Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan Ad Sparks Debate Over Fashion and Culture

 

Kriti Sanon’s recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement for a jewellery brand has sparked a heated debate on social media over fashion, cultural traditions and women’s freedom of choice. The controversy began after Kriti appeared in the campaign wearing an ivory ensemble featuring a bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt.

While several users praised her appearance and styling, others questioned whether the outfit was appropriate for an advertisement based on Raksha Bandhan, a festival traditionally associated with family relationships, affection and cultural values.

 

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticised the campaign, questioning the choice of outfit and calling the advertisement “intentionally creepy.” Her comments quickly attracted attention and intensified the online discussion.

Kriti responded by defending her interpretation of festivals and personal freedom. She said the essence of festivals lies not in the clothes people wear but in the emotions and values attached to traditions. She also explained that she and her sister Nupur Sanon tie Rakhi to each other, saying their relationship is not defined by conventional ideas of protection.

Kriti further questioned the practice of policing women’s clothing, arguing that culture and traditions are matters of personal values rather than something determined by a woman’s outfit.

 

Her response received support from Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi. He said women should have the freedom to decide what they wear, what they do and where they go, while criticising the trolling of women over their choices.

Nupur Sanon also defended her sister, saying people should respect another woman’s decision about what she chooses to wear.

 

Actor Suzanne Bernert offered a different perspective, saying Raksha Bandhan carries deep cultural meaning and that the campaign failed to reflect the spirit of the festival. She later clarified that her concern was not about restricting women’s freedom, but about presenting revealing clothing as a form of empowerment.

The controversy eventually expanded into a broader debate about culture, feminism, fashion and individual freedom. Following the backlash, the jewellery brand removed the advertisement and issued a statement expressing respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. The company said it never intended to hurt the sentiments of any section of society.