6 days ago
Kriti Sanon Raksha Bandhan Ad Sparks Debate Over Clothing
Kriti Sanon appeared in a jewellery advertisement about Raksha Bandhan.
Some people online disliked the clothes she wore in the advertisement.
Others questioned why she tied a rakhi to her dog.
Kriti said women should be allowed to choose their own clothes.
She also said festivals are about feelings and traditions, not only clothing.
She explained that dogs are part of her family.
Rahul Gandhi supported her right to make her own choices.
GIVA later removed the advertisement and apologised for causing offence.
Abhijeet Dipke used the debate to compare India’s discussions with China’s progress in robotics.
A GIVA Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon drew criticism over her Indo-Western outfit.
Some social media users also questioned the ad’s portrayal of Sanon tying a rakhi to her dog.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke compared India’s clothing debate with China’s reported robotics progress.
Kriti Sanon defended women’s clothing choices and said cultural values are not measured by a neckline.
GIVA withdrew the advertisement and apologised if it had unintentionally offended viewers.
- Who
- Kriti Sanon, GIVA, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, Kangana Ranaut and Rahul Gandhi were involved in or commented on the controversy.
- What
- A Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon was criticised, defended and ultimately withdrawn by GIVA.
- Where
- The debate took place through the GIVA campaign, social media and public statements, including posts on X and Instagram.
- When
- The controversy and related statements were reported on August 26, 2026.
- Why
- Critics objected to Sanon’s outfit and to her tying a rakhi to her dog, while supporters defended her clothing choices and interpretation of the festival.
Critics of the Advertisement
Defenders of the Advertisement
Clothing and Cultural Presentation
Critics of the Advertisement
Some social media users and Kangana Ranaut questioned whether Sanon’s outfit was appropriate for an advertisement centred on the traditional festival of Raksha Bandhan.
Defenders of the Advertisement
Kriti Sanon said culture and traditions are in a woman’s heart, not in her neckline, and that women should not be told what to wear.
Tying a Rakhi to a Dog
Critics of the Advertisement
Critics questioned the scene in which Sanon tied a rakhi to her pet dog.
Defenders of the Advertisement
Sanon said Raksha Bandhan represents a bond of protection and that she and her sister extend their prayers and promises to their dogs because they are family.
Public Debate
Critics of the Advertisement
The backlash framed the advertisement as inappropriate or offensive to some viewers.
Defenders of the Advertisement
Abhijeet Dipke and Rahul Gandhi presented the controversy as part of a broader debate about controlling women’s choices, with Dipke contrasting it with China’s robotics progress.
Key facts
- Brand
- GIVA
- Advertisement length
- 36 seconds
- Advertisement subject
- A Raksha Bandhan jewellery campaign featuring Kriti Sanon
- Main criticism
- Some users questioned Sanon’s bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt, as well as the inclusion of her dog.
- Kriti Sanon’s response
- She said women’s respect for culture should not be measured by their clothes and that festivals are defined by emotions and traditions.
- Political response
- Rahul Gandhi backed Sanon’s right to choose what she wears, does and where she goes.
- Brand action
- GIVA withdrew the advertisement and apologised if it had unintentionally offended anyone.
Quotes
Abhijeet Dipke
Founder and convenor of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party.
“While India is still debating what clothes our women should wear, China has built a robot that runs faster than humans.”
news18.com
“What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes – is her choice.”
news18.com
Kriti Sanon
Actor who appeared in the GIVA Raksha Bandhan advertisement.
“When will we stop telling women what to wear.”
news18.com
Sources
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