New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has come out in support of actor Kriti Sanon after she was criticised on social media for her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement.
Gandhi reposted an Instagram Story shared by Kriti and defended her right to make her own choices. He wrote, “What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes – is her choice. Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom”.
The Congress leader also included the hashtag “Smash the Patriarchy” in his post.
Ad Triggers Backlash
The controversy followed the release of a GIVA jewellery commercial featuring Kriti. In the advertisement, she is shown wearing a bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt as she ties a rakhi to her on-screen brother.
Several social media users objected to the styling, arguing that the outfit was unsuitable for a traditional festival such as Raksha Bandhan, as reported by Hindustan Times.
The advertisement also attracted criticism because Kriti was shown tying a rakhi to a pet dog.
Kriti’s Response
Reacting to the backlash, Kriti had questioned the continued focus on women’s clothing. In an Instagram Story, she asked, “When will we stop telling women what to wear?”
She wrote, “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.”
Kriti further explained why the advertisement included a dog. She added, “And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! Afterall, they are family! 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!”
Kangana Criticises Ad
BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut also joined the debate, though she did not directly mention Kriti or identify her in the Instagram Story.
Questioning the styling used in the commercial, Ranaut 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 lehenga cholis, jeans to saris, bikinis 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? Ha ha the advert looks intentionally creepy!”