Kangana Ranaut has once again addressed the controversy surrounding Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement for jewellery brand GIVA, clarifying that her objection was not limited to the actor’s outfit. While Kangana had initially criticised Kriti’s bralette-style blouse, she has now said her larger concern was the way the festival was represented in the campaign.
Kangana Ranaut reveals what was missing in Kriti’s ad
The controversy began after GIVA released a 36-second Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti in an ivory bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt. The actor is seen tying rakhi to her brother as well as her pet dog, with the campaign highlighting the idea that pets are also part of the family. The advertisement, however, sparked criticism online over both Kriti’s attire and its portrayal of the festival.
Speaking on Decode Live, Kangana clarified that she was not suggesting women should be restricted in what they wear. “Who is stopping them from wearing whatever they want? Who has ever stopped them? Why would anyone care what they choose to wear?” she said.
After the outrage over Kriti Sanon’s outfit in a Raksha Bandhan ad, Godi anchor @sudhirchaudhary unnecessarily and deliberately provokes @KanganaTeam by asking, “Will Kriti wear the same dress on Eid too?”To this, @KanganaTeam responds, “In that religion (Muslims), they still… pic.twitter.com/rPVDSD3B2Z
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) August 26, 2026
Kangana added that the outfit was only a “minor detail” and argued that the advertisement failed to showcase traditional elements associated with Raksha Bandhan. “Where are the parents? Where is the home? There is no sign of halwa-puri, God, tilak, akshat, incense, or diya,” she said.
She further stressed the importance of rituals in representing a festival, saying, “It won’t work without the teeka; Rakhi won’t work.” According to Kangana, festivals are not merely about aesthetics but also represent the culture and civilisation they come from.
Feud around Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan ad
Kangana had initially criticised the advertisement on Instagram Stories on August 24, questioning why Kriti would tie rakhi to her brother while wearing what she described as “bikini/undergarments.” She argued that women have numerous choices when it comes to festive fashion and called the advertisement “intentionally creepy.”
Kriti later responded without naming Kangana. 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.” She also defended including pets in the campaign, explaining that she and her sister tie rakhi to each other and extend their prayers and promises to their dogs. “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!” Kriti concluded.
Amid the backlash, GIVA withdrew the advertisement from all platforms. The brand said it has “the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals” and clarified that its intention was to include pets in Raksha Bandhan celebrations. It apologised if the campaign inadvertently hurt sentiments and said it had withdrawn the advertisement “out of respect.”
