Highlights
- Imtiaz Ali said his comments about Deepika Padukone’s "good girl image" were made in jest
- The filmmaker shared a public clarification after reactions surfaced online
- The discussion stemmed from remarks about Deepika’s role in Cocktail
Imtiaz Ali moves to clear the air after comments spark discussion
Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has clarified remarks he made about Deepika Padukone after comments about her early public image triggered mixed reactions online.
Ali, who directed Padukone in Love Aaj Kal and Tamasha, had recently reflected on working with the actor during the making of Cocktail, a film for which he served as writer and screenwriter.
During the conversation, he suggested that Padukone’s role in the film differed sharply from the image she projected publicly at the time and used the word "facade" while discussing it.
The remarks prompted debate online, with some social media users questioning whether the comments were necessary.
A public message aimed directly at Deepika
Responding to the discussion, Ali shared a clarification through Instagram Stories and addressed Padukone directly in a warm and personal message.
He described her as a close friend and someone he deeply admired, adding that humour between them had always been easy and natural.
Ali wrote that he never imagined he would need to explain the comments but wanted to avoid any possibility of misunderstanding. He also said being unkind towards her was simply not possible.
The filmmaker ended the message by wishing her well and expressing affection.
Revisiting Cocktail and a turning point role
The conversation had centred on Cocktail, the 2012 film directed by Homi Adajania that marked a notable moment in Padukone’s career.
In the film, she played Veronica, a confident and free-spirited London-based character whose personality contrasted with Meera, played by Diana Penty.
The story followed a love triangle involving Saif Ali Khan’s Gautam Kapoor and went on to receive significant attention from audiences.
Padukone’s portrayal of Veronica was widely praised and is often regarded as one of the performances that shifted perceptions around her range as an actor.
A remark that reopened an old conversation
The reaction surrounding Ali’s comments once again highlighted how conversations around actors, public image and personal identity continue to attract scrutiny long after a film's release.
More than a decade after Cocktail, the discussion unexpectedly returned attention to a film that remains an important chapter in Deepika Padukone’s career.
The singer jokingly texted Clairo saying, "Let's f**k her up," sparking an online frenzy
Why Charli XCX jokingly declared war on Peppa Pig after one viral comment
Highlights
What started as a playful celebrity game has turned into one of the internet's most unexpected viral moments, with Charli XCX jokingly threatening to "f**k up" Peppa Pig after the beloved cartoon character appeared to dismiss singer Clairo.
The exchange quickly spread across social media, drawing reactions from fans and fellow musicians, while turning an unlikely clash between a pop star and a fictional children's character into a trending talking point.
Peppa Pig's viral remark sparked the joke
The playful exchange began during Peppa Pig's appearance in Pitchfork's Over/Under game, where the animated character rated a selection of music artists.
While expressing admiration for acts including PinkPantheress and The Beatles, Peppa responded to Clairo by saying, "I don't know her," a line widely recognised as a reference to Mariah Carey's famous response when asked about Jennifer Lopez.
The remark, accompanied by a knowing glance at the camera, quickly gained traction online.
Charli XCX rushed to Clairo's defence
After seeing the clip, Charli XCX privately messaged Clairo, writing, "Let's f**k her up," alongside a screenshot of the viral post.
Clairo later shared the exchange on social media, prompting thousands of reactions from fans, many of whom responded with pig and bacon-themed jokes.
PinkPantheress, whom Peppa had praised in the original video, also joined the conversation, posting a message supporting Clairo.
As the exchange continued, Clairo responded to the growing attention with humour, replying to posts before eventually telling followers, "ok that's enoughhhhh lolllllllllll."
Some fans joked that the viral moment was the perfect opportunity for the singer to announce new music, though Clairo replied that she did not have anything ready to share.
Her most recent album, Charm, was released in 2024, with its accompanying tour concluding in 2025.
Charli XCX keeps her focus on new music
While the online joke continued to gather momentum, Charli XCX did not publicly add to the exchange.
Instead, the singer has been focusing on promoting her upcoming album, Music, Fashion, Film, which is scheduled for release on July 24.
Although fans speculated that one of the track titles could be a playful nod to the viral exchange, there has been no indication that the album references the light-hearted social media moment.