Deepika, Ranveer draw backlash online for naming their daughter ‘Dua’

Bollywood couple Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone faced backlash on social media after announcing their newborn daughter's name, ‘Dua.’ Many Indian fans objected, criticising the couple for choosing a “Muslim name.”

Ranveer and Deepika, who married in November 2018, recently welcomed their baby girl and revealed her name on Instagram during the Diwali celebrations.

Deepika’s post featured an adorable photo of her daughter’s tiny feet along with a heartfelt caption explaining the meaning behind the name. 

“Dua: meaning a prayer. Because she is the answer to our prayers. Our hearts are filled with love & gratitude,” the caption read.

Despite the explanation, the couple received a wave of critical comments, with some followers questioning the choice. “I love Deepika, but I don't like the name 'Dua'... how about 'Durva'?” wrote one Instagram user.

Another comment read, “After all this time, the name is Dua? Why? Are you guys from an Islamic country, or have you forgotten that you are Hindu?”

A critic suggested, “It would have been better to name her Prathana than Dua.”

However, some followers came to the couple’s defense, criticising those who made an issue over the baby’s name. Others pointed out that ‘Dua’ is an Urdu word meaning “prayer,” without necessarily carrying an Islamic connotation.

This is not the first time a Bollywood celebrity has faced criticism for something perceived as “Muslim-associated.” Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan similarly faced backlash for naming their sons Taimur and Jeh (short for Jehangir), though the couple chose not to address the controversy.

With polarisation and anti-Muslim sentiment on the rise in Indian society, other Bollywood actresses like Swara Bhasker and Sonakshi Sinha have also faced trolling for marrying Muslim men.