Indian Actors Face Social Media Backlash Over Abu Dhabi Mosque Attire

Indian film and television stars, including Deepika Padukone and Ankita Lokhande, are facing targeted social media backlash following their recent visits to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi. The criticism centers on the celebrities’ decision to wear traditional headscarves and abayas, which is a mandatory requirement for all female visitors to the religious site. Mandatory Dress Code Protocols The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest mosque in the UAE, enforces a strict modesty policy to maintain the sanctity of the prayer halls. Female tourists are required to cover their hair and wear loose-fitting, ankle-length clothing. While the mosque provides abayas to those who do not arrive in compliant attire, high-profile visitors often choose their own traditional garments to meet these regulations. Padukone visited the landmark during the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) Awards 2024 weekend, held at the Etihad Arena on Yas Island. Despite these being standard operating procedures for millions of annual international tourists, the actors faced a wave of polarized comments on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). Critics accused the stars of "religious…