Deepika’s ‘Hijab’ backlash back in spotlight after Sonakshi covers her head in VIRAL Abu Dhabi Mosque pics

Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal recently shared a glimpse of their peaceful visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, and fans can’t get enough of their calm, composed vibe. The actor couple, who tied the knot in June last year, appeared in a new promotional video for Visit Abu Dhabi, walking hand in hand through the mosque’s marble corridors and soaking in its beauty.

Sonakshi looked elegant in a green and white printed kurta set paired with a matching dupatta that she used to cover her head, while Zaheer kept it simple in a black shirt and green trousers. Sharing the clip on Instagram, Sonakshi wrote, “Found a little sukoon right here in Abu Dhabi!” Her post soon gathered love-filled comments, with fans calling the couple “beautiful” and praising how her outfit “matched the mosque’s aesthetic.”

Fans draw comparisons with Deepika’s viral ad

While Sonakshi’s post received mostly positive reactions, many couldn’t help but remember the recent backlash that Deepika Padukone faced for her tourism campaign shot at the very same location. Deepika, seen wearing a long black robe and head covering while exploring Abu Dhabi with Ranveer Singh, was accused by some social media users of “promoting another religion for money.”

However, several others quickly clarified that what Deepika wore was an abaya, not a hijab. Both garments are part of Muslim attire but hold different cultural meanings. Many came to her defense, calling the outrage unnecessary and pointing out that covering one’s head in a place of worship whether a mosque or a temple, is simply a gesture of respect, not a religious statement.

Calm amid the noise

Interestingly, Sonakshi’s similar attire sparked a more accepting reaction, with some fans highlighting the double standards. One user wrote, “So it’s normal for Sonakshi but not for Deepika? Both looked amazing and respectful.” The episode has once again opened up conversations about cultural respect and the way women in the public eye are scrutinized for their clothing choices. But amidst all the chatter, Sonakshi and Zaheer’s visit stands out for what it was meant to be, a quiet, spiritual moment shared between two people, far from the noise of online judgment.