Culture and traditions are in her heart, not neckline: Kriti Sanon hits back amid Raksha Bandhan ad outfit row

Actor Kriti Sanon addressed the controversy over her Raksha Bandhan ad by emphasising that the festival's true spirit lies in emotions and traditions, not attire. She also highlighted the inclusion of her pet in the ad, underlining that dogs are considered family in her celebrations.Kriti Sanon breaks silence on Raksha Bandhan ad row. Actor Kriti Sanon has responded to the criticism surrounding her latest Raksha Bandhan advertisement, which sparked a debate on social media over her outfit and the campaign's portrayal of the festival. Addressing the backlash, Kriti said the essence of a festival lies in its emotions and traditions, not in what a woman chooses to wear.In a post, Kriti explained why the advertisement's portrayal of Raksha Bandhan was meaningful to her. She also defended the idea of including her pet in the celebrations, saying that dogs are part of the family too."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. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have," she wrote.Kriti added that she and her sister pray for each other's health, happiness and long life. She then explained the presence of the dog in the advertisement. "And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! Afterall, they are family!" the actor wrote.Kriti Sanon on criticism over her outfitThe jewellery advertisement shows Kriti celebrating Raksha Bandhan in an off-white bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt. The campaign attempts to give the traditional festival a contemporary treatment, but some social media users questioned whether the outfit was appropriate for the occasion. The advertisement also features a dog as part of the festivities. In one sequence, Kriti ties a rakhi to the pet after it appears barking in the frame, with the campaign presenting the animal as a member of the family.The creative choice divided social media users, with some accusing the brand of making a mockery of an Indian festival. Others objected to Kriti's outfit and the decision to include a dog in the Raksha Bandhan ritual.‘When will we stop telling women what to wear?’In her response, Kriti questioned the practice of judging a woman's respect for her culture based on her clothes."Also, 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!! Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!" she wrote.Kriti's statement comes amid the ongoing debate over how traditional festivals are represented in contemporary advertising, particularly when brands attempt to combine cultural traditions with modern fashion and ideas of family.On the work front, Kriti was recently seen in the romantic comedy-drama Cocktail 2, alongside Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. She was also seen opposite Dhanush in Tere Ishk Mein, which released in 2025.- EndsPublished By: Devika BhattacharyaPublished On: Aug 25, 2026 14:38 IST