Social media recently buzzed with speculation that filmmaker Farah Khan and actor Deepika Padukone had unfollowed each other on Instagram, fueling rumours of a fallout. The chatter intensified after Farah’s vlog where she joked about Deepika’s long eight-hour work shift with her cook, Dilip, which some assumed to be a sly dig.

In an interview with Pinkvilla, Farah clarified that such reports were false. To begin with, we were not following each other earlier too. During the Happy New Year shoot, we made a pact not to use Instagram for communication but instead to message or call directly, she explained. Farah also highlighted that Deepika prefers privacy and avoids Instagram birthday wishes.

Farah further clarified her viral eight-hour comment, stating it was merely a lighthearted joke directed at Dilip, who works only two hours a day. She stressed that not every interaction should be judged through social media. Recalling her bond with Deepika, Farah said she was among the first to meet the actress after the birth of baby Dua, underscoring that personal moments are best kept off Instagram.

The filmmaker also addressed the dangers of fake controversies, recalling reports that falsely claimed she and Karan Johar ignored Aayush Sharma on a red carpet. It can genuinely cause problems between people. Thankfully, I pick up the phone and clarify. But people need to stop this, she added. Farah and Deepika share a long-standing relationship, both personal and professional, having worked together in Om Shanti Om and Happy New Year, films that turned into major box office successes.