Kriti Sanon revisits Raksha Bandhan ad row: ‘My choli had become a prime-time news debate’

Speaking to Kareena Kapoor Khan on What Women Want Season 6, Kriti recalled the intense scrutiny surrounding her outfit in the campaign.

"I couldn’t believe… when my choli had become like a 6 people panel discussion on prime-time news," Kriti told Kareena in the show's viral video.

Kareena responded, "I know."

What was the controversy?

The controversy erupted in August after GIVA released a Raksha Bandhan campaign featuring Kriti.

In the advertisement, Kriti was seen celebrating Raksha Bandhan in an ivory Indo-Western outfit comprising a bralette-style blouse, a cape and a draped skirt. The campaign also featured her tying a rakhi to her pet dog.

The advertisement drew criticism from a section of social media users, who questioned the choice of outfit for a traditional festival.

The controversy intensified after actor-politician Kangana Ranaut criticised the campaign on social media.

What did Kangana Ranaut say?

Kangana questioned Kriti's choice of outfit while tying a rakhi to her brother and described the advertisement as "intentionally creepy".

In an Instagram Story, Kangana wrote, "It's a wonderful time to be a woman, our closets are full of variety of clothes, today's woman is a global woman, from cocktail dresses to lehnga cholis, jeans to saris, bikins to salwar kameez, from all the options that are available to us today why would you tie your brother a Rakhi in your bikini/ undergarments? Where are all your styling options?"

She added, "Ha ha the advert looks intentionally creepy."

Kangana's remarks added to the criticism the advertisement was already receiving online.

Kriti Sanon in the now deleted GIVA advertisement. Photo: Screen-grab

Kriti Sanon's response

Kriti responded to the backlash by defending both her outfit and the message behind the GIVA campaign.

She said the “essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear; it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions.”

Explaining the campaign's portrayal of pets, Kriti said Raksha Bandhan represents a bond of protection. She noted that she and her sister tie rakhi to each other and said the same sentiment extends to their dogs because “they are family.”

Addressing the criticism over her clothing, Kriti questioned: “When will we stop telling women what to wear?”

She also argued that although ethnic fashion has evolved, a woman's respect for her culture is still often judged by her clothes.

In a strong response, the Cocktail 2 actor said: “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

GIVA withdraws advertisement

The controversy eventually led GIVA to withdraw the advertisement from all media platforms.

The jewellery brand said it had "the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals" and apologised if the campaign had inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some sections of society.

GIVA also clarified that the campaign was intended to extend the celebration of Raksha Bandhan to pets.