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28 Aug 2026, 10:05 am

On the occasion of Rakshabandhan and amid the controversy over her jewellery ad being pulled down after backlash, actor Kriti Sanon took to social media on Friday to make a cheeky comment on the whole fiasco.

Kriti posted a photo of rakhi-tied arms of her and sister Nupur Sanon’s along with the caption, “While the Rakhi fashion committee is still in session 🙈 We’re focusing on what really matters. ❤️👭 Happy Rakhi to all ❤️.”

Kriti was trolled for an ad for GIVA, a jewellery brand, which showed her in an ivory bralette-style blouse, tying rakhi to her brother along with her pet dog. It was a campaign to make Rakshabandhan more inclusive and the brand also launched rakhis for pets. However, a section of people on social media had a problem with the actor’s clothes. They stated that her dress was inappropriate for the occasion. Others also had an issue with her tying rakhi to a dog.

Kriti responded to the backlash and defended both the campaign and her choice of clothing. She questioned why a woman’s outfit was being used to judge her respect for culture and traditions.

“Imagine being this bothered by what another woman chooses to wear. Respectfully, evolve. PS: I’m the one she tied the rakhi to, and if I don’t have a problem with it, why do you? The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear; it is in the emotions and meaning you attach to the traditions” she wrote.

“Raksha Bandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other just as much as a brother would. We pray for each other’s health, happiness, and long life. For us, this prayer and promise extend to our dogs too. After all, they are family!”

She further addressed the criticism over her clothing and wrote, “Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, yet a woman’s respect for her culture is still measured by her clothes. Culture and traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

The ad, however, was ultimately pulled down. It still caused a debate on social media with many celebrities like Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra’s mother Madhu Chopra, and also Rahul Gandhi giving their opinions on the issue.