Acclaimed actor Jaideep Ahlawat has found himself at the center of a brewing controversy following a remark he made about Bollywood superstar Deepika Padukone. During a recent interaction, Ahlawat quipped that Padukone might “steal Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s next script,” a comment that didn’t sit well with many of her fans, sparking heated reactions across social media.
What may have been intended as a light-hearted or offhand statement quickly escalated into a topic of debate, with netizens accusing the Paatal Lok actor of taking an unnecessary jab at Deepika. The backlash was swift and intense, with many questioning Ahlawat’s motives and suggesting he might be trying to gain traction in the commercial space by invoking a widely popular star’s name.
Some fans interpreted the comment as an attempt to undermine Padukone’s stature in the industry, particularly given her past collaborations with Sanjay Leela Bhansali, including the iconic Padmaavat and Ram-Leela. These films not only solidified her standing as a top-tier actress but also showcased her deep creative rapport with the filmmaker. By suggesting she’d “steal” a script, critics argued, Ahlawat risked implying a lack of professionalism on her part.
On the other hand, a smaller section of social media users defended the actor, claiming the remark was likely made in jest and didn’t warrant the extent of the outrage. Still, the overwhelming response has been negative, with some accusing him of deliberately courting controversy to push into the mainstream spotlight—a space he has often remained just adjacent to despite his stellar performances in indie and OTT projects.
Jaideep Ahlawat, known for his powerful roles and grounded acting style, has generally stayed away from controversies. However, this incident has unexpectedly cast him in a different light, with fans and industry observers alike questioning whether his comment was a genuine joke gone wrong or a calculated move to stir buzz.
As of now, neither Ahlawat nor Padukone has made an official statement regarding the matter. But the episode underscores the growing sensitivity among fan communities and how even seemingly casual comments from celebrities can ignite major online firestorms in today’s social media-driven culture.
