Death threats can’t make Deepika miss her ritual

Of late, what has been common to most of the films starring Deepika Padukone? Well, for starters, a majority of them have been super successful at the box office. But not many know that lately, her movies have had another common connect — the divine touch.

Be it Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), Chennai Express (2013), Goliyon Ki Raaslela Ram-Leela (2013), Bajirao Mastani (2015) or XXX: Return of Xander Cage (2017), Deepika has always visited the famous Siddhivinayak temple before her films’ releases to “seek blessings from Lord Ganesha”. (This temple, located in Prabhadevi, is a favourite of most Bollywood actors. They visit regularly, either before a film’s release or for offering prayers on auspicious days.)

Ahead of the release of her film, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Padmaavat (out in the theatres today), Deepika went to the temple on January 23. There was a security issue, but the actor wasn’t deterred. “This time, due to the controversies surrounding the film, she had received multiple threats to her life from a few fringe groups. But despite threats, she didn’t want to miss the ritual,” says an insider.

Apparently, Deepika doesn’t want to miss out on her “divine visits to Siddhivinayak at any cost”. “That’s why, despite the fact that she was advised against it this time by a few people, Deepika was clear that she didn’t want to skip it,” adds the insider.

Keeping the controversies and threats in mind, a massive security cover was apparently arranged for the actor’s unannounced visit on Tuesday afternoon. “Deepika wanted to visit on Tuesday, as it’s supposed to be very auspicious, so she made a brief visit,” says the insider.

Deepika spent about 20 minutes praying to Ganesha. “She prayed privately for a few moments before making a quick exit, since by that time, other devotees had found out about her presence,” adds the insider. Deepika couldn’t be reached for a comment.

THREATS TO DEEPIKA’S LIFE HAVE BEEN MADE BY SOME FRINGE GROUPS, BUT SHE WASN’T DETERRED

PHOTO: PTI Actor Deepika Padukone arrives at the Siddhivinayak temple on Tuesday