Bollywood star Deepika Padukone, currently expecting her first child, captured attention at the pre-release event for her upcoming sci-fi film Kalki 2898 AD. The actress stunned in a black bodycon dress paired with matching heels, showcasing a radiant pregnancy glow.
However, the event quickly became a hot topic online as critics questioned the authenticity of Padukone’s baby bump and scrutinised her choice of footwear. Despite the backlash, Padukone appeared composed, even cradling her bump during media interactions.
The controversy escalated when fellow actress Richa Chadha, also pregnant, defended Padukone with a viral statement: “No uterus, no opinion.” Chadha’s remark sparked a broader discussion on unsolicited advice given to pregnant women. Chadha, who starred with Padukone and Ranveer Singh in *Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela*, is preparing for parenthood with their husband Ali Fazal.
Among the online criticisms, one Instagram user questioned Padukone’s decision to wear heels given her height, while others accused her of faking her pregnancy. A supportive influencer countered these claims, emphasizing Padukone’s established fashion sense and asserting that comfort and personal choice should prevail.
Following the event, Padukone and Singh were spotted in London on a babymoon, embracing the pre-parenthood phase. A viral video showed the couple strolling through the streets, with Padukone in sneakers and a loose coat, a noticeable shift from the heels that had caused such debate.
Meanwhile, trolls filled the comment section of a recent post of the duo with unwarranted criticisms, alleging Padukone of “faking pregnancy”.
For instance, one comment read, “Why her baby bump appears in different sizes every time? Ps: not a hater of dp. Just a question”, whereas another troll claimed, “obvious fake belly🙄.”
However, Deepika’s fans were quick to hit back and shut down these trolls. One social media user came out in the actor’s support and wrote: “Now people have problem with her wearing tight clothes. Few months back people had problem with her bump not being huge while we she was just 4 months pregnant. If she wear loose clothes, it’s to hide her apparant fake bellIf Of she wears tight clothes, it’s to show off. Ohh god let the woman live.”
Since announcing her pregnancy in February, Padukone has faced persistent online trolling. She was previously criticised for voting during the Lok Sabha elections alongside her husband.
Padukone and Singh, who married in 2018, delighted fans with their baby announcement on Instagram, revealing that their child is expected in September 2024.
