Kriti Sanon sparks media fire over GIVA ad; her outfit turns into televised debate

In a recent episode of Season 6 of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s talk show What Women Want, actress Kriti Sanon revisited the controversy that erupted over her GIVA jewellery advertisement during the Raksha Bandhan season. The ad, which featured Sanon in a white bralette‑style choli, a sheer cape and an embroidered skirt, sparked a wave of criticism on social media for its perceived inappropriateness in a festive family setting. The campaign even included a playful scene of Sanon tying a rakhi on a pet dog, further fueling the debate.

Sanon recounted how her outfit became the subject of a “six‑person panel discussion on prime‑time news,” expressing surprise at the scale of the scrutiny. She noted that the conversation quickly expanded beyond the ad itself to touch on moral policing, cultural representation and the disproportionate attention that female celebrities often receive over their clothing choices. “I couldn’t believe… when my choli had become like a six‑person panel discussion on prime‑time news,” she said, to which Kareena responded, “I know.”

The backlash prompted GIVA to issue a public apology and pull the campaign from both television and digital platforms. Actor‑politician Kangana Ranaut also weighed in, labeling the top a “bikini” and adding fuel to the fire. Sanon had previously defended her look, arguing that fashion and cultural identity should not be reduced to what a woman wears, and questioning why society still judges women’s respect for culture by the neckline of their clothes.

During the interview, Sanon highlighted how the episode underscored the intense scrutiny female actors face over their appearance, even when the discussion originates from a commercial endorsement. Her remarks bring the controversy back into focus, reminding viewers that a single fashion choice can ignite a broader public debate when a celebrity is involved.

Sanon’s comments come amid her ongoing efforts to diversify her roles, as she recently expressed interest in playing a superhero character. The GIVA incident remains a notable example of how celebrity fashion can become a flashpoint for cultural and gender politics in India.