Bollywood stars have joined hundreds expressing outrage after a top Indian newspaper published a photo and report on actress Deepika Padukone’s cleavage in its online version.
On Sunday the Times of India tweeted a photo with a link to a web photo gallery and caption: “OMG: Deepika Padukone’s cleavage show.”
An angry Padukone responded on Twitter: “YES! I am a Woman. I have breasts AND a cleavage! You got a problem!!??”
The daily later put out a tweet urging her to consider it a compliment.
The newspaper has since removed the original tweet about Padukone’s dress, which she wore to a film launch last year.
Several Bollywood celebrities and hundreds of fans have come out in support of the actress and #IStandWithDeepikaPadukone was the top trend on Twitter in India on Monday.
Ranveer Singh congratulated his “Ramleela” heroine for her courage with a tweet saying: “@deepikapadukone way to let ‘em know! #LikeABoss.”
Her co-star in “Finding Fanny,” Arjun Kapoor twitted: “We have hit a new low today...forget complimenting a woman have the ability to respect a woman first...”
Priyanka Chopra wrote on Twitter: “Well done @deepikapadukone ! Taken a stand for all of us. Xoxo”
“Appalled....shocked and disgusted at the level of disrespect shown. Deepika or any women in the world cannot and should not stand for this!!” tweeted producer, director Karan Johar.
Many ordinary Indian women have also poured onto Twitter to voice their respect for her stand.
