Deepika Padukone – the name itself evokes images of grace, talent, and undeniable star power. But beyond the silver screen, Deepika has consistently proven she’s more than just a celebrated actress. Time and again, her actions have not only made headlines, but have also ignited crucial conversations across the nation. Let’s dive into five instances where Deepika stirred the proverbial hornet’s nest, inadvertently or intentionally, and in doing so, sparked vital discussions on pressing societal issues.
Deepika Padukone exits film Spirit, replaced by Triptii Dimri
Motherhood & work-life balance debate (vs. Sandeep Reddy Vanga)
Deepika Padukone is currently embroiled in a controversy with filmmaker Sandeep Reddy Vanga, of Animal fame, who replaced her in his upcoming new venture, Spirit, with Tripti Dimri. The actress reportedly clashed with the director over ‘a series of demands’, including eight-hour shift as a new mother, and got her replaced. This unleashed a torrent of discussion, including a verbal backlash from Vanga on social media over NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). “Putting down a Younger actor and ousting my story? Is this what your feminism stands for?” he countered without naming her in the post. The ensuing conversation that followed the clash of perspectives focussed on the immense pressure on women, especially working mothers, to ‘balance it all’ and the need for more supportive professional environments.
‘Besharam Rang’ saffron controversy & digital rage
The release of the song Besharam Rang from Pathaan (2023) saw Deepika Padukone in various colourful costumes. However, a fleeting appearance in an orange/saffron bikini, lasting less than 20 seconds, ignited a political and religious firestorm. It involved accusations of hurting religious sentiments and disrespecting the colour saffron. While the filmmakers clarified no such offence was intended, the incident triggered widespread debate on moral policing, the weaponisation of religious symbols in pop culture, freedom of artistic expression in costume and song, and the often-manufactured nature of outrage in the digital age.
Her silent stand with the students at JNU
In early 2020, Deepika Padukone quietly joined a student protest at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following campus violence. She didn’t utter a word, simply stood in solidarity, hands folded. The internet exploded almost instantly – supporters lauded her courage, while detractors accused her of a PR stunt for her then upcoming film, Chhapaak and called for a boycott of the film. Yet, her silent presence reverberated, sparking intense discussions on celebrity activism, the right to protest, freedom of speech, and the responsibility of public figures to engage with socio-political issues. Her silence spoke volumes.
Padmaavat fury & threats to artistic expression
The lead-up to the release of Padmaavat (2018) was fraught with unprecedented controversy. The Rajput Karni Sena, among other groups, protested vehemently against alleged historical inaccuracies, culminating in horrifying threats, including one to physically harm Deepika Padukone and chop off her nose like Shurpanaka when she called the controversy surrounding the film “appalling” and that “we have regressed” as a nation. The episode once again forced a nationwide debate on artistic freedom, the role of fringe groups in dictating creative expression, historical interpretation versus cinematic liberty, and the alarming lack of safety for artistes who dare to explore sensitive subjects.
Shattering the silence on mental health
At the peak of her career in 2015, Deepika Padukone did something that Indian celebrities rarely dare to do – she openly discussed her battle with depression. This wasn’t about stirring controversy in a traditional sense, but about bravely poking the societal stigma surrounding mental illness in India. Her candidness was a revelation, sparking an overdue national conversation. It encouraged countless others to seek help, pushed mental health into mainstream discourse, and highlighted the urgent need for better awareness, resources, and empathy.
