Deepika Padukone’s Bully Behaviour in Bollywood: The Shadows Behind the Spotlight

In the dazzling world of Bollywood, where glitz and glamour reign supreme, there is often a darker undercurrent—one of rivalry, subtle sabotage, and the relentless pursuit of staying on top. Few stories encapsulate this better than the controversies surrounding Deepika Padukone, one of India’s most celebrated actresses, whose alleged “bully” behaviour and PR games have left a trail of bruised egos and broken friendships. From shaming Katrina Kaif over leaked photos to tense showdowns with Priyanka Chopra, Deepika’s journey through the industry has been as controversial as it is inspiring.

The PR Games: Setting the Narrative

Whispers about Deepika’s “dirty PR game” have echoed in the industry for years. While every Bollywood star employs a team to manage their image, Deepika’s approach has often been described as aggressive and, at times, ruthless. The latest controversy with director Sandeep Reddy Vanga brought these whispers back into the limelight. After Deepika reportedly dropped out of a film that was later signed by Triptii Dimri, a wave of articles surfaced—some suggesting the film was “too bold” for Deepika, others shaming Triptii for accepting the role and allegedly working for less money.

While it’s impossible to prove that every word in the press was orchestrated by Deepika’s team, the pattern is hard to ignore. As Sonam Kapoor once remarked, “Deepika has a very over-enthusiastic PR team.” The timing of these stories, often coinciding with career moves or casting decisions, has led many to believe that there’s more at play than mere coincidence.

The Katrina Kaif Episode: From Rivalry to Public Shaming

Perhaps the most infamous chapter in this saga is Deepika’s tumultuous relationship with Katrina Kaif. The roots of their animosity are well-known—after Deepika’s breakup with Ranbir Kapoor, he began dating Katrina, sparking a rivalry that played out both on and off screen.

But what began as personal heartbreak soon spilled into the public domain. On the popular talk show “Koffee with Karan,” when asked about Katrina, Deepika quipped that she’d like to see Katrina’s passport—a sly dig at rumors that Katrina was lying about her age. The intention was clear: to cast doubt and stir controversy.

Things escalated when private vacation photos of Katrina with Ranbir were leaked and splashed across tabloids. The media, relentless as ever, shamed Katrina for her choice of swimwear and speculated endlessly about her relationship. Katrina, feeling invaded and distressed, penned an open letter to the press expressing her anguish.

And where was Deepika in all this? When asked about the leaked photos, her response was chillingly unsympathetic: “It has never happened to me. I believe if you are a celebrity, these things are bound to happen. If someone has captured me, I should have been a little more careful.” Rather than standing in solidarity with another woman subjected to public scrutiny, Deepika’s words seemed to place the blame squarely on Katrina’s shoulders.

Public and Private Personas: The Shifting Face of Friendship

Bollywood is no stranger to shifting alliances, but Deepika’s sudden changes in behaviour have often raised eyebrows. After years of coldness, she began acting cordial with Katrina, even calling her a “friend” during an episode of “Koffee with Karan” in 2014. But was this genuine reconciliation or a calculated move for public consumption?

The timing was certainly curious. During the promotions for “Tamasha,” a film starring Deepika and her ex, Ranbir Kapoor, the industry watched as Deepika and Ranbir’s chemistry was paraded before the cameras—despite both being in new relationships. Many felt this was disrespectful to both Katrina and Ranveer Singh, Deepika’s then-boyfriend. Was it all just showbiz, or was there a deeper intent to keep old flames—and rivalries—alive in the public eye?

Priyanka Chopra: A Tale of Competition and Cold Shoulders

Deepika’s competitive streak wasn’t limited to Katrina. Her relationship with Priyanka Chopra, another global Bollywood icon, has been equally fraught. The two starred together in “Bajirao Mastani,” and for a while, presented a united front. But as Priyanka’s Hollywood star began to rise, cracks appeared.

While friendly interviews and public appearances suggested camaraderie, insiders noticed a growing distance. When asked in later interviews about working with Priyanka, Deepika would avoid mentioning her by name, offering only vague platitudes about “collaborating with people.” Was this mere coincidence, or a subtle attempt to downplay Priyanka’s achievements on the world stage?

The underlying tension was palpable. As Priyanka made waves in Hollywood, Deepika too began auditioning for international roles, eventually debuting opposite Vin Diesel in “xXx: Return of Xander Cage.” But the comparison was inevitable, and the competition, fierce.

The Vin Diesel Angle: Publicity or Something More?

Promotion is the lifeblood of Bollywood, and Deepika is a master at it. During the press tour for “xXx,” Deepika’s flirtatious banter with Vin Diesel—joking about their “amazing babies” and “beautiful chemistry”—made headlines. On Ellen DeGeneres’ show, when asked about rumors of a romance, Deepika coyly replied, “There’s no smoke without fire.”

The problem? At the time, Deepika was publicly dating Ranveer Singh, and Vin Diesel was in a long-term relationship with three children. The calculated ambiguity of her statements seemed designed to generate buzz for the film, even at the cost of stirring unnecessary rumors. Was this just clever marketing, or did it cross a line into disrespect?

The Pattern Repeats: Triptii Dimri and Beyond

The most recent controversy involving Triptii Dimri follows a now-familiar script. After Deepika exited a film project, stories began to surface questioning Triptii’s choices and professionalism. Articles alluded to her being “okay with any scenes” and working for less money—subtle digs that undermined her credibility.

Such narratives, whether directly orchestrated or simply enabled by an aggressive PR machine, have a chilling effect. They shape public perception, pit actresses against each other, and reinforce the cutthroat nature of the industry.

The Industry Reacts: Solidarity or Silence?

Not everyone in Bollywood has taken these incidents lying down. When Katrina was publicly shamed, many came to her defense. Yet, the industry’s response to Deepika’s alleged behaviour has often been muted, perhaps out of fear, perhaps out of resignation. As one observer put it, “Everyone has a PR team. But how far are you willing to go? That’s what matters.”

Even with Ananya Panday, during the promotions for “Gehraiyaan,” viewers noticed an odd dynamic—Deepika’s interactions with Ananya and other co-stars sometimes seemed off, as if lines were being drawn and boundaries tested.

The Human Cost: What Lies Beneath the Surface

Behind the headlines and social media posts lies a more painful reality. The pressure to succeed in Bollywood is immense, and the cost of falling out of favour can be devastating. For every actress who rises, another must fall—a zero-sum game played out in gossip columns and viral tweets.

For Katrina, the ordeal of having her private moments splashed across the media was deeply traumatic. For Priyanka, the cold shoulder from former friends may have stung as she forged a new path abroad. For Triptii, the shadow cast by negative press could impact her career for years to come.

And for Deepika? The question remains: is the relentless pursuit of success worth the bridges burned and friendships lost?

The Road Ahead: Can Bollywood Change?

In recent years, there has been a growing call for change—a demand for more solidarity among actresses, less toxic competition, and a media landscape that values talent over scandal. Social media has given stars a direct line to their fans, bypassing the old gatekeepers and allowing them to set their own narratives.

Yet, as long as PR games and subtle sabotage remain part of the industry’s DNA, stories like Deepika’s will continue to surface. The challenge is to recognize these patterns, call them out, and demand better—not just from stars, but from the system itself.

Beyond the Glare of the Spotlight

Deepika Padukone’s journey is a testament to the complexities of fame. She is, without question, a talented actress and a formidable force in Bollywood. But her story is also a cautionary tale about the perils of ambition unchecked by empathy.

In the end, the true measure of a star is not just the roles they play or the awards they win, but the legacy they leave behind—the friendships they nurture, the respect they command, and the example they set for those who follow.

As Bollywood continues to evolve, perhaps the greatest hope is that tomorrow’s headlines will be about collaboration, not competition; about lifting each other up, not tearing each other down. Because in the end, it’s not just about who shines the brightest—it’s about how we treat each other in the shadows.

What do you think about Deepika Padukone’s behaviour? Is it just the price of fame, or is it time for Bollywood to change?