Rakul Preet Singh's Gir Forest stroll sparks rules row; park issues clarification
Synopsis
A video of actress Rakul Preet Singh strolling through Gir National Park during film promotions triggered a social media firestorm over celebrity privilege and forest rules. Gir authorities swiftly clarified the footage was shot outside the restricted zone, but the incident underscores persistent questions about differential enforcement of sanctuary protocols.
Key Takeaways
Actress Rakul Preet Singh faced backlash after a video showed her walking in Gir National Park during promotions for Pati Patni Aur Woh Do on Saturday.
Gir National Park clarified the footage was captured outside the campus gate , not within the restricted forest area.
Social media users questioned whether celebrities receive preferential treatment in protected wildlife zones.
Co-stars Ayushmann Khurrana , Sara Ali Khan , and Wamiqa Gabbi accompanied Singh during the promotional visit.
Pati Patni Aur Woh Do is set for theatrical release on 15 May 2026 , backed by T-Series and B R Studios .
Actress Rakul Preet Singh became the centre of a social media firestorm on Saturday after a video showed her walking casually through Gir National Park in Gujarat during promotions for her upcoming film Pati Patni Aur Woh Do. The clip prompted immediate backlash from users questioning whether celebrities receive preferential treatment in restricted forest zones.
The controversy erupted as the actress, alongside co-stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan, and Wamiqa Gabbi, toured the protected sanctuary to promote the film. Social media users flagged what they perceived as a violation of forest entry protocols, arguing that visitors are typically required to remain inside vehicles in such zones.
Gir Forest's Response
In response to the mounting criticism, Gir National Park issued a clarification via their official social media handle on Saturday evening. The park authorities stated that the footage in question was captured outside the campus gate and not from within the restricted forest area, thereby contradicting claims of rule violations.
"This video being broadcast is from outside the campus gate and is not from the restricted area," the park's statement read.
Social Media Backlash
Critics on social media questioned the disparity in rule enforcement. One user posted: "Rakul Preet Singh is walking inside the restricted National park as if she is on a morning walk? How come they are allowed to get out of the vehicle? Isn't it a violation of forest rules? There should not be separate rules for celebrities."
Another comment alleged preferential treatment, stating: "This is how privilege looks like. Rakul Preet Singh taking a walk in Gir Forest safari. It pays to be close to the establishment."
Promotion Activities Continue
Concurrent with the park visit, Ayushmann, Rakul, and Wamiqa participated in promotional events across Gujarat, including a traditional Gujarati meal experience. The trio also performed to their film's song Roop Di Rani during the promotional outing.
Film Release Details
Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, jointly produced by T-Series and B R Studios, is scheduled for theatrical release on 15 May 2026. The film marks a continuation of the franchise and features an ensemble cast navigating relationship dynamics through a comedic lens.
Point of View
The speed with which celebrities gain access to protected zones — and the social media outcry that follows — reveals the gap between rules on paper and their application in practice. The real issue isn't this one actress; it's the systemic differential treatment that allows film promotions to commandeer national assets while ordinary visitors face rigid protocols.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What video sparked the controversy at Gir National Park?
A video showed actress Rakul Preet Singh walking casually through Gir National Park during promotions for her film Pati Patni Aur Woh Do. Social media users questioned whether her movement violated forest entry rules that typically require visitors to remain inside vehicles in restricted zones.
What did Gir National Park say about the video?
Gir National Park clarified via their official social media handle that the footage was captured outside the campus gate and not from within the restricted forest area, thereby contradicting claims of rule violations.
Why did social media users criticize Rakul Preet Singh?
Critics argued that celebrities appeared to receive preferential treatment in accessing protected wildlife zones, and questioned why she was allowed to exit a vehicle when ordinary visitors face strict protocols. The backlash centred on the perception of unequal enforcement of sanctuary rules.
When will Pati Patni Aur Woh Do release?
Pati Patni Aur Woh Do, co-starring Ayushmann Khurrana, Sara Ali Khan, and Wamiqa Gabbi, is scheduled for theatrical release on 15 May 2026. The film is jointly produced by T-Series and B R Studios.
