This is not me: Sonu Nigam denies reacting to Kriti Sanon's Rakhi ad row

Singer Sonu Nigam has denied commenting on the row over Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement, saying a media publication wrongly attributed a remark to him. The clarification came after a post carried the claim that he had reacted to the controversy around the campaign.The publication shared a headline that read, "Hindus are tolerant, don't test their restraint: Sonu Nigam on Kriti Sanon ad row." Nigam, however, said the statement was not his. His response came as the advertisement featuring Kriti continued to draw attention online and after jewellery brand GIVA withdrew the campaign.On Thursday, Nigam hit out at the publication for quoting him and wrote, "This is not me and this has never been me. TOI wake up! Media wake up! (sic)." For context, the post being referred to was shared by an impersonator of the singer. Nigam himself is not on X.Ad withdrawn after criticismGIVA has withdrawn its Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti after the campaign drew criticism on social media over her outfit. In a statement shared on its official Instagram page on Wednesday, the brand said it had the “highest regard and deep respect” for Indian culture, traditions and festivals, and added that the campaign was meant to extend the spirit of the festival to pets. The brand said, “We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. As a brand, we have always believed in celebrating these joyous moments with the entire family and this time we wanted to extend the love and celebration to our pets.” It also added, “If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all. Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media. Wish you all the love & positivity this festive season! (sic)”What the advertisement showedIn the advertisement, which has now been pulled from GIVA’s media platforms, Kriti was seen celebrating Raksha Bandhan wearing a bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt. Her outfit drew criticism from a section of social media users, who questioned its suitability for a campaign centred on the festival. The debate intensified after actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also criticised the campaign and questioned Kriti’s decision to celebrate Raksha Bandhan in what she described as a “bikini”.Kriti later responded to the criticism and defended both her outfit and the campaign. She wrote, “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline (sic),” and also said the inclusion of her pet in the celebrations resonated with her, adding that dogs are an integral part of many families.- EndsPublished By: Priyanka SharmaPublished On: Aug 27, 2026 06:25 IST