New Delhi, May 29, 2026: Popular television and Bollywood actress Ankita Lokhande has found herself at the center of a heated social media controversy. The Pavitra Rishta star, who is currently holidaying in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with her businessman husband Vicky Jain, faced severe backlash from a section of netizens after sharing pictures of herself wearing a hijab during a visit to a prominent mosque in Abu Dhabi.
The couple, who are currently participating in the popular entertainment show Laughter Chefs, recently took some time off from their busy schedules for a scenic getaway to Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While Ankita shared several cheerful glimpses of their travels, it was her attire at the religious site that rapidly sparked debate across digital platforms, dividing internet users into opposing factions.
A Scenic Vacation Turns Contentious
Ankita Lokhande, always active on Instagram, uploaded a beautifully curated transition video and a photo carousel documenting her time in Abu Dhabi. Her post was accompanied by a warm and casual caption.
The visual collection showcased the couple exploring various landmarks, including Warner Bros. World, and capturing romantic moments together. However, the controversy broke out over images taken at a renowned Abu Dhabi mosque. To respect the traditional guidelines of the religious site, Ankita covered her head with a traditional black headscarf, pairing the hijab with a casual jeans and t-shirt ensemble. Vicky Jain was also seen alongside her in the photographs, posing inside the majestic architectural premises.
Within minutes of the post going live, the comment section became flooded with critical remarks. A significant portion of the backlash originated from users questioning her choice of attire based on her religious identity, with several comments demanding to know why she felt the need to wear a hijab. Others expressed discomfort over a perceived shift in her presentation, particularly given her prominent roots in the industry as a Maharashtrian actress.
The Contrast With Recent “Gau Seva”
What intensified the public scrutiny was the stark contrast internet users drew with the couple’s activities just a few days prior to their vacation. Before jetting off to the UAE, Ankita and Vicky had visited spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Sri Sri Gaushala ashram.
During that visit, the couple shared videos of themselves participating in traditional rituals and “Gau Seva” (serving and feeding cows). At the time, fans and followers widely praised Ankita for promoting traditional values and expressing deep reverence for Sanatan Dharma.
Because of this recent public appearance, conservative sections of the internet reacted sharply to her mosque visit. Trolls accused the actress of altering her stances too quickly, with some comments accusing her of superficial secularism. Netizens left pointed remarks asking why Hindu public figures often adapt to cultural norms abroad while claiming alternative values at home, creating a massive digital debate over religious expressions and personal freedom.
Fans and Defenders Step In
Despite the heavy wave of trolling, Ankita’s loyal fanbase and fair-minded netizens quickly stepped forward to defend her actions. Many users pointed out that her choice of clothing was not a religious conversion or a statement of faith, but a simple adherence to the strict dress codes mandatory for all tourists entering mosques in Islamic countries.
Defenders noted that historical and religious monuments worldwide maintain decorum guidelines that visitors must respect regardless of their personal faith. To support this point, fans highlighted that in the very same post, Ankita had shared separate photos outside the mosque where she did not wear the headscarf, proving that the clothing was entirely situational.
Other internet users drawing parallels added that dressing modestly or covering one’s head is a practice commonly shared across multiple religious structures in India as well, including temples and gurudwaras. For many, Ankita’s decision was viewed as a mature mark of respect toward local global cultures rather than a controversial act.
A History of Clothing-Related Trolling
This is notably not the first time Ankita Lokhande has faced the wrath of online moral policing regarding cultural aesthetics. In late 2025, the actress faced a similar wave of social media criticism after she was spotted by paparazzi at the Mumbai airport wearing a headscarf and politely greeting onlookers with a traditional “Adaab.” At that time, social media users had raised similar questions regarding her cultural representation.
Celebrities frequently navigate a razor-thin line on social media, where personal holiday choices are routinely scrutinized through a socio-political lens. As of now, neither Ankita Lokhande nor Vicky Jain has issued an official statement or responded directly to the ongoing trolling on their profiles. The actress continues to keep the photos on her feed, prioritizing her vacation memories over the digital noise.
On the professional front, Ankita’s popularity remains exceptionally high. After a highly discussed stint on Bigg Boss 17 and reality shows like Smart Jodi, she and Vicky are currently winning hearts with their comedic timing and lighthearted chemistry on Laughter Chefs, proving that despite the occasional internet storm, their screen presence continues to engage millions.