Archive · 7 Sep 2026
Hina Khan Reacts To Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan Ad Controversy
Kriti Sanon appeared in a jewellery advertisement connected to Raksha Bandhan.
Some people thought her outfit was not suitable for the festival.
The advertisement was criticized online and was later withdrawn by GIVA.
Hina Khan said actors can say no to a project when they are uncomfortable with its creative choices.
She also said Kriti did not deserve the large amount of criticism she received.
Hina described the outfit as not appropriate for the occasion, while Rubina Dilaik said it was not vulgar.
Kangana Ranaut criticized the advertisement too.
Kriti replied that culture and respect are not decided only by a woman’s clothes.
GIVA said it wanted to include pets in the family celebration and apologized if the advertisement hurt sentiments.
Hina Khan said actors can reject brand projects if they are uncomfortable with the creative direction.
She said Kriti Sanon’s outfit was not appropriate for an advertisement tied to an Indian festival, but did not deserve intense backlash.
Some netizens criticized Kriti’s off-white outfit, featuring a bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt.
Kangana Ranaut also criticized the advertisement, while Kriti defended the styling and said culture is not determined by clothing.
GIVA withdrew the advertisement from media after saying it may have hurt some people’s sentiments.
- Who
- Hina Khan commented on an advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon for GIVA; Rubina Dilaik, Kangana Ranaut and Kriti Sanon also expressed views.
- What
- The advertisement sparked criticism over Kriti’s outfit and was withdrawn, while Hina discussed actors’ ability to reject projects.
- When
- Hina’s comments were reported on September 7, 2026; the advertisement was withdrawn days earlier.
- Where
- Hina discussed the issue on the YouTube show The POV, also referred to as The4POV; the advertisement appeared in media and on social media.
- Why
- Some viewers considered the outfit inappropriate for a Raksha Bandhan campaign and inconsistent with Indian traditions.
Criticism Of The Advertisement
Defense Of Creative Choice And Actor Autonomy
Suitability for Raksha Bandhan
Criticism Of The Advertisement
Some netizens and Kangana Ranaut said Kriti’s revealing, modern outfit was inappropriate for a traditional Indian festival and criticized the advertisement’s presentation.
Defense Of Creative Choice And Actor Autonomy
Kriti Sanon said culture and traditions are in a person’s heart rather than determined by a neckline or specific clothing. Rubina Dilaik said the outfit was not vulgar, while Hina said it was not appropriate for the occasion rather than blaming Kriti.
Responsibility for creative decisions
Criticism Of The Advertisement
Hina Khan said actors should consider whether a brand’s creative direction could backfire and retain the option to decline a project.
Defense Of Creative Choice And Actor Autonomy
Hina also said no one deserved the scale of backlash that followed and stated that she was not blaming Kriti or GIVA. She noted that brands can be firm about their creative approach.
Meaning of the festival celebration
Criticism Of The Advertisement
Critics argued that the advertisement did not show enough sensitivity to the traditions associated with Raksha Bandhan.
Defense Of Creative Choice And Actor Autonomy
GIVA said it wanted to celebrate with the entire family and include pets, while Kriti said she and her sister tie rakhis to each other and extend their prayers and promises to their dogs.
- Actor in advertisement
- Kriti Sanon
- Commenting actor
- Hina Khan
- Brand
- GIVA
- Festival
- Raksha Bandhan
- Advertisement outfit
- An off-white look with a bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt
- Advertisement status
- Withdrawn from all media
- Brand explanation
- GIVA said it intended to extend the family celebration to pets and withdrew the advertisement after some people’s sentiments were hurt
- Additional criticism
- Kangana Ranaut called the advertisement intentionally creepy and criticized the outfit choice
