Kriti Sanon responds to Kangana Ranaut’s criticism over raksha bandhan Ad

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has responded to criticism surrounding a jewellery company’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement after the campaign sparked controversy over her outfit.

Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has responded to criticism surrounding a jewellery company’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement after the campaign sparked controversy over her outfit.

The advertisement featured Sanon celebrating Raksha Bandhan a Hindu festival during which sisters traditionally tie a sacred thread, known as a rakhi, around their brothers’ wrists. In the campaign Sanon was shown wearing a top and skirt while taking part in the festival celebrations.

The advertisement was removed following criticism from some sections of social media users who considered the actress’s outfit inappropriate for a traditional Hindu festival.

Responding to the criticism Sanon said that culture and traditions are part of a woman’s heart rather than being determined by the neckline of her clothing.

The controversy intensified on Tuesday after Bollywood actress and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut criticized the advertisement. Although Ranaut did not directly mention Sanon’s name in her social media post, her comments appeared to be directed at the actress and the campaign.

Ranaut questioned why a woman would choose to wear what she described as a bikini while tying a rakhi to her brother when women have many different clothing options available to them.

Her comments quickly attracted attention online with some social media users agreeing with her criticism of Sanon’s outfit. Several users argued that clothing choices should be more sensitive to the cultural and religious significance of traditional festivals.

One social media commentator described Sanon’s top as too short and argued that there should be clear limits when portraying Hindu festivals in advertising.

The debate has since expanded beyond the advertisement itself raising broader questions about women’s clothing, cultural traditions and the way religious festivals are represented in commercial campaigns.

Sanon’s response has also added another dimension to the discussion with the actress emphasizing that cultural identity and traditions should not be judged solely by a woman’s clothing.

The controversy highlights the growing influence of social media on advertising campaigns in India where brands can face significant public pressure over the representation of religion, culture and social values.

As the debate continues the Raksha Bandhan advertisement has become a wider discussion about personal choice, cultural sensitivity and the expectations placed on women’s appearance during traditional celebrations.