Deepika, Ranveer Criticized for Choosing ‘Dua’ Over Hindu Name
Bollywood celebrities Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are facing social media backlash over the name they chose for their newborn daughter. Padukone gave birth to their daughter in September, and the couple introduced her to the world by sharing a picture on Diwali, a significant Hindu festival. The name they selected, Dua, meaning “prayer” in Arabic, quickly sparked controversy.
Social Media Sparks Name Debate
In the Instagram post, Padukone and Singh shared a photo of their daughter’s tiny feet, with a heartfelt caption explaining the name’s significance: “Dua Padukone Singh. ‘Dua’: meaning a Prayer. Because She is the Answer to our Prayers. Our hearts are filled with Love & Gratitude.” While many followers offered congratulations, some questioned why the couple chose an Arabic name with Islamic origins instead of a traditional Hindu name.
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One Instagram user commented, “Why not ‘prarthana’? Why choose an Urdu word over a Hindi one?” Another criticized Padukone, writing, “You claim to be a Sanatani. Why would you pick an Islamic term for your child?”
Hindu Concept of ‘Prarthana’ and Sanatani Beliefs
In Hinduism, prarthana or prathna, which means “prayer” in Sanskrit, is part of the worship process and holds deep spiritual significance. Sanatani followers, who adhere to Sanātana Dharma (an alternative term for Hinduism), view the naming process as an expression of cultural and religious identity. Many critics referenced these beliefs to argue that a name reflecting Hindu culture would have been more appropriate.
Celebrities’ Diverse Backgrounds and Personal Choice
Padukone and Singh, both practicing Hindus, had a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony as well as a Sikh Anand Karaj ceremony, recognizing Singh’s Sikh roots. While the couple’s religious background includes both Hindu and Sikh traditions, some critics saw the choice of an Islamic-origin name as unusual. Singh has previously spoken about his family’s religious diversity, acknowledging his paternal Sikh heritage.
Despite the backlash, supporters defended the couple’s choice, with one commenter asking, “Why are people so pressed about a child’s name that doesn’t even belong to them?” Others emphasized the right of parents to choose any name they feel best represents their love and values.
Growing Anti-Muslim Sentiment in India
The criticism comes amid rising anti-Muslim sentiment in India. Earlier in 2023, US-based research organization India Hate Lab reported a sharp increase in hate speech directed at Muslims. The organization documented 668 instances of anti-Muslim hate speech, with a significant spike in the latter half of the year.
India Hate Lab attributed this increase to the emergence of Hindu nationalist groups engaging in discriminatory rhetoric. The organization used the UN definition of hate speech, which includes prejudiced language targeting individuals based on religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, or gender.
Broader Debate Reflects Societal Tensions
The intense reaction to Padukone and Singh’s choice reflects broader societal tensions in India. Naming a child, once a private family matter, has become a public flashpoint in an environment where identity and tradition are heavily scrutinized.
As public figures, Padukone and Singh’s actions are constantly in the spotlight. This debate over their daughter’s name underscores the challenges they face in balancing personal choices with public expectations, especially in a climate of growing religious sensitivities.
In the face of the backlash, neither Padukone nor Singh has issued a public response. The couple’s choice of the name Dua stands as a testament to their personal beliefs and desires, despite the criticism it has invited from some quarters.
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