Archive · 28 Aug 2026
Kriti Sanon Defends Raksha Bandhan Message Amid Outfit Backlash
Kriti Sanon was criticized online because of what she wore in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement.
The advertisement showed her tying a rakhi to her pet.
Some people said the clothing was unsuitable and disrespectful to the festival.
The advertisement was later removed.
Kangana Ranaut was among those who criticized the styling.
Kriti replied that festivals are about love, promises, and meaning, not only clothes.
She said she and her sister Nupur protect and pray for each other.
She also said their pets are part of the family.
Other actors shared their own messages celebrating their brothers and sisters.
Kriti Sanon responded to criticism of her outfit in a Giva Rakshabandhan advertisement, saying festivals are defined by emotions and traditions rather than clothing.
The advertisement showed Kriti tying a rakhi to her pet while wearing a bralette and skirt; it was later pulled after backlash, including claims that it hurt religious sentiments.
Kriti said she and her sister Nupur Sanon tie rakhi to each other and believe women can protect one another just as brothers can.
Kangana Ranaut criticized the advertisement’s styling choices, while Kriti posted a pointed response referencing a still-active “Rakhi fashion committee.”
Sheezan Khan, Sanjay Dutt, Gaurav Khanna, and Rahul Bhatt also shared Raksha Bandhan tributes for their siblings.
- Who
- Actor Kriti Sanon, her sister Nupur Sanon, critics including Kangana Ranaut, and other Bollywood personalities.
- What
- Kriti defended her Raksha Bandhan message and outfit after backlash over a Giva advertisement, while celebrities posted sibling tributes.
- When
- During Raksha Bandhan celebrations in 2026; one report says Kriti responded on Tuesday.
- Where
- On Instagram and in a Giva Rakshabandhan advertisement.
- Why
- The advertisement drew criticism over Kriti’s clothing and the portrayal of her tying a rakhi to her pet, with some commenters saying it hurt religious sentiments.
Kriti Sanon and supporters
Critics of the advertisement
Clothing and festival meaning
Kriti Sanon and supporters
Kriti said clothing should not determine the meaning of a festival and urged people to focus on emotions, protection, and family bonds.
Critics of the advertisement
Critics argued that the outfit was unsuitable for a Raksha Bandhan advertisement and that the presentation could hurt religious sentiments.
Rakhi for a pet
Kriti Sanon and supporters
Kriti said her family’s prayers and promises of protection extend to their dogs because they are family.
Critics of the advertisement
The backlash focused on the advertisement’s portrayal of Kriti tying a rakhi to her pet, which critics viewed as inappropriate in the context of the festival.
Women and protection
Kriti Sanon and supporters
Kriti said she and Nupur can protect each other no less than a brother would and presented Raksha Bandhan as a mutual bond.
Critics of the advertisement
The reported criticism centered less on mutual protection and more on the advertisement’s styling and religious presentation.
- Advertisement
- A Giva Rakshabandhan advertisement showed Kriti Sanon tying a rakhi to her pet.
- Controversy
- Critics objected to Kriti’s bralette-and-skirt outfit and said it was inappropriate for the festival.
- Ad status
- The advertisement was later pulled.
- Kriti’s response
- She said the essence of festivals lies in emotions and the meaning attached to traditions, not clothing.
- Sibling tradition
- Kriti said she and Nupur Sanon tie rakhi to each other and pray for each other’s health, happiness, and long life.
- Kangana Ranaut’s view
- Ranaut questioned why a rakhi would be tied while wearing what she described as a bikini or undergarments when other clothing options were available.
- Other tributes
- Sheezan Khan wrote about Falaq Naaz’s support, Sanjay Dutt posted about his sisters, and Gaurav Khanna and Rahul Bhatt shared sibling messages.
