Kangana Ranaut says Kriti Sanon’s outfit wasn’t the problem: ‘Ad didn’t follow Rakhi’s rules’

Kangana Ranaut recently expressed her opinion on Kriti Sanon's recent advertisement for a jewellery brand, which was subsequently removed due to social media backlash. During an interview on Doordarshan, Kangana claimed that the complaint was not solely about Kriti's attire, but rather the overall portrayal of the Raksha Bandhan festival in the advertisement.

The actress criticized that the ad lacked images of gods, traditional rituals such as applying tika or using diya, and the festive atmosphere with halwa and poori. Kangana emphasized that a festival is an aesthetic representation of a culture and civilization, and without these elements, it fell short of expectations. The controversy surrounding the advertisement erupted after Kriti donned an ivory bralette-style blouse with a matching cape and a long skirt for the ad.

Kangana dismissed Kriti's assertion that she had the right to wear whatever she desired, asserting that her fashion choices were under scrutiny due to the film roles she portrayed. She further elaborated that a festival like Raksha Bandhan is a religious expression of civilization, which adheres to specific customs and rules, similar to a puja.

Kangana added that the advertisement's failure to adhere to these customs was unacceptable. Kriti Sanon's ad for the jewellery brand GIVA, where she is also a strategic investor, featured her tying a rakhi to her on-screen brother and pet. The promotional campaign was launched as a Rakhi special, but it sparked outrage among netizens over Kriti's clothing choice.

Kangana took to her Instagram account to express her disapproval, calling the advertisement "intentionally creepy" and questioning the appropriateness of tying a rakhi to one's brother in such attire. Kriti responded to the backlash, asserting that the essence of festivals lies in the emotions and sentiments held for the traditions, not in the clothes worn.

She highlighted that Raksha Bandhan signifies a bond of protection and added that her sister and she tie rakhi to each other, extending their prayers for health, happiness, and longevity to their dogs as well. Kriti also questioned why women are constantly asked about their clothing choices, emphasizing that culture and traditions reside in the heart rather than on the neckline.