Recently, in what became a widely discussed event, Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone was seen casting her vote in the 2024 Lok Sabha Election, all the while proudly displaying her baby bump. However, her act of civic duty took an unfortunate turn as she became the target of online trolls who accused her of faking her pregnancy bump.
The appearance in question saw Deepika Padukone, a prominent Bollywood star, accompanied by her husband, Ranveer Singh. They both turned up in coordinated outfits to fulfill their national duty, an event that warmed many hearts. Ranveer, ever the doting husband, was seen holding Deepika’s hand, ensuring her comfort amidst the throngs of people. As expected, the couple’s public outing swiftly became a viral sensation. While many fans showered the duo with affection and supportive comments, some netizens chose this moment to cast aspersions on Deepika, accusing her of fabricating her pregnancy bump.
Journalist Faye D’Souza stepped into the fray, calling out the trolls for their cruel and unfounded accusations. In a strongly worded Instagram post, she criticized those attacking Deepika Padukone, stating that the actress was merely participating in her civic duty and had not solicited opinions on her pregnancy. Faye’s stance struck a chord with many in the entertainment industry, including actress Alia Bhatt, her mother Soni Razdan, Rakul Preet Singh, Sonakshi Sinha, and Bhumi Pednekar, who showed their support by liking her post.
The incident raised several important questions about the kind of treatment public figures are subjected to, especially during such personal and joyous moments in their lives. The venomous comments directed at Deepika were a stark reminder of the toxic environment that celebrities often navigate.
So, what exactly transpired? As the country’s film industry turned out to perform their civic duty by voting in the national elections, Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone were among those who made an appearance. Deepika, who has been relatively low-profile since announcing her pregnancy, delighted fans by flaunting her baby bump on such an important occasion. The couple, dressed in synchronized outfits, caught everyone’s attention. Ranveer was seen leading Deepika through the crowd, diligently protecting her, a gesture that won him a lot of love and respect from fans.
. The internet quickly filled with affectionate comments from fans praising the couple’s bond.
One fan commented, “The man who respects her definitely earns her.” Another wrote, “OMG my baby mama is there,” while a third fan remarked, “Oh my godddddd (crying emoji).” Yet another user reflected on the rumors that had circulated earlier, saying, “Kitna pyar hai dono me aur bol rahe the divorce hone wala hai,” which translates to, “Look at the love between them, and people were saying they were going to get divorced.”
Despite the joy surrounding this event, the criticism from trolls gave it an ugly undertone. Journalist Faye D’Souza’s intervention served as a powerful reminder for netizens to respect personal boundaries and understand that celebrities, too, deserve privacy and respect, especially during such important phases in their lives. Faye’s post was a direct call to behavior, emphasizing that Deepika was merely performing her duty as a citizen and did not seek external opinions or judgments.
Deepika Padukone’s professional life continues to flourish amidst her personal happiness. Following her recent work in ‘Fighter’ alongside Hrithik Roshan, she has an exciting slate of projects lined up. She is set to appear in the highly anticipated film ‘Kalki 2989 AD’ with Prabhas and will be part of the Hindi adaptation of ‘The Intern’ alongside veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan. Additionally, she will contribute to Rohit Shetty’s cop-verse in ‘Singham Again’, co-starring Ajay Devgn, Kareena Kapoor, Akshay Kumar, Tiger Shroff, and her husband Ranveer Singh. The third installment of this popular franchise is set to hit theaters on Independence Day 2024.
This incident with Deepika Padukone has not only highlighted the persistent issue of online trolling but also the resilience and support within the Bollywood fraternity. The backing from fellow celebrities and fans sends a clear message against such negative behavior, ensuring that moments of happiness are celebrated rather than tainted. As the Bollywood community continues to rally around Deepika, it becomes an encouraging testament to solidarity and respect, serving as a reminder that at the end of the day, celebrities too are human and deserving of empathy.
