Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut has responded to Kriti Sanon’s defence of her Raksha Bandhan advertisement, questioning the idea that anyone was policing the latter’s clothing choices.
Speaking in a recent interview, Kangana said: “The kind of films we see her in, Who is stopping her from wearing whatever she wants? Who has ever stopped her? I don’t think anyone has bothered about her clothes. How can someone’s thoughts be that silly?” She added that Kriti’s bralette style outfit was not even the central issue for her.
The controversy began when Kriti appeared in a jewellery campaign for brand GIVA, celebrating Raksha Bandhan with an on-screen brother and later tying a rakhi to her pet dog. Dressed in an ivory bralette-style blouse with a cape and draped skirt, the look drew criticism online for being inappropriate for a traditional festival. Kangana had earlier shared an Instagram story calling the ad “intentionally creepy” and asking why one would choose “bikini/undergarments” for tying a rakhi when so many styling options exist from lehengas and sarees to jeans and cocktail dresses.
Kriti pushed back without naming anyone, writing on Instagram that the essence of festivals lies in emotions and meaning, not clothes. “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!” she posted, also defending the inclusion of pets as family. The brand later pulled the advertisement amid the backlash.
Kangana clarified she was more troubled by the ad’s lack of traditional markers pictures of gods, teeka, dhoop, or festive food than the neckline itself. The exchange has reignited debate on cultural representation, women’s clothing choices, and the portrayal of festivals in advertising, with public opinion split between calls for tradition and support for personal freedom.