SRK's saffron swipe? Deepika's King look has fans digging up the Besharam Rang row

Actor Deepika Padukone is back in saffron, and the internet can't stop connecting the dots. The actor looks picture-perfect in the newly released song Tu Mil Jaaye from Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film King. But while fans are busy soaking in the romance and the visuals, something else about her look has caught their attention: her saffron-coloured outfit.The song dropped on social media at midnight on SRK's 61st birthday, and eagle-eyed fans were quick to spot the colour choice. For many, it brought back memories of Besharam Rang from Pathaan and the controversy that erupted over Deepika's saffron bikini. Some even wondered if director Siddharth Anand, who also helmed Pathaan, was taking a cheeky dig at the earlier uproar.The speculation soon found its way to social media. Sharing a screenshot of Deepika in the saffron outfit, one user wrote, "they're lowkey so funny for this," while another asked, "Wait... did Shah Rukh Khan just troll someone (sic)?"An Instagram reel that gained traction after the song's release carried the caption, "SRK did it dirty to 'those bhakts' (sic)." Another post on X drew attention to the colour of Deepika's outfit, writing, "Deepika is back in saffron #KING (sic)." Deepika is back in saffron #King https://t.co/zwS6viU1Xx— Annihilator (@Gargi16191) November 1, 2026It looks like Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone and Siddharth Anand want to create a Pathan-like controversy to fuel #KingMovie promotion. Thoughts, people? #King #ShahRukhKhan https://t.co/FFEUFVeXt4— Rishi Nayak (@SilentThe41134) November 2, 2026The ' ' Song From #KING Has Been Released, And Deepika Padukone's In Some Portions Has Suddenly Sparked Controversy The Controversy Is Reminiscent Of The Surrounding Deepika's Besharam Rang From #PATHAAN But Honestly, ORANGE Outfit #KING Not an Issue! In My Opinion, Besharam Rang Had Bikni Shots That was Felt Cheap & Vulgar, Which Became A Major Talking Point Back Then. , ' ! The Styling Looks Fine, And There Are No Vulgar Moves That Make It An Issue Nonetheless, This BOYCOTT Debate? #SRK #SidAnand #ShahRukhKhan #viral #review #SONGS— Movies Buster (@buster_movies) November 2, 2026 All about the Besharam Rang controversyFor those who may have forgotten, Deepika's saffron bikini in Besharam Rang, a song from the 2023 blockbuster Pathaan, had triggered a major controversy even before the film hit theatres. Several religious groups objected to the actor wearing saffron, a colour they consider sacred in Hinduism, in a song titled Besharam Rang, which translates to 'shameless colour'. A section of critics alleged that the combination was disrespectful to Hindu religious sentiments.The backlash soon took a political turn. Madhya Pradesh's then Home Minister Narottam Mishra was among the first to object, describing Deepika's attire as vulgar and demanding changes to the song, even threatening a state-wide ban on the film. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other groups also voiced their objections. Director Siddharth Anand later clarified that the colour had been chosen at random to complement the song's sunny backdrop, and that there was no malicious intent behind the choice. The Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) subsequently suggested certain modifications to the film, including changes to the song's visuals. Meanwhile, Tu Mil Jaaye, sung by Arijit Singh and Ed Sheeran, is the first song released from King. The film marks the big-screen debut of Shah Rukh Khan's daughter, Suhana Khan, and features an ensemble cast comprising Deepika Padukone, Rani Mukerji, Abhishek Bachchan, Anil Kapoor, Arshad Warsi, Jackie Shroff, Jaideep Ahlawat, Raghav Juyal, Saurabh Shukla, Abhay Verma and Kareena Kapoor Khan, among others.Directed by Siddharth Anand, King is positioned as a major Christmas release and is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on December 24.- Ends