New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Ravinder Singh Negi has threatened nationwide protests against Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film King over Deepika Padukone's saffron coloured outfit in the song Tu Mil Jaaye, accusing the filmmakers of disrespecting Sanatan Dharma. Negi, who represents Delhi's Patparganj constituency, demanded that the scene be changed or removed from the song. He warned that protests would follow if the filmmakers failed to act.
The legislator also made a religiously charged remark targeting Khan, saying in Hindi that he would call the actor a "jihadi". His comments, reported on November 6, came days after the song was released on November 2 to mark Khan's 61st birthday. Neither Khan nor the film's director, Siddharth Anand, had publicly responded to Negi's demands in the reports reviewed.
Why has Deepika's outfit caused controversy?
Negi objected to Padukone wearing saffron, a colour associated with Hindu religious traditions, during a song sequence. He alleged that its portrayal was an attempt to undermine Sanatan Dharma, a claim for which he provided no evidence. The legislator argued that filmmakers should respect religious sentiments and called for the scene to be altered before the film's release.
His remarks have renewed debate over the use of religious symbolism in entertainment and the extent to which political objections should influence creative decisions.
The Pathaan controversy returns
The dispute follows a similar controversy surrounding the 2023 film Pathaan, which also starred Khan and Padukone and was directed by Siddharth Anand. Before that film's release, Padukone's saffron swimsuit in the song Besharam Rang drew objections from Hindu nationalist groups and politicians, who claimed that the costume and song title were disrespectful to religious beliefs.
The controversy led to boycott calls and demands for changes to the film. India's Central Board of Film Certification subsequently required modifications to selected visuals. Despite the protests, Pathaan became a box office success.
The latest dispute has revived comparisons between the two productions, with social media users questioning whether the saffron costume in King was a deliberate reference to the earlier controversy. However, no evidence has been presented to establish that the costume was chosen to provoke a political reaction.
King set for December release
Directed by Siddharth Anand, King is scheduled for worldwide theatrical release on December 24, 2026. The film features Khan and Padukone alongside Suhana Khan, Abhishek Bachchan, Rani Mukerji and other actors. Its song Tu Mil Jaaye, featuring vocals by Arijit Singh and Ed Sheeran, was released as part of the film's promotional campaign.
Negi's warning has brought the film into a political dispute before its release, although no official restriction or government action against the production has been reported. Whether the filmmakers respond to the demand for changes remains to be seen.
