Fake Instagram Stories pretending to be from the official accounts of Bollywood celebrities have become a growing concern on social media. These manipulated posts are often created to mislead fans and make it appear as though their favourite stars have taken a stand on certain controversial issues or hot topics. Amid the ongoing student protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and increasing support for activist Sonam Wangchuk from several B-town celebrities, a post allegedly shared by Deepika Padukone has gone viral online. However, the widely circulated Instagram Story is fake and was not shared by the actress.
Deepika Padukone’s Post On Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike
The IG Story claims that re-posted a quote on Sonam Wangchuk, which read: “He is fasting. We are scrolling. That’s the state of our democracy. Dissent is not anti-national, apathy is.”
It further claims that she added the caption: “Why is no one speaking about this? We are living through the darkest hour of democracy. No matter how many films are made to glorify a failed leader, the reality remains unchanged.”
DP’s IG Story?
Fact-Checking Deepika Padukone’s Post
Although it quickly went viral on social media and was even re-posted by Chief Spokesperson of Cockroach Janta Party, Saurav Das, the post is fake. Deepika has not spoken up on Wangchuk’s hunger strike yet.
The Pathaan actress has neither shared nor re-posted anything related to the student protests led by the CJP.
This comes at a time when half of Bollywood is being questioned for their silence on Sonam’s hunger strike. After 3 Idiots fame voiced his support and urged the real-life Phunsukh Wangdu to end the fast, several others rallied together to show their support.
Shabana Azmi, Abhay Deol, Swara Bhasker, and others shared posts, urging Sonam to prioritise his health.
Razdan, mother of Bollywood star Alia Bhatt, penned, “Dear Sonam Wangchuk, For your health, we all do pray. Please do not leave us in this way. Please live to fight another day. Please stay. Please end your fast today.”
“Dear Sonam Wangchuk, our country needs a person like you. You stand against injustice, stand for truth, we are proud of you. That’s why we request you to break your fast because your guidance for our students increases their courage. This fight has to be fought till the end, so you need to be healthy. We are with you,” read