Mumbai: Kriti Sanon has responded to Kangana Ranaut’s criticism of her outfit in a recent Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement.
While Kangana questioned the actress’ choice of attire for the festive campaign, Kriti hit back at the broader criticism of women’s clothing, questioning why a woman’s respect for culture and traditions continues to be judged by what she wears.
On Monday evening, Kangana took a dig at Kriti over her appearance in the Raksha Bandhan advertisement.
“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, bikini to salwar kameez, from all the options that are available to us today why would you tie your brother a Rakhi in your bikini/under garments? Where are all your styling options? Ha ha the advert looks intentionally creepy (sic)!” she wrote.
Apart from Kangana, a section of social media users also criticised Kriti for wearing a deep-neck, bralette-style blouse, arguing that the outfit was inappropriate for an advertisement centred on a traditional Indian festival.
Addressing the criticism, Kriti questioned why a woman’s choice of clothing is still used to measure her respect for culture and traditions.
She emphasised that festivals are ultimately about the emotions, values and relationships they represent, rather than the clothes a person chooses to wear.
“The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have. We pray for each other’s health, happiness & long life. And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! After all, they are family!” Kriti wrote.
“Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear?? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman’s respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes!! Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!” she added.
The advertisement also sparked discussion for featuring Kriti tying a rakhi to a dog.
While some viewers questioned the idea of including a pet in a Raksha Bandhan campaign, others focused on her outfit and debated whether it was appropriate for the traditional festival.
