Actress Kriti Sanon has been making headlines after her recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement went viral on the internet. The commercial for a jewellery brand featuring Kriti sparked criticism online over her bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt for the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. Amid the criticism and flak online, the jewellery brand has now withdrawn the commercial sharing that they hold deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals.
Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan ad taken down
On Wednesday, August 26, the brand issued a statement on their official social media handles. The statement read, “We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals.” It further emphasised that they have always believed in celebrating these joyous moments with the entire family, adding that “this time we wanted to extend the love and celebration to our pets.”
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A post shared by GIVA – Silver-Gold-Lab Grown Diamonds (@giva.co)
Addressing the backlash over the recent ad, the brand wrote, “If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all.”
Further, they wrote, “Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media.”
Kriti Sanon defends the controversial ad
Notably, the decision of the brand comes a day after Kriti responded to the criticism, defending her choice of attire. In her note, the actress also questioned why women are continually told what to wear. She even stressed that ethnic fashion has evolved.
In her note shared on social media on Tuesday, Kriti 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.” She further shared that she and her sister, Nupur Sanon, tie rakhi to each other on the festival, since they believe they can protect each other no less than a brother would.
She added, “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!!” Kriti concluded the note, saying, “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”
Many, including Kangana Ranaut, slammed the actress over the ad. Meanwhile, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had come out in support of the actress.
