PremiumDeepika Padukone's Project K first-look and other times she disappointed her fans
She may have hits like Pathaan in her kitty, but the Fighter star has found herself in controversies like the drug scandal, Padmaavat and My Choice controversies
Last Updated: 09.27 PM, Jul 18, 2023
The much-awaited first look of Deepika Padukone from Nag Ashwin’s Prabhas-starrer Project K was released by Vyjayanthi Movies recently. But the wait seemed futile for most fans, as they were left disappointed since it revealed nothing about the film; all that was on the poster was a radiant and glowing Deepika.
With her charming personality and impressive acting skills, Deepika has won hearts both nationally and internationally over the years. However, like any other public figure, she is not immune to criticism and disappointment. Here are some instances when Deepika left her fans feeling disheartened:
Involvement in the drug scandal
Deepika's name surfaced during the 2020 Bollywood drug scandal. Leaked WhatsApp conversations between the actress and her manager seemed to suggest discussions about procuring illegal substances, which led to public outrage and concern among her fans. The drug scandal not only tarnished Deepika's reputation but also left many of her admirers deeply disappointed.
Silence on social issues
In an era where celebrities are increasingly using their platforms to voice social concerns, Deepika's silence on certain pressing issues has been unsettling for many. Some fans expected her to speak out on matters like gender equality, LGBTQIA+ rights, or environmental conservation, but her reticence disappointed those who looked up to her as a role model.
PR missteps
Deepika has faced backlash on multiple occasions for what appeared to be poorly handled public relations incidents. Whether it was her controversial "RK" tattoo (initials of former boyfriend Ranbir Kapoor), which took an eternity to remove, or the much-criticised "My Choice" video that was accused of promoting elitist feminism, these incidents left fans questioning her judgement.
Commercial over artistic choices
While it's understandable that actors sometimes opt for commercial projects to maintain their stardom, some fans were disheartened to see Deepika choose blockbuster films over more challenging and unconventional roles. As a talented actress, they hoped to see her showcase her acting prowess in diverse and meaningful projects.
Lack of diversity
In a time when representation matters, Deepika's choice of roles seemed to lack diversity. Critics argue that she has rarely stepped outside her comfort zone and explored characters that could break stereotypes and provide a more nuanced portrayal of different cultures and backgrounds.
Controversial movies and roles
Deepika has starred in movies that were criticised for their portrayal of sensitive subjects. Films like Padmaavat faced accusations of distorting historical facts, leading some fans to question her commitment to responsible storytelling.
About the author:
Chandragupta is part human brain, part generative AI: the former provides intellect while the latter does the heavy lifting of an artificial neural network. The name, if you haven’t already worked it out, is a backronym of ChatGPT.