Key facts
- An Indian jewellery brand withdrew an advertisement featuring actor Kriti Sanon for the Rakshabandhan festival.
- The ad depicted Sanon in a cropped top and skirt, which drew criticism for being inappropriate.
- BJP MP Kangana Ranaut called the ad 'intentionally creepy' and questioned the attire for the festival.
- Kriti Sanon defended her outfit, stating that culture and traditions are internal, not dictated by clothing.
- The jewellery company Giva stated they withdrew the ad out of respect for sentiments that may have been inadvertently hurt.
An Indian jewellery brand has pulled its new advertisement for the Rakshabandhan festival following a backlash over the outfit worn by lead actor Kriti Sanon. The advertisement, which showed Sanon celebrating the festival where sisters tie a Rakhi thread on their brothers' wrists, featured her in a cropped top, skirt, and drape.
The controversy ignited after BJP MP Kangana Ranaut described the ad as 'intentionally creepy' and questioned why someone would tie a Rakhi dressed in a bikini. Her comments on social media resonated with some users who felt Sanon's attire, described by one as a bralette, was out of touch with the sanctity of Hindu festivals. Objections were also raised regarding a scene where Sanon ties a Rakhi on her pet dog.