Kriti Sanon has addressed the backlash over her Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement, questioning why women are still judged by their clothing while defending the cultural meaning of the festival.
MUMBAI, India — Kriti Sanon has responded to the social media controversy surrounding her recent Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement after sections of the internet criticised her Indo-Western outfit. The actress defended her choice in an Instagram Story and questioned the continued policing of women’s clothing.
Key Highlights
- Kriti Sanon addressed criticism of her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement.
- Social media users were divided over the bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt worn in the campaign.
- Kangana Ranaut also criticised the advertisement, describing it as “intentionally creepy.”
- Kriti argued that culture and traditions should not be measured solely by a woman’s clothing or neckline.
Kriti Sanon Addresses Raksha Bandhan Ad Backlash
In her Instagram Story, Kriti said the essence of festivals lies in the emotions and meaning attached to traditions rather than the clothes people wear. She described Raksha Bandhan as a bond of protection and shared that she and her sister tie rakhi to each other.
Kriti also said the sisters pray for each other’s health, happiness and long life. She added that the same sense of family and protection extends to their dogs.
The actress then turned directly to the debate over women’s clothing. She questioned when society would stop telling women what they should wear, arguing that ethnic fashion has evolved while women’s respect for culture is still judged through their clothes.
She ended her message with the line, “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”
Why Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan Ad Sparked Debate
The advertisement featured Kriti in an Indo-Western ensemble consisting of a bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt. In the campaign, she is shown tying a rakhi to her onscreen brother.
The styling prompted criticism from several social media users, with some questioning whether the outfit suited a traditional festival. Comments described the campaign as inappropriate and questioned the absence of elements they associated with Raksha Bandhan celebrations.
Another section of users, however, defended Kriti and argued that the criticism reflected differing ideas about women’s clothing and decency. Some pointed out that women can face judgment regardless of whether their clothing is considered traditional or modern.
Kangana Ranaut Also Reacts to the Advertisement
The controversy gained additional attention after actress Kangana Ranaut weighed in on the campaign. According to the supplied material, Ranaut described the advertisement as “intentionally creepy.”
Her reaction added another prominent voice to an already divided social media discussion, with users continuing to debate the styling and the expectations placed on women during traditional festivals.
Kriti Sanon’s Recent Film and Work Front
Kriti was last seen in Cocktail 2, directed by Homi Adajania and co-written by Luv Ranjan and Tarun Jain. The film also stars Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna and is described as a spiritual sequel to the 2012 film Cocktail.
Cocktail 2 arrived in cinemas on June 19, 2026, and is currently streaming on Netflix. The film received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, while the supplied material describes its box-office performance as decent.
Kriti Sanon has not yet announced her next project, according to the supplied information. Meanwhile, her response to the Raksha Bandhan advertisement has shifted the conversation from the campaign’s styling toward broader questions about women’s clothing and cultural expectations.
Everyone trolling Kriti Sanon for this GIVA ad, saying she’s wearing a “bikini.” Is she? Nope.
She’s not dressed inappropriately.
Maybe her outfit just doesn’t fit your definition of “decency.” I could wear that in front of my brother too.Same people cheering her bikini… pic.twitter.com/65aSejJLFU
— Ritzz (@ChaoticRitzz) August 23, 2026
Praveen Yadav is the Founder and Editor at The Nation Bulletin. With over 3 years of experience in digital journalism and news reporting, he covers national affairs, governance, and breaking current events with a commitment to factual accuracy and verified reporting.
