Throughout her career, Deepika Padukone has been embroiled in plenty of controversy. The latest? A rumored fallout with ‘Animal’ director Sandeep Reddy Vanga that has once again ignited speculation and divided the internet.
Deepika’s film selections have often courted controversy and generated heated public discussion, resulting in anything from political boycotts to rallies. Here are several films that raised the stakes long before ‘Spirit’ joined the conversation.
Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013)
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s romantic epic was originally titled Ram-Leela until religious groups accused it of hurting Hindu sentiments. Legal challenges and public protests forced a name change, but Deepika’s powerful performance was widely praised.
Padmaavat (2018)
Outrage was triggered by Deepika’s depiction of Rani Padmavati, as some felt the film painted a skewed picture of the queen and distorted historical events.
Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Padmaavat’ became one of the most controversial Indian films of the decade as a result of the threats and censorship struggles.
Bajirao Mastani (2015)
Deepika was praised by critics for her portrayal of the strong and elegant Mastani, while Maratha descendants reacted negatively to the film’s romantic depiction of Bajirao’s personal life. Despite the criticism, it was a box office success.
A petition specifically targeted the ‘Pinga’ dance sequence in ‘Bajirao Mastani’, claiming it offended Marathi cultural sentiments and traditions, sparking widespread controversy and protests during the film’s release.
Chhapaak (2020)
Deepika Padukone’s Chhapaak suffered a big PR setback soon before its release when she joined a protest at Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University(JNU), which resulted in her being labelled “anti-national.” The film suffered at the box office due to waves of false news, right-wing propaganda, and continuing legal challenges, which overshadowed its significant social message.
Pathaan (2023)
Despite being a box office success, controversy dominated Pathaan’s advertising run. Religious and political groups harshly criticised the movie for allegedly violating Hindu sensitivities when Deepika appeared in a saffron bikini during the song ‘Besharam Rang’. After weeks of trending hashtags demanding a boycott of the movie, the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) finally requested changes.
