Mumbai: Television actor Ankita Lokhande recently found herself at the centre of a social media controversy after sharing photographs from her vacation in Dubai and Abu Dhabi with husband Vicky Jain.
The online debate erupted after Ankita posted pictures from a visit to a mosque in Abu Dhabi, where she was seen wearing a hijab as part of the dress code followed at the religious site.
While several social media users criticised the actor over her attire, many others defended her actions, stating that covering the head inside mosques is a standard requirement for visitors regardless of religion.
The incident once again highlighted how celebrities often become subjects of online scrutiny over personal choices and cultural practices during international travel.
Photos from mosque visit trigger online reactions
Ankita Lokhande shared multiple photographs and videos from her UAE trip through her Instagram account.
Among the images were pictures taken during a visit to a prominent mosque in Abu Dhabi, where the actor covered her head with a traditional scarf while exploring the religious site.
According to standard visitor protocols followed at several mosques across the Middle East, women visitors are generally required to dress modestly and cover their heads before entering the premises.
However, shortly after the photographs surfaced online, a section of social media users began criticising Ankita for wearing the hijab.
Some users questioned her decision and linked it to her recent spiritual visit to a gaushala associated with spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Social media criticism intensifies
Several comments criticising the actor began circulating online.
Some users questioned why she wore a hijab despite being from a Hindu background, while others compared the visit to her participation in Hindu religious activities earlier this month.
A few comments also accused celebrities of selectively displaying secularism on social media.
The criticism intensified as screenshots and clips from Ankita’s UAE visit spread across various online platforms.
Fans defend Ankita Lokhande
At the same time, many social media users came forward in support of the actor.
Fans pointed out that head coverings are mandatory inside many mosques and religious institutions worldwide as a mark of respect and adherence to local customs.
Supporters also clarified that Ankita wore the scarf only while inside the mosque premises and appeared without it in other pictures from the same outing.
Several users criticised the trolling, arguing that respecting religious traditions while travelling should not be politicised or targeted online.
Others stated that wearing culturally appropriate attire at religious places reflects courtesy rather than a change in personal beliefs.
Earlier visit to gaushala drew praise
The controversy gained additional attention because only days earlier Ankita Lokhande and Vicky Jain had visited Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Sri Sri Gaushala ashram.
During the visit, the couple participated in activities including feeding cattle and assisting at the shelter.
Photographs from the gaushala visit were widely appreciated by many fans who praised the actor for supporting traditional and spiritual practices.
The contrast between reactions to the two visits fuelled further discussions online regarding public expectations from celebrities and religious identity.
Similar controversy in the past
This is not the first time Ankita Lokhande has faced online criticism over attire linked to religious or cultural practices.
In 2025, the actor also attracted social media attention after appearing at Mumbai airport wearing a hijab and greeting paparazzi with “Adaab”.
The incident had similarly sparked mixed reactions online, with some users trolling her while others defended her freedom to dress and greet people respectfully.
Ankita continues television and film journey
On the professional front, Ankita Lokhande was recently seen in Laughter Chefs Season 3.
She rose to prominence through Ektaa Kapoor’s popular television serial Pavitra Rishta, where she starred opposite late actor Sushant Singh Rajput.
Over the years, Ankita has also appeared in films including Manikarnika: The Queen of Jhansi, Baaghi 3 and Swatantrya Veer Savarkar.
Despite recurring social media controversies, the actor continues to maintain a strong fan following across television and digital platforms.
Debate over celebrity scrutiny continues
The latest episode involving Ankita Lokhande has once again sparked wider conversations around celebrity culture, religious sensitivity and social media behaviour.
Observers note that public figures frequently face intense scrutiny online over personal appearances, travel choices and participation in cultural practices.
At the same time, many users continue to advocate for respecting local customs and religious norms while visiting sacred places around the world.