BAFTA Chatter: Deepika Padukone Pregnant?
While Oppenheimer wins big at the BAFTAs, media outlets are rife with speculation by the Bollywood darling’s strange appearance at the ceremony.
The 77th British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) on Sunday, February 18, 2024 unfolded with the predicable amount of glitz and fanfare at the Royal Festival Hall, London. But while the film Oppenheimer ensnared the topping tally of 7 awards during the ceremony, debutante presenter at the show and Bollywood megastar Deepika Padukone, garnered just as much attention. Well, it wasn’t just her tall stature, nice figure, glowing complexion or stunning looks that turned heads at the Red Carpet.
It was not even just her dazzling silver-colour saree embellished with complex sequin work to do so. In fact, it was her reluctance to show off her mid-riff, which remained mysteriously concealed under her garment’s pallu. This attempt at apparent secrecy has sparked rumours across social media platforms. Yes, tongues are wagging and computer keyboards are clicking amid growing speculation that the Fighter star could be pregnant.
At 38 years old and happily married for 5 years and counting, Deepika could very well be set to embrace parenthood. It is a pity that sporting a baby bump is not yet considered fashionable in the world of entertainment, or one would expect her to display the growth with aplomb. But blossoming bellies for whatever reason are not considered kosher in an industry whose members are subject to intense scrutiny. What ignited this curiosity among fans was Deepika’s choice of attire for the event, especially after she had introduced the Best Song nominees at the Oscars last year wearing a gown.
Anyway, while conjecture abounds as to whether a little Deepika or Ranveer Singh is in the making, the BAFTA results deserve some mention. The epic movie about the father of the atom bomb ensnared Best Picture, Best Actor (Cillian Murphy), Best Supporting Actor (Robert Downey Jr.), Best Director (Christopher Nolan), Best Cinematography, Best Editing and Best Original Score.
Meanwhile, the prolific Emma Stone was awarded Best Actress award for playing a woman on a social mission in Poor Things, which also grabbed trophies for Special Visual Effects, Production Design, Best Costumes and Best Make Up & Hair. Da’Vine Joy Randolph won Best Supporting Actress for her turn as a 1970s’ school cafeteria manager in The Holdovers, becoming one of the very few African American women to take home the award. The atom bomb flick may have taken centre stage during the ceremony, but the bomb-shell that is Ms. Deepika, proved more explosive.
