For months, a segment of social media has relentlessly accused Bollywood star Deepika Padukone of faking her pregnancy, going so far as to claim that she was wearing a prosthetic belly. These baseless accusations have circulated widely, fueled by the often vicious nature of online gossip. However, a recent photoshoot, shared by Padukone and her husband, Ranveer Singh, seems to have finally put these rumors to rest, showcasing the actress in all her maternal glory.
On Monday evening, the Bollywood power couple, who are expecting their first child this month, posted a series of striking black-and-white images from a recent photoshoot. Within an hour, the post had garnered nearly two million likes and a flood of comments, proving once again how obsessed social media can be with celebrities and their personal lives. These pregnancy portraits capture Padukone radiating beauty and grace, with Singh appearing alongside her in some of the images. Shot by renowned photographer Avani Rai, these images show an expectant mother proudly displaying her baby bump, a powerful statement that has since been shared across countless social media platforms.
The significance of these photos goes beyond mere aesthetics; they serve as a powerful rebuttal to those who have questioned the authenticity of Padukone’s pregnancy. The images have sparked an outpouring of support, with comments ranging from “mother is mothering” to “mother of the year.” Such reactions highlight not only the public’s fascination with celebrity pregnancies but also the cruel speculation that often accompanies them.
The rumors surrounding Padukone’s pregnancy began to gain traction after her appearance at the 77th BAFTA Awards in February, where she presented the award for Best Film Not in the English Language. Dressed in an elegant ivory sari that covered her midriff, Padukone’s outfit sparked widespread speculation. Just ten days later, the couple officially announced their pregnancy, revealing that they were expecting their first child in September. Despite this announcement, the online gossip mill continued to churn, with trolls scrutinizing every public appearance Padukone made, casting doubt on the legitimacy of her pregnancy.
Each time she stepped out, particularly during the later stages of her pregnancy, online critics accused Padukone of faking her bump. Some even suggested that she had opted for surrogacy and was using a fake bump to deceive the public. The speculation reached new heights when Padukone attended a promotional event for her latest film, Kalki 2898 AD, wearing a form-fitting black dress and high heels. Rather than admiring her stylish ensemble, detractors seized on the opportunity to further question her pregnancy, claiming that her choice of footwear was somehow evidence that she wasn’t truly pregnant.
This barrage of criticism is not new to Padukone, who has faced online trolling throughout her career. However, the vitriol surrounding her pregnancy has been particularly harsh, reflecting a disturbing pattern in which female celebrities are disproportionately targeted for their bodies, outfits, and personal choices. Male celebrities, while not immune to online hate, often escape the level of scrutiny and judgment that their female counterparts endure. The anonymity afforded by the internet emboldens these trolls, allowing them to hurl insults and spread rumors without consequence.
Padukone’s experience is hardly unique. Other female celebrities, such as Ayesha Takia and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, have also been subjected to intense online scrutiny and body-shaming. Takia, for example, faced so much backlash over alleged plastic surgery that she temporarily deactivated her Instagram account. Rai Bachchan, one of India’s most celebrated fashion icons, is frequently mocked for her appearance, with critics quick to body-shame her at every opportunity.
The impact of such relentless trolling is not lost on those in the public eye. Celebrities like filmmaker Karan Johar have spoken candidly about the toll that online hate takes on their mental health. While some, like digital creators Kusha Kapila and Uorfi Javed, have learned to shrug off the negativity, the experience is undoubtedly draining.
In the case of Deepika Padukone, her recent photoshoot serves as a powerful response to those who have doubted her. It’s a reminder that behind the glamorous façade, celebrities are human too, deserving of the same respect and privacy as anyone else. The radiant images of Padukone and her baby bump have not only silenced the naysayers but also reaffirmed her status as one of Bollywood’s most elegant and resilient stars. As she prepares to welcome her first child, Padukone has shown that she can rise above the noise with grace and dignity, embodying the true essence of glamour in the face of adversity.