Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Miss Universe India 2026 Weighs In On Kriti Sanon Ad
Kriti Sanon appeared in a jewellery advertisement for Raksha Bandhan.
Some people online said her outfit was not traditional enough for the festival.
The advertisement showed her wearing a festive outfit with a deep neckline.
GIVA later removed the advertisement from its social media pages.
Kriti said women should not be told what to wear.
She also said culture and traditions are carried in the heart, not in a neckline.
Kaziah Liz Mejo agreed that people should look at the intention behind celebrations.
She said India’s differences and cultural diversity should be celebrated while staying connected to culture.
Kaziah Liz Mejo said cultural celebrations should be judged by intent, not only appearance.
The Miss Universe India 2026 winner urged people to celebrate India’s cultural diversity and differences.
Kriti Sanon’s GIVA Raksha Bandhan advertisement drew criticism over her deep-neckline festive outfit.
GIVA removed the advertisement from its social media platforms after the backlash.
Kriti said cultural connection and respect should not be measured by a woman’s clothing or neckline.
- Who
- Miss Universe India 2026 Kaziah Liz Mejo, actress Kriti Sanon, jewellery brand GIVA and social media critics.
- What
- A debate over Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement prompted comments from Kaziah and Kriti.
- When
- The discussion followed the advertisement’s recent social media controversy; the article identifies the year as 2026.
- Where
- The controversy played out on social media, and Kaziah discussed it during a conversation with CNN News18.
- Why
- Critics questioned whether Kriti’s deep-neckline festive outfit was appropriate for a traditional festival, while Kriti and Kaziah emphasized personal choice, intent and cultural diversity.
Advertisement Critics
Personal-Choice Advocates
Festival attire
Advertisement Critics
A section of social media users questioned whether Kriti Sanon’s deep-neckline outfit was appropriate for a traditional Raksha Bandhan advertisement.
Personal-Choice Advocates
Kriti Sanon argued that ethnic fashion has evolved and that a woman’s clothing should not determine her respect for culture.
Cultural representation
Advertisement Critics
Critics focused on whether the advertisement’s styling matched expectations for a cultural festival.
Personal-Choice Advocates
Kaziah Liz Mejo said people should look beyond appearances, consider the intent behind celebrations and recognize India’s diversity.
Brand response
Advertisement Critics
The backlash was followed by GIVA removing the advertisement from its social media platforms.
Personal-Choice Advocates
Kriti and Kaziah called for celebrating different ways of observing festivals rather than nitpicking women’s clothing.
- Person commenting
- Kaziah Liz Mejo, the newly crowned Miss Universe India 2026 and a 19-year-old law student.
- Advertisement
- A Raksha Bandhan jewellery campaign featuring Kriti Sanon.
- Brand
- GIVA.
- Controversial styling
- Kriti wore a festive ensemble with a bralette-style blouse featuring a deep neckline.
- Response from GIVA
- The brand removed the advertisement from its social media platforms.
- Kriti Sanon’s response
- She said culture and traditions are in a woman’s heart rather than determined by her neckline.
- Kaziah’s view
- She urged people to focus on intent and celebrate cultural differences while remaining rooted in culture.