Cinema VinesActress Kriti Sanon found herself at the center of a national debate after a jewellery brand’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement drew criticism for her outfit. The ad, which showed Sanon wearing a bralette and skirt while tying a rakhi to her brother, sparked backlash from viewers who felt the attire was inappropriate for a traditional festival. The controversy escalated when the ad also featured Sanon tying a rakhi to a pet dog, further provoking disapproval from some quarters.
In response to the outcry, Sanon issued a statement on Instagram defending her choice of clothing and questioning why women are judged for what they wear. She emphasized that the essence of Raksha Bandhan lies in the emotions and promises shared between family members, not in the garments worn. The actress also highlighted that the bond extends to pets, stating, “After all, they are family!”
Following the backlash, the jewellery brand eventually pulled the advertisement from circulation. Political figures weighed in on the issue as well: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut criticized the styling of the ad for a Hindu festival, while Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed support for Sanon.
Television actor Hina Khan weighed in on the controversy during an episode of The4POV, where she discussed the situation with her husband, Rocky Jaiswal, and fellow actors Rubina Dilaik and Abhinav Shukla. Khan stressed that actors always have the option to opt out of projects if they feel uncomfortable with the creative direction. She said, “Sometimes, some brands are very adamant on a certain sort of their creative. They want to do it their way. As an actor, you always have the option of opting out, considering that it may backfire.”
While Khan did not blame Sanon for the controversy, she expressed sympathy for the actress, noting that “no one deserves so much” backlash. She added, “If I, as Hina Khan, am asked what my opinion is, I will give my opinion. But at the same time, I believe we as actors always have the option of opting out.”
