 2 in Hindi

Eminent music composer Rajesh Roshan is currently recuperating at a hospital in Mumbai after undergoing a major heart surgery. Bollywood Hungama has exclusively learned that the Koi Mil Gaya (2003) music director had gone for a routine health check-up last weekend, during which doctors discovered blockages in his heart. They advised him to undergo an open-heart surgery.

We have further learned that Rajesh Roshan was admitted at Sir H N Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre and underwent the surgery on Monday, October 6. The operation was successful and he’s presently under observation. Further, he is recovering well and is expected to be discharged soon.

A source told Bollywood Hungama, “Rajesh Roshan was very well taken care of by the doctors and hospital staff. His loving family also stood rock solid by his side throughout. The Roshan family now looks forward to his discharge and to celebrating Diwali with him.”

In July this year, Rajesh Roshan’s brother, veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, had also undergone a medical procedure after a routine check-up revealed more than 75% blockage in the carotid arteries leading to the brain. He was immediately hospitalized and, after successful treatment, was discharged within a couple of days.

Both Rajesh and Rakesh Roshan’s recent health scares serve as a timely reminder of how crucial regular medical check-ups are, even for those who appear perfectly healthy. Early detection, as in their case, can make all the difference, helping prevent major complications and ensuring timely treatment for a faster, smoother recovery.

Also Read: Trivia Tunes: Rajesh Roshan shaving head for his music in a film to SD Burman losing films

Bollywood Hungama was the first one to inform readers that on October 10, the last day of Celebrate Cinema 2025 festival, Gautam Adani, Chairman of Adani Group will talk about Soft Power of Cinema at Subhash Ghai’s renowned filmmaking institute, Whistling Woods International, in the presence of Rajkumar Hirani, Kartik Aaryan, Mahaveer Jain, Dr Priti Adani and Subhash Ghai. Bollywood Hungama attended the session, and it got a roaring response. After the speech, Kartik Aaryan was honoured for his brilliant performance in Chandu Champion (2024). Rajkumar Hirani was also felicitated for his contribution to cinema.

Gautam Adani talked about how AI will change filmmaking. Kartik Aaryan began his speech by telling Adani, “Sir, mujhe actually AI se bahut darr lagta hai. Toh aapne jab woh AI ki cheezein boli, uske baad mujhe laga ki students ko aap bolne waale ho ki ‘Beta, ho gaya! Ab toh jo hai, woh AI hai’ (laughs).”

On a serious note, he said, “But then, the way you actually inspired us through your speech was commendable. I myself didn’t expect I would get to hear a speech of this kind. I have to say that this is one of the best speeches I have ever heard.”

An adorable moment took place when Subhash Ghai reminded Kartik to mention the name of his institute. Kartik said, “Yes, sir, main bol raha hoon - Whistling Woods International!” He also said with all honesty that “It’s the best school!”

Subhash Ghai took the mic and said, “Very few people know that he was my hero in Kaanchi (2014) and even my assistant director for 6 months. Main inka teacher bhi raha hoon!” He added, “Chandu Champion is one of my favourite films and one of my favourite performances.”

Rajkumar Hirani came next, and he hailed Gautam Adani’s speech as well, “What should I say after this speech? It so happens that there’s that one film that arrives once in 15-20 years that makes you wish ‘Kaash yeh maine likhi hoti’. After listening to your speech, I wished, ‘Kaash yeh maine likhi hoti’! It’s actually such a wonderful speech. I would call it the Sholay of speeches! It also made us realize that sometimes, we forget the soft power of our cinema. There’s muscle power and there’s political power. But soft power is dil ka power, according to me. What we say through cinema touches the hearts of people. Thank you for reminding us of it.”

He narrated an interesting incident, “Once, I was in South Korea. Our film 3 Idiots (2009) has worked big time out there. One unknown man met me and asked me if I was an Indian. When I replied in the affirmative, he told me that he had seen an Indian film named 3 Idiots! He told me, ‘It’s a very nice film. We have the same education problem. I really liked it’. I told him, ‘I know the director of that film’ (laughs). He told me, ‘Please tell him that we love the film’. I replied, ‘I will surely do that’!”

As expected, there was a huge applause. Rajkumar continued, “It was quite an insight to hear about AI. Kartik mere saamne hil raha tha. He feared, ‘Ab digital Kartik hoga. Fir mera kya hoga?’! But I feel any technology will only aid us to open up our imagination and make better cinema. So, I don’t think we need to fear anything. It's just a step ahead for us.”

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Jackie Shroff takes the cake All the dignitaries remained on stage and felicitated the top students of the institute. Jackie Shroff stole the show when a student touched his fan. Jackie, too, touched his feet and it brought the house down!

Also Read: KBC: Amitabh Bachchan points at Javed Akhtar when asked, “Who was more popular among the ladies?”, Farhan Akhtar can’t stop laughing!

Salman Khan has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of his Tiger 3 co-star Varinder Singh Ghuman. Ghuman died on Thursday, October 9, 2025, from a cardiac arrest during treatment at a hospital in Amritsar. He was 42 years old.

Varinder, a celebrated actor and bodybuilder, appeared alongside Salman in Tiger 3, which was released in 2023. On Friday, Salman Khan took to his X (formerly Twitter) account to mourn the loss, sharing a nostalgic photograph with Ghuman and writing in the caption: “Rest in peace praa. Vil miss paaji.” In the picture, the two are seen smiling on the sets of Dabangg, with Salman in his well-known police uniform bearing the tag “Chulbul Panday” and Ghuman giving a thumbs up.

Rest in peace praa . Vil miss paaji pic.twitter.com/j3GXhCD4wQ — Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) October 10, 2025

Saddened by the news, actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh also extended his condolences by posting a picture of Ghuman on his Instagram Stories. Meanwhile, Varinder’s manager, Yadvinder Singh, revealed that the late actor had sought treatment at a private hospital after experiencing shoulder pain, before suffering the fatal heart attack. According to his nephew Amanjot Singh Ghuman, Varinder was receiving medical care when his condition suddenly worsened.

Ghuman had an accomplished career in bodybuilding and acting. He had won the title of Mr. India in 2009 and secured second place in the Mr. Asia competition. In Punjab’s political circles, too, former Deputy Chief Minister and MP Sukjinder Singh Randhawa expressed grief, writing on X, “Hearing the news of the sudden demise of Punjab's famous bodybuilder and actor Virender Singh Ghuman ji has left my heart very saddened … May Waheguru ji grant his soul eternal abode at His feet and give strength to the family to bear this sorrowful blow…”

The news of Varinder Singh Ghuman’s untimely death has sent shockwaves across the film and fitness communities, with friends, fans, and colleagues mourning a life cut far too short.

Also Read : Bobby Deol credits Salman Khan for his career revival: “Doing Race 3 helped me a lot”

In a landmark move aimed at strengthening India’s mental health ecosystem, the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has appointed actor and philanthropist Deepika Padukone as the country’s first-ever ‘Mental Health Ambassador’. The announcement was made in New Delhi on October 10, 2025, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.

Deepika, who is also the Founder of The Live Love Laugh (LLL) Foundation, will collaborate with the Ministry to drive nationwide mental health awareness and advocacy. Her appointment marks a significant step by the government in integrating mental well-being into the broader framework of public health.

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, J.P. Nadda, emphasized the importance of the partnership, stating, “The partnership with Ms. Deepika Padukone will help widely disseminate awareness about mental health issues in India, normalize discussions to reduce stigma, and highlight mental health as an integral aspect of public health.”

Expressing her gratitude and commitment, Deepika said, “I am deeply honoured to serve as the first-ever Mental Health Ambassador for the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has made significant strides in prioritizing mental health care. I look forward to working closely with the Ministry to build on this momentum and further strengthen our nation’s mental health framework.”

In her new role, Padukone will work alongside the Ministry to promote mental health awareness and de-stigmatization across the country. She will also focus on encouraging individuals to seek timely help, supporting preventive care efforts, and promoting access to resources such as Tele MANAS (Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States). Additionally, she will contribute to designing and implementing strategic interventions that ensure equitable access to mental health care services for all.

The announcement coincides with a milestone year for The Live Love Laugh Foundation, which completes a decade of impactful work in the mental health space. Over the last ten years, LLL has created several pathways of care through its flagship Rural Community Mental Health Program, which has supported more than 21,931 persons with mental illness and their caregivers across 15 districts in eight states.

The foundation has also spearheaded multiple nationwide awareness campaigns including “Dobara Poocho” and “#NotAshamed”, both aimed at normalizing conversations around mental well-being. Its school-focused program, “You Are Not Alone”, provides mental health education and emotional support to adolescent students, while its “Doctors Program” equips general practitioners to better address mental health concerns. More recently, LLL expanded its initiatives into the corporate space with a comprehensive Corporate Mental Health and Well-Being Program.

Through this new partnership with the Ministry, Deepika Padukone and her foundation aim to bridge the gap between awareness and action, reinforcing the message that mental health is as vital as physical health.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone’s Hijab is NOT your business. Nor was her bikini.

Actress Sahher Bambba, who made her debut in 2019 with Pal Pal Dil Ke Paas opposite Karan Deol, is back on screen with her second project, The Ba***ds of Bollywood. In an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama, Sahher opened up about the challenges she faced after her debut and the long wait before bagging her next big role.

Recalling the underwhelming response to her debut, Sahher admitted it was a harsh reality check. “It was just, it just felt like a dream shattering right in front of your eyes. And that was my biggest learning, also of the industry is that… I fortunately got great reviews. But my biggest learning was that eventually, when this film doesn’t do well, nothing works,” she said.

The actress revealed that the years following her debut were marked by constant auditions and rejections. “Oh, my God, I was auditioning every single day. And then also COVID happened. I was in Simla for two years, then I came back, or started auditioning again. Did some work in between. But, of course, I mean, we’re still hoping that people start recognising me as an actor. But auditions were just happening almost every single day. And also The Ba***ds Of Bollywood came to me at a time where I was, I’ll be very honest, dejected from so many rejections, because it almost felt like a pattern where I would make it to the short list and just never get cast. And so it was beginning to take a toll on me. I started to get a little exhausted with that entire process,” Sahher shared.

Talking about bagging the role of Karishma Talvar in the series, she recalled her first reaction: “Theek hai kar lungi audition. But nahi hoga because it just felt too good to be true and too far-fetched. So this weight has been quite the weight. This has been quite a journey. And I’ve seen it all, actually.”

The Ba***ds of Bollywood boasts of a stellar ensemble cast featuring Bobby Deol, Lakshya, Sahher Bambba, Raghav Juyal, Manoj Pahwa, Mona Singh, Manish Chaudhari, Anya Singh, Vijayant Kohli, Gautami Kapoor, and Rajat Bedi. The series delves into both the glamour and the grind of chasing dreams in the world’s most vibrant film industry.

Also Read: EXCLUSIVE: Sahher Bambba recounts her first meeting with Shah Rukh Khan; says, “He was so sweet and warm”

Suniel Shetty has approached the Bombay High Court, seeking legal protection for his personality rights. While the full details of his plea are yet to be disclosed, reports indicate that the actor cited a viral deepfake image featuring him and his grandchild in his appeal.

“Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty moves the Bombay High Court for protection of his personality rights. The actor has stated that many social media pages and websites use his image to promote their business. The actor also cited an instance of a deep fake picture with his grandchild," Bar and Bench reported.

This move comes amid a growing trend of celebrities taking legal action to safeguard their personal and commercial identity. In recent times, stars such as Aishwarya Rai, Abhishek Bachchan, Amitabh Bachchan, Karan Johar, and Akkineni Nagarjuna have also approached courts to protect their personality rights from misuse online.

Earlier this month, the Bombay High Court issued an order protecting veteran playback singer Asha Bhosle from the unauthorised use of her identity. The court barred several entities from exploiting her name, images, or voice—explicitly including manipulations using Artificial Intelligence (AI). The judgment emphasized that enabling AI tools to replicate a celebrity’s voice without consent constitutes a violation of identity rights.

“Personality Rights of individuals, simply put, entail the right to control and protect the exploitation of one’s image, name, likeness or other attributes of the individuals’ personality, in addition to the commercial gains that can be derived from the same. Personality Rights can be located in the individuals’ autonomy to permit or deny the exploitation of the likeness of other attributes of their personality,” the Delhi High Court had stated while upholding Aishwarya Rai’s rights.

Personality rights give individuals legal authority over the public and commercial use of their identity. These rights protect unique attributes such as one’s image, voice, signature, or catchphrases. They are broadly divided into the Right of Publicity, guarding against unauthorised commercial use, and the Right to Privacy, shielding individuals from misuse through deepfakes, doctored images, fabricated endorsements, or intimate content.

Also Read : Suniel Shetty pens heartfelt note praising Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1: “Only a man possessed and obsessed with his roots could have created something this powerful”

Businessman Raj Kundra has told the Mumbai Police’s Economic Offences Wing (EOW) that his company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, suffered massive financial losses following the 2016 demonetisation, as the firm relied heavily on cash transactions. The revelation came during a detailed statement recorded by the EOW in connection with the ongoing Rs. 60 crore cheating case involving Kundra and his wife, actor Shilpa Shetty.

According to police officials, a team of four to five EOW officers visited the couple’s Mumbai residence last week and recorded their statements for nearly four hours. The move comes shortly after the Bombay High Court raised questions about their request to travel abroad amid the ongoing investigation.

Kundra, whose statement was first recorded on September 15, reportedly provided additional details in a second round of questioning. As per a senior officer, he informed the police that the company had invested over Rs. 20 crore in advertising and an equal amount in setting up operations and staffing. However, when demonetisation was introduced, the firm’s cash-on-delivery model collapsed, leading to substantial losses.

A police official stated that Kundra mentioned several Bollywood actors had featured in the company’s advertisements and submitted related documents. He said that one actor and two actresses participated in promotional campaigns for the brand, further adding that their payments are still being verified. It was also revealed that Shilpa Shetty appeared in one of the company’s advertisements, though the payment “was not credited to her account.” Authorities are now examining her bank records to verify the transactions.

Kundra’s company, Best Deal TV Pvt Ltd, was a home shopping and online retail venture that ceased operations a few years after its launch. The ongoing case stems from a complaint filed by businessman Deepak Kothari, who alleged that Kundra and Shetty took Rs 60 crore under the guise of a business investment but failed to return the money.

The EOW has already issued a Look-Out Circular (LOC) against the couple, and investigations are underway to trace the flow of funds and verify the claims made by the businessman. With Kundra’s latest statement highlighting financial setbacks linked to demonetisation, the probe continues to uncover new details surrounding the company’s collapse and alleged misuse of investor funds.

Also Read: Bombay HC blocks Shilpa Shetty and Raj Kundra’s international travel amid Rs 60 crores fraud case

Prime Video has officially announced its upcoming Original drama series Storm (working title), a high-stakes thriller set in Mumbai and produced by Hrithik Roshan and Eshaan Roshan under the banner of HRX Films, a division of FilmKraft Productions. The series marks Hrithik’s significant step as a producer in the streaming space and reunites him with acclaimed director Ajitpal Singh, who serves as creator and director.

Storm features an ensemble cast led by Parvathy Thiruvothu, Alaya F, Srishti Shrivastava, Rrama Sharma, and Saba Azad, and explores a world of ambition, secrets, and survival in the heart of Mumbai. Written by Ajitpal Singh, François Lunel, and Swati Das, the show is set to go on floors soon and promises an intense narrative centered on strong women characters navigating high-stakes situations.

Speaking about his decision to produce Storm, Hrithik Roshan shared, “Storm presented me with the perfect opportunity to make my debut as a producer in the streaming space, and Prime Video, with its proven record of bringing exceptional stories to life, was an instinctive choice. What drew me to Storm was the compelling world that Ajitpal has created. The story is raw, layered, and powerful, with unforgettable characters which will be essayed by incredibly talented actors. This series has the potential to resonate with audiences not just in India but across the globe, and I'm excited for viewers worldwide to experience its captivating narrative on Prime Video.”

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The collaboration also marks a milestone for Prime Video as the platform continues to expand its partnerships with leading creative voices in Indian cinema. Gaurav Gandhi, Vice President, APAC & MENA, Prime Video, said, “Hrithik Roshan is one of Indian cinema's most distinguished creative forces, and our collaboration with him and HRX Films is a significant milestone that exemplifies our dedication to excellence in storytelling. The development process of this series has been remarkably rewarding, with Hrithik's distinctive artistic vision and Eshaan Roshan’s dynamic energy enriching the narrative.”

With production expected to commence soon, Storm is already generating strong anticipation. The project is being positioned as a globally relevant thriller, blending emotional intensity with the fast-paced storytelling that has come to define contemporary Indian originals on streaming platforms. More details on the series are expected to be announced in the coming months.

Also Read: Producer Shobu Yarlagadda clears Hrithik Roshan Baahubali casting rumours: “It was always Prabhas”

A legal dispute has surfaced ahead of the release of the upcoming film Haq, starring Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam. The daughter of the late Smt. Shah Bano Begum, Siddiqua Begum, has issued a notice to the filmmakers and the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC), seeking to halt the movie’s release, promotion, and screenings.

According to the notice, obtained by NDTV, the film allegedly portrays Shah Bano’s personal life, including private family events and social circumstances, without the consent of her legal heirs. The notice, sent by advocate Tousif Z Warsi on Siddiqua Begum’s behalf, is addressed to Haq director Suparn Verma, production partner Junglee Pictures, promoter Baweja Studios, and the CBFC.

Siddiqua Begum claims she is the lawful biological daughter and one of the surviving legal heirs of Shah Bano. She argues that the film’s conceptualisation and publicity have taken place without her or her family’s permission. The notice describes this as “unauthorised use, distortion, and commercialisation of private life events,” which it says violates Indian law.

The legal notice cites several precedents, including the Supreme Court’s 2017 judgment in Justice KS Puttaswamy (Retd.) v. Union of India, which recognises the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution. It also refers to a 2003 Delhi High Court ruling in ICC Development (International) Ltd. v. Arvee Enterprises, which prevents commercial exploitation of a person’s likeness or life story without permission.

In addition, the notice warns that any depiction that could “tarnish the image, moral character, or societal perception” of Shah Bano or her family could amount to defamation. The filmmakers are also reminded of provisions under the Copyright Act, 1957, which grant moral rights to authors and their heirs. The CBFC’s guidelines, which prohibit invasion of privacy and derogatory portrayal of individuals, have also been mentioned in support of the notice.

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The notice asks all parties to immediately stop releasing, promoting, or screening Haq in any format, including theatres and digital platforms, until written consent is obtained from Shah Bano’s heirs. It further requests the CBFC to withhold or revoke certification for the film until this consent is verified. The notice gives the parties seven days to comply before legal action is initiated.

The makers of Haq, during the teaser release, had described the film as “a searing and intense drama inspired by the landmark Supreme Court judgment in Mohd. Ahmed Khan v. Shah Bano Begum case.” They have not yet responded to the legal notice.

Haq stars Emraan Hashmi and Yami Gautam and is set to explore the controversial and historic case that captured national attention.

Also Read: Yami Gautam Dhar expresses gratitude over love being showered on Haq teaser; says, “Thank you”

Director Siddharth Anand recently created a buzz online with a mysterious post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, leaving fans speculating about a possible announcement related to King, the much-awaited Shah Rukh Khan-starrer. Currently in the shooting stage, the film has already stirred excitement thanks to leaked images and videos from the set. Now, Anand’s cryptic post has further fueled anticipation among movie lovers.

Siddharth Anand's Post Sends Fans Into a Frenzy

On his X account, Siddharth Anand simply wrote: “Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.” Though brief, the post was enough to spark a wave of speculation among fans. Many interpreted it as a hint at an upcoming teaser or poster reveal for King, which features a star-studded cast including Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, Deepika Padukone, and others.

Fan Reactions: Countdown to an Announcement?

The post quickly went viral, with fans flooding the comments section to decode its meaning. One user wrote, “Tik, tok... bang, boom... The bigger a #SRKian, the faster the heartbeat. Mine’s a stampede.” Another speculated, “Tick tock... feels like 2nd November is calling.” Several others pointed out the possible significance of the date, noting that Shah Rukh Khan's birthday falls on November 2, raising hopes for a special announcement on that day.

Another fan tried to crack the code with a theory: “2 tick 2 tock 2.11 it is. Message decoded.” Others asked the director directly if the promotional campaign for King was officially beginning.

Deepika Padukone Confirms Her Role in King

Adding to the buzz, Deepika Padukone recently shared a photo from the film’s set featuring Shah Rukh Khan, confirming her involvement in the project. She reportedly joined the team in Poland to shoot her scenes.

Alongside Shah Rukh Khan, Suhana Khan, and Deepika Padukone, the film also stars Rani Mukerji, Raghav Juyal, Abhay Verma, Abhishek Bachchan, and Akshay Oberoi in key roles. King is being positioned as an action drama, and expectations are high given the cast and crew involved.

All Eyes on November 2

While there has been no official confirmation yet, all signs seem to point toward November 2, Shah Rukh Khan’s birthday, as a likely date for a teaser, poster, or announcement related to King. Until then, fans are holding their breath and closely watching every move from the film’s team. Stay tuned for more updates on King as they unfold.

Also Read: Siddharth Anand on 6 years of War, “It has been the most important point in my career”

There’s a strange obsession in this country - a woman’s wardrobe seems to invite more outrage than burning issues ever do. Every few months, the outrage machine picks a new target, and this time it’s Deepika Padukone, once again.

When she wore a bikini in Pathaan, people screamed about “Indian values.” Now, because she wore an abaya and hijab in a tourism campaign for Abu Dhabi, the same voices are accusing her of being “too Islamic.” The contradiction is laughable - first she was too bold, now she’s too modest. Maybe what really bothers people isn’t what she wears, but the fact that she refuses to conform to their hypocrisy.

Let’s get this straight - what a woman wears is her right. Not a referendum for public approval.

If she wears a bikini on a beach, that’s confidence. If she wears a hijab in a mosque, that’s respect. If she wears a lehenga at a wedding, that’s culture. But in every single case, it is her choice, not yours.

The trolling around the Abu Dhabi ad is not just misplaced - it’s ignorant. Deepika was filming a tourism campaign at the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, where every visitor - regardless of religion - is required to cover their head and dress modestly. It’s not about religion; it’s about cultural decorum. She didn’t “promote” anything controversial - she simply followed the same code that millions of tourists do every year.

What exactly do these critics want? Should she have walked into a mosque in a lehenga for their comfort? Or perhaps worn jeans to make them feel “modern”? This double standard reeks of insecurity - the need to police women while pretending to protect culture.

Here’s the part trolls conveniently forget: Deepika Padukone has always shown deep respect for Indian culture. There are countless images of her visiting temples in traditional attire, her hands folded in prayer. She has represented India at international platforms with dignity and grace, embodying the idea of a modern Indian woman - grounded in her roots, yet unafraid to express herself.

So, when she wears a hijab in a mosque abroad, she isn’t “changing sides” - she’s showing the same cultural empathy that defines her everywhere she goes. That’s not hypocrisy. That’s class.

But of course, empathy doesn’t trend as fast as outrage. It’s far easier to sit behind a screen and call a woman “too this” or “too that.” Because when a woman owns her freedom, it challenges the fragile egos of those who can’t stand to see her comfortable in her skin - or her choices.

If you’re still offended by what Deepika wears, the problem isn’t with her hijab, her bikini, or her lehenga.

The problem is with your mindset.

Also Read: Deepika Padukone joins Ranveer Singh to ‘Experience Abu Dhabi’ in the latest global campaign