Deepika Padukone’s saffron look in King has become a talking point on social media after the release of the film’s first song, Tu Mil Jaaye. The actor’s outfit has reminded viewers of the controversy surrounding her saffron bikini in Besharam Rang from Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 blockbuster Pathaan.
The song was released at midnight on Shah Rukh Khan’s 61st birthday. While fans praised the romantic visuals, many quickly noticed Deepika’s saffron-coloured outfit and began drawing comparisons with the earlier controversy.
Some social media users also speculated whether director Siddharth Anand, who helmed both films, was making a cheeky reference to the Pathaan backlash.
One user described the move as humorous, while another wondered whether Shah Rukh Khan was indirectly trolling critics. These reactions fuelled further discussion around the colour choice.
What Was the Besharam Rang Controversy?
The controversy dates back to the release of Besharam Rang, a song from Pathaan, in 2022. Deepika appeared in a saffron bikini in the track, prompting objections from several religious groups.
Critics argued that the use of saffron, a colour considered sacred in Hinduism, in a song titled Besharam Rang, meaning 'shameless colour', was disrespectful to religious sentiments.
The issue soon became political. Madhya Pradesh's then Home Minister Narottam Mishra objected to Deepika's outfit, describing it as vulgar and demanding changes to the song. He also threatened a possible state-wide ban on the film.
The Vishwa Hindu Parishad and other organisations also raised objections.
Director Siddharth Anand later clarified that the colour had been selected to complement the song's sunny backdrop and that there was no intention to hurt anyone's sentiments. The Central Board of Film Certification subsequently suggested certain modifications to the film, including changes to the song's visuals.
King Song Tu Mil Jaaye Features Arijit Singh and Ed Sheeran
Tu Mil Jaaye, sung by Arijit Singh and Ed Sheeran, is the first song released from King. The film stars Shah Rukh Khan and features Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal, Saurabh Shukla, Abhay Verma and Kareena Kapoor Khan, among others.
The film also marks the big-screen debut of Shah Rukh Khan's daughter, Suhana Khan.
When Will Shah Rukh Khan’s King Release?
Directed by Siddharth Anand, King is positioned as a major Christmas release. The film is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 24.
While the saffron outfit has triggered comparisons with Pathaan, there has been no official confirmation that the colour choice in King was intended as a reference to the earlier controversy.
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