Deepika Padukone's upcoming movie, Fighter, the actress finds herself at the center of controversy yet again. This time, the backlash comes from a section of the internet criticizing her choice of attire – a black monokini – worn during a beach scene with co-star Hrithik Roshan.
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The Fighter teaser showcases sizzling chemistry between Deepika and Hrithik, generating excitement among many fans eager to see the duo share the screen for the first time. However, a vocal online segment is expressing anger towards Deepika, who plays the role of Squadron Leader Minal Rathore in the Indian Air Force.
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Critics argue that portraying a woman pilot in a bikini on the beach is an affront to Indian culture and degrades the image of women serving in the Indian Air Force. One user commented on social media, "It is degrading our women fighter pilots. Every country and culture has its set of beliefs. No Indian will appreciate such a perverted portrayal of our Brave IAF women fighter pilots."
*Deepika Padukone wears a bikini in #Fighter*
— Viraj Pradhan (@GenericTallGuy) December 8, 2023
Twitter: She’s destroying Indian culture. Shameless!
*Ranbir goes completely naked in #Animal*
Twitter: ALPHA MALE. ART. PEAK CINEMA!
*slow claps* pic.twitter.com/6NYKWR3Xct
Interestingly, the focus of criticism appears to be solely on Deepika Padukone, with no mention of Hrithik Roshan being shirtless and enjoying the beach. This raises questions about the disproportionate burden placed on female officers to uphold the dignity of the Indian Air Force even during their off-duty moments.
This is not the first time Deepika has faced such criticism. In a previous instance, she was shamed for wearing a bikini and dancing with Shah Rukh Khan in the song "Besharam Rang" from the movie Pathaan.
Defenders of Deepika argue that women pilots, like anyone else, have lives outside of their professional duties. One supporter stated, "So our IAF pilots don’t have an intimate life with their loved ones?" Another pointed out, "Personal life is also a thing. So Brave IAF women can't have fun according to you." The defense highlights the need to recognize the personal lives of officers, even as they serve their duties.
Just taking a moment to remember the outrage from bhakts when Ranveer Singh did a naked photoshoot and Deepika Padukone wore an orange bikini.
— vivan zaydan (@adi_01x) December 10, 2023
It was never about the culture, isn't it bigots ? https://t.co/zW72gQfNk6
@deepikapadukone i hope you have some shame left...with every movie you droop low as a woman,as an artist. U can remove all ur clothes for all we care, but do not demean our iaf woman fighters. U R CHEAP, THEY AREN'T
— KK (@ForeverKrishnas) December 8, 2023
Shame on buddhi deepika aunty is aurat ne to Sharm hi gira di hai pilot ka role me ese nange kon hota hai
— Sandy (@sandeepfloret) December 10, 2023
It is noteworthy that similar public outrage was noticeably absent when the movie Animal, starring Ranbir Kapoor, depicted violence against women. Critics argue that a double standard is at play, urging those who dismissed concerns about Animal to apply the same logic to Fighter and view it as a form of entertainment.
Naah #FighterTeaser is no Top Gun of Indian cinema.
— Indic Spectrum (@IndicSpectrum) December 8, 2023
It is degrading our women fighter pilots.
Every country n culture has got their set of beliefs.
No Indian will appreciate such perverted portrayal of our Brave IAF women fighter pilots.
Shame on #DeepikaPadukone #HrithikRoshan pic.twitter.com/QrkyYaxdzZ
In the midst of the controversy, it remains to be seen whether this incident will prompt a broader conversation about societal expectations, gender roles, and the freedom of individuals, including women pilots, to lead well-rounded lives beyond their professional responsibilities.
