The Bollywood superstar – recognisable to Western audiences as a star of xXx: Return of Xander Cage – has vowed to “never feel scared”.
She plays the queen Padmini in the movie Padmavati, which is set in the 14th century and features a love scene between her and a Muslim invader.
Right-wing groups have claimed it misrepresents history, which director Sanjay Leela Bhansali has denied.
Still, politician Suraj Pal Amu – chief media co-ordinator for the BJP in northern Haryana state – went on record saying “we will reward the ones beheading them [Padukone and Bhansali]”.
Padukone has remained defiant.
“Well, at this point, as a woman, an artiste and a citizen of this country I feel angry,” she told the Mumbai Mirror.
“I feel let down and I also find it amusing.”
She added: “I will never feel scared. Fear is not an emotion I have ever identified with.”
The BJP as a party has distanced itself from Amu’s comment.
Meanwhile Ruby Rose, who starred with Padukone in xXx 3, tweeted over the weekend: “I am in shock at reading what my dear friend is going through but in absolute awe of her strength and courage.
“Deepika you are one of the strongest women I know.”
The Hindustan Times claimed that the film has been cleared by the BBFC for release in the UK on December 1, but not without opponents.