ALBAWABA - Bollywood power couple Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh recently faced a wave of online criticism following the reveal of their daughter's name: Dua Padukone Singh. The couple, who welcomed their daughter in September, shared a photo of the baby's feet on Instagram during Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights. They explained the name's meaning in the caption, stating, "Dua: meaning a Prayer. Because She is the Answer to our Prayers. Our hearts are filled with Love & Gratitude."
While "dua" does mean "prayer" and is of Arabic origin, holding significance within Islam as a form of worship and supplication to God, its usage transcends religious boundaries and is commonly used in various contexts across South Asia. However, many social media users questioned the couple's choice, suggesting they should have opted for a Sanskrit-derived word like "prarthana," which also means "prayer" and is commonly used within Hinduism.
Some users criticized the perceived use of an "Urdu" word (although "dua" is Arabic) over a "Hindi" one, seemingly overlooking the shared cultural and linguistic heritage of the region. The backlash even included references to the couple's Hindu faith (with Singh having Sikh ancestry), with some using the term "Sanatani" (a term used by some Hindus to denote their faith) in their critiques.
However, many others defended the couple's choice, calling out the "absurd" reaction and emphasizing their right to name their child as they see fit. The incident highlights the complexities of religious and cultural identity in India, and the often-intense scrutiny faced by public figures, particularly regarding personal choices.
