My choli became a panel discussion: Kriti Sanon discusses Rakhi ad row with Kareena

Actor Kriti Sanon opened up about the backlash surrounding her Raksha Bandhan advertisement, revealing that she never imagined her outfit would become the subject of a prime-time television debate. In the trailer of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s What Women Want Season 6 show, the actor recalled the intense attention her “choli” received after the ad sparked controversy.Speaking to Kareena, Kriti said, “I couldn’t believe when my choli had become like a six-person panel discussion on prime-time news.” Kareena responded, “I know.”Towards the end of the video, the actor replied to the question about what women really want. "To not be judged, and people should mind their business."Several stars like Ali Fazal, Neha Kakkar, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavna Pandey, Micky Contracter and Mira Rajput, among others, will be seen gracing the show. Kriti's controversy erupted after jewellery brand GIVA released its Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti. In the campaign, the 36-year-old actor is seen celebrating the festival by tying a Rakhi to her brother as well as her pet dog, while dressed in an Indo-Western outfit. Following the controversy, the ad was taken down.The advertisement soon drew criticism on social media, with some users objecting to the Cocktail 2 actor’s outfit and calling it inappropriate for a traditional festival. Others questioned the presentation of Raksha Bandhan in the campaign, including the lack of conventional festive elements and the inclusion of her pet. Kriti later addressed the backlash on Instagram, arguing that the essence of festivals lies in the emotions and traditions associated with them, rather than in what someone chooses to wear.“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. We pray for each other’s health, happiness & long life. And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! After all, they are family!” she wrote.She also questioned the larger debate around women’s clothing and cultural identity.“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 added.On the work front, Kriti was last seen in the romantic comedy-drama Cocktail 2, co-starring Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna.- Ends