Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Rakhi Advertisement Withdrawal Rekindles Debate Over Women’s Clothing
A jewellery company made an advertisement with actor Kriti Sanon for Rakshabandhan.
Some people disliked the clothes she wore in it.
They said the outfit did not show enough respect for the festival.
Others also questioned whether she should tie a Rakhi to her pet.
Supporters said Sanon should be allowed to choose what she wears.
They said clothing does not decide whether someone respects a tradition.
The advertisement was withdrawn after the criticism.
The debate is about whether traditions need strict clothing rules or can include different choices.
A jewellery advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon was withdrawn after criticism of her Rakshabandhan outfit.
Critics, including Kangana Ranaut, said the clothing showed insufficient respect for the Hindu festival.
Some people also objected to Sanon tying a Rakhi to her pet.
Supporters, including Rahul Gandhi, defended Sanon’s right to choose her clothing and criticised moral policing.
The controversy revived debate over whether cultural respect should involve dress codes for women.
- Who
- Actor Kriti Sanon, critics including Kangana Ranaut, and supporters including Rahul Gandhi.
- What
- A jewellery advertisement featuring Sanon was withdrawn after criticism of her clothing and its Rakshabandhan depiction.
- When
- The articles do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- Critics said Sanon’s outfit was inappropriate for Rakshabandhan and showed insufficient respect for the Hindu festival; supporters defended her autonomy and criticised moral policing.
Women’s Autonomy and Inclusion
Festival-Specific Cultural Expectations
Meaning of respect
Women’s Autonomy and Inclusion
Supporters argued that respect for culture should not be measured by a woman’s neckline or clothing.
Festival-Specific Cultural Expectations
Critics argued that clothing can be inappropriate for a particular religious or cultural occasion and may signal insufficient respect.
Role of public criticism
Women’s Autonomy and Inclusion
Opponents of the backlash said personal preferences should not become rules about a woman’s character, cultural loyalty, or right to participate in tradition.
Festival-Specific Cultural Expectations
Critics treated the advertisement’s presentation as a legitimate subject for public discussion because it invoked a Hindu festival.
Depiction of Rakshabandhan
Women’s Autonomy and Inclusion
Supporters viewed Sanon’s participation, including tying a Rakhi to her pet, as a personal choice open to differing interpretations.
Festival-Specific Cultural Expectations
Some people objected specifically to tying a Rakhi to a pet, while others focused on the appropriateness of her outfit.
- Advertisement
- A jewellery advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon.
- Festival
- Rakshabandhan, a Hindu festival centered on a relationship and its associated emotions.
- Criticism
- Critics objected to Sanon’s outfit, and some objected to her tying a Rakhi to her pet.
- Advertisement outcome
- The advertisement was withdrawn after the criticism.
- Kangana Ranaut’s view
- She questioned celebrating Rakshabandhan in an outfit she considered too revealing.
- Supporters’ view
- Supporters, including Rahul Gandhi, defended Sanon’s right to choose her clothing.
- Broader issue
- The controversy raised questions about moral policing, women’s autonomy, and cultural dress expectations.