Kriti Sanon-Kangana Ranaut row explained: What happened over Cocktail 2 actress' Raksha Bandhan Ad?

Actress Kriti Sanon is currently grabbing headlines, and this time, it is not for her movies. The actor recently appeared in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement for jewellery brand GIVA, which sparked a debate online over her outfit and its suitability for the festival. Among those who expressed criticism over the campaign was actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, setting off a wider conversation about clothing, culture and personal choice.

What sparked the controversy?

Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement featured her in an ivory bralette-style blouse paired with a skirt and cape as she tied a rakhi. The campaign also showed her tying the rakhi to a pet dog, showing the idea that pets are part of the family.

While the advertisement was intended to celebrate the emotional bond associated with Raksha Bandhan, Kriti’s outfit became the main talking point after the campaign was released. Several social media users criticised the look, arguing that the plunging neckline was not appropriate for a festival traditionally associated with family, customs and cultural values.


The discussion soon moved beyond the advertisement itself. What began as criticism of a celebrity’s fashion choice turned into a larger debate about whether a woman’s clothing should be used to judge her respect for traditions.

Kangana Ranaut also joined the discussion and questioned Kriti’s choice of outfit. In her criticism, the actor and politician described the presentation as "intentionally creepy" and objected to the way the actor was dressed while celebrating Raksha Bandhan.

Kriti Sanon responds to the criticism

Kriti eventually addressed the controversy through her Instagram Stories. Although she did not name Kangana directly, her response appeared to address the criticism surrounding the advertisement and the larger conversation about women’s clothing.

In her statement, Kriti questioned, "When will we stop telling women what to wear? Culture and Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline."

According to Kriti, cultural values are rooted in a person’s feelings, beliefs and understanding of traditions rather than in the amount of clothing they wear.

The actor also explained what Raksha Bandhan means to her. She said the festival represents a promise of protection and described how she and her sister tie rakhis to each other. For Kriti, the bond is not limited to the traditional brother-sister relationship, as she believes sisters can also protect and support one another.

She further pointed out that the meaning of the festival is found in the emotions and promises attached to it, rather than simply in the clothes worn during the celebration.

"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. 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! 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 by her clothes," Sanon added.

Her message ultimately challenged the idea that clothing should be treated as a measure of a woman’s cultural values.

Rahul Gandhi backs Kriti amid the row

The controversy received another dimension when Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi came out in support of Kriti.

Rahul Gandhi shared Kriti’s statement on his Instagram Stories and wrote, "What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes – is her choice. Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom."

Meanwhile, Kriti continues to remain in the spotlight on the professional front. She was recently seen in Cocktail 2, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The film has received mixed reactions and is currently streaming on Netflix. She was previously seen in Tere Ishk Mein opposite Dhanush.