Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan ad sparks dress controversy

MUMBAI: A controversy has erupted over Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon’s outfit in a jewellery brand’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement, with some social media users calling the attire inappropriate for a family and cultural festival.

The advertisement featured Sanon celebrating Raksha Bandhan with her brother while also presenting her pet dog as part of the family.

Sanon wore an Indo-Western outfit consisting of a bralette-style blouse, a cape and a draped skirt. Some social media users criticized the outfit, saying it did not fit the cultural and traditional nature of the festival.

The controversy intensified after actor Kangana Ranaut made a sarcastic comment about Sanon’s outfit.

Responding to the criticism, Sanon said the essence of festivals lies in the emotions and traditions associated with them rather than clothing.

She questioned why women’s clothing should be treated as a measure of their culture or dignity.

Sanon said culture and traditions reside in a person’s heart and cannot be judged solely by an outfit or its neckline.

Following the controversy and criticism, jewellery brand founder Ashindra Agrawal said the company remained committed to the advertisement’s core message.

However, he said the advertisement was removed after conditions outside some stores deteriorated and created an unsafe environment for staff.

During the trailer launch of her upcoming film “Daira,” Kareena Kapoor was asked whether she also had any limits regarding clothing choices on screen.

Kapoor appeared cautious and avoided giving a direct response. Filmmaker Meghna Gulzar intervened and said an actor’s clothing should be determined by the character and the director’s vision for the film.

Gulzar added that it was not appropriate to ask an individual actor such a question because the nature of the character and the director’s creative vision determine costume choices.