Archive · 27 Aug 2026
GIVA Withdraws Raksha Bandhan Ad Amid Debate Over Women’s Clothes
GIVA made an advertisement for the Raksha Bandhan festival.
Kriti Sanon appeared in the advertisement with her on-screen brother.
Many people criticized the clothes she wore.
The article says this criticism was like strangers telling women what they should wear.
GIVA said it respected Indian culture and festivals.
The company said it did not mean to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Because of the backlash, GIVA removed the advertisement.
The article argues that the bigger issue is society policing women’s clothing.
Kriti Sanon’s clothing in a GIVA Raksha Bandhan advertisement drew widespread backlash.
The criticism was compared to familiar instructions policing women’s clothing at home.
The advertisement showed Sanon celebrating a festival with her on-screen brother.
GIVA withdrew the advertisement after the controversy grew.
The brand said it respected Indian culture, traditions and festivals and apologized if sentiments were hurt.
- Who
- GIVA, Kriti Sanon and people who criticized the advertisement.
- What
- GIVA withdrew its Raksha Bandhan advertisement after backlash over Kriti Sanon’s clothes.
- When
- During the advertisement’s controversy; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- The advertisement depicted a festival celebration with Sanon’s on-screen brother; no physical location is specified.
- Why
- GIVA said it withdrew the advertisement out of respect after some people felt their sentiments had been hurt.
Critics’ View
Article’s View
Clothing in the Advertisement
Critics’ View
Critics objected to Kriti Sanon’s clothes in the Raksha Bandhan advertisement.
Article’s View
The article argues that this objection reflects the broader policing of women’s clothing, including by strangers.
Advertisement Withdrawal
Critics’ View
The backlash contributed to demands or pressure that the advertisement be removed.
Article’s View
GIVA’s withdrawal is presented as a response to concerns about cultural sentiments, while the article questions the underlying criticism.
- Brand
- GIVA
- Advertisement
- A Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon
- Main controversy
- Backlash over Sanon’s clothing
- Brand response
- GIVA withdrew the advertisement
- Stated reason
- Respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals
- GIVA statement
- The brand said it never intended to hurt sentiments