Rahul Gandhi backs Kriti Sanon amid Raksha Bandhan ad outfit backlash

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has stepped in to support actor Kriti Sanon amid an ongoing social media controversy over her clothing choice in a recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement. Re-sharing Sanon’s Instagram response, Gandhi posted a message asserting a woman's individual autonomy: "What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes - is her choice." He further called on critics to "Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom," concluding his post with the hashtag "#SmashThePatriarchy".

The row began when Kriti Sanon appeared in a jewellery advertisement for Raksha Bandhan wearing an Indo-Western outfit that featured a bralette-style blouse, a cape, and a draped skirt. The look drew criticism online, with several social media users questioning whether the outfit was suitable for an advertisement based on a traditional Indian festival. Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut also publicly criticized the styling via an Instagram story.

Ranaut posted, “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!”


Also read: Kriti Sanon hits back at Kangana Ranaut over Raksha Bandhan Ad controversy, says ‘when will we stop telling women what to wear?’

Sanon later responded to the criticism, asking when society would stop telling women what to wear. She argued that cultural respect and the emotional significance of traditions come from the heart and are not determined solely by clothing.

Sanon responded by posting a story on Instagram, “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! 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!”

Also read: Raksha Bandhan Ad controversy: Kangana Ranaut questions Kriti Sanon’s outfit, says, ‘why would you tie your brother Rakhi in your undergarments?’