Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Madhu Chopra, Kriti Sanon Clash Over Raksha Bandhan Ad
Jewellery brand GIVA made a Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring actress Kriti Sanon.
In it, Kriti wore a bralette-style blouse, cape and long skirt while tying a rakhi.
Some people online felt the clothing and advertisement did not fit the festival.
Kriti said women should be able to choose their clothes and that festivals are about feelings and meaning.
She also said Raksha Bandhan can include caring for pets because they are family.
Madhu Chopra agreed that people have clothing choices but said those choices should consider dignity, culture and the occasion.
Kangana Ranaut criticized the advertisement’s presentation and said it lacked traditional elements.
GIVA later removed the campaign from its media platforms and said it respects Indian traditions.
Kriti Sanon’s GIVA Raksha Bandhan advertisement featured her in a bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt.
Some social media users criticized the outfit and questioned its suitability for a festive campaign.
Kriti defended the advertisement, saying culture is rooted in emotions and traditions rather than a woman’s neckline.
Madhu Chopra said personal choice should include boundaries, dignity, cultural sensitivity and aesthetic suitability for the occasion.
Kangana Ranaut also criticized the campaign, while GIVA withdrew the advertisement and apologized for unintentionally hurting sentiments.
- Who
- Kriti Sanon, Madhu Chopra, Kangana Ranaut and jewellery brand GIVA are central to the controversy.
- What
- A GIVA Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon’s outfit and its portrayal of the festival drew criticism and was withdrawn.
- When
- The dispute unfolded during and after the Raksha Bandhan advertising campaign; Madhu Chopra commented during the ongoing debate.
- Where
- The advertisement appeared on GIVA’s media platforms, while Madhu Chopra discussed it at an event or media interaction in Mumbai.
- Why
- Critics objected to the outfit and the campaign’s presentation of Raksha Bandhan, while Kriti defended personal choice and the advertisement’s broader message of protection and family.
Personal Choice And Evolving Traditions
Cultural Context And Festival Appropriateness
Kriti’s clothing choice
Personal Choice And Evolving Traditions
Kriti Sanon defended her outfit and questioned why women are told what to wear, arguing that ethnic fashion has evolved.
Cultural Context And Festival Appropriateness
Madhu Chopra said clothing choices should have boundaries and reflect dignity, respect for other people’s values and the occasion.
Meaning of Raksha Bandhan
Personal Choice And Evolving Traditions
Kriti said the festival is defined by emotions and the promise of protection, which can extend to pets as members of the family.
Cultural Context And Festival Appropriateness
Kangana Ranaut objected to the way the festival was portrayed and said the advertisement lacked traditional elements and context.
Response to criticism
Personal Choice And Evolving Traditions
Kriti argued that viewers should focus on the emotional meaning of the tradition rather than her clothing.
Cultural Context And Festival Appropriateness
Critics, including some social media users, Madhu Chopra and Kangana Ranaut, said the campaign’s styling or presentation was unsuitable or not aesthetically appropriate.
- Brand
- GIVA, a jewellery brand in which Kriti Sanon is also described as a strategic investor.
- Advertisement
- The campaign showed Kriti Sanon tying a rakhi to her on-screen brother and a pet.
- Outfit
- Kriti wore an ivory bralette-style blouse with a matching cape and long skirt.
- Kriti Sanon’s response
- She said ethnic fashion has evolved, questioned rules about women’s clothing and said culture is not measured by a neckline.
- Madhu Chopra’s response
- She said “my body, my choice” should include boundaries, dignity, respect for others’ values and aesthetic suitability for the occasion.
- Kangana Ranaut’s response
- She criticized the campaign as inappropriate and later said it lacked traditional elements such as teeka, dhoop, deep and images of gods.
- Campaign status
- GIVA removed the advertisement from its media platforms and said it never intended to hurt sentiments.
Sources
Madhu Chopra Reacts To Kriti Sanon's Rakhi Ad Row, Defends Priyanka Chopra's Bold Outfits
‘Daayra zaruri hai’: Priyanka Chopra’s mother reacts to Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan ad row
