Bollywood diva Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan commercial for a jewelry brand recently sparked massive online controversy over her choice of an Indo-western outfit and deep-neck blouse. The backlash grew so intense that the brand eventually pulled down the advertisement. Now, breaking her silence on the entire episode, Kriti addressed the controversy during an appearance on Kareena Kapoor Khan's chat show 'What Women Want' Season 6.
During her conversation with Kareena, Kriti expressed shock over how far the matter escalated. She shared with a mix of disbelief and humor, "I couldn't believe it… when my choli became a 6-person panel discussion on prime-time news." Reacting to her statement, Kareena expressed equal surprise at how a simple clothing choice could become a subject of intense national debate.
How the Controversy Began
The controversy ignited when jewelry brand GIVA released a festive ad for Raksha Bandhan featuring Kriti Sanon. In the video, Kriti appeared in a modern ethnic outfit, celebrating the festival by tying a rakhi to her brother and pet dog. A section of social media users deemed her attire inappropriate for a traditional festival, raising questions about the portrayal of customs and the inclusion of a pet dog, which quickly escalated into widespread criticism.
Challenging Patriarchy and Clothes-Shaming
Following the backlash, Kriti had previously taken to social media to subtly defend her stance, questioning society's obsession with judging women based on what they wear. She criticized patriarchal mindsets and victim-blaming, emphasizing that culture and traditions reside in a person's heart and values, not in the neckline of their clothes. Her statements have once again fueled ongoing conversations regarding women's autonomy and freedom of expression in the digital age.
'The Freelance' does not independently verify the authenticity of claims made in this viral social media video. The video has become a subject of wide discussion online. Video Courtesy: Respective Social Media Handle / Creator.
