Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon has responded to the criticism surrounding her recent Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement. The campaign, which features Kriti celebrating the festival and tying a rakhi to her dog, sparked a debate on social media, with several users questioning the actress’s outfit and the way the festival was portrayed.

The controversy gained further attention after actress Kangana Ranaut criticised Kriti’s appearance in the advertisement and questioned whether the outfit was appropriate for a traditional festival like Raksha Bandhan.

Kriti has now addressed the backlash through a detailed Instagram post. Responding to the criticism, she argued that festivals should primarily be about the emotions, relationships and traditions associated with them rather than the clothes a woman chooses to wear.

The actress also explained the reason behind the rakhi tradition in her family. According to Kriti, she and her sister tie rakhi to each other because they believe they can protect and support one another just as siblings traditionally do. She added that their dogs are equally important members of the family, which is why the same affection extends to them.

Kriti also questioned the repeated scrutiny faced by women over their clothing choices. She pointed out that ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but women are still frequently judged on the basis of their appearance when participating in cultural celebrations.

The actress emphasized that wearing modern or contemporary clothing does not necessarily make a person less connected to their culture or traditions. According to her, cultural values are rooted in a person’s emotions and beliefs rather than their outfit.

Concluding her response, Kriti shared a strong message: “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

Her statement has triggered another round of discussion online, with social media users expressing contrasting opinions. While some have supported Kriti’s perspective and defended her freedom to choose what she wears, others continue to question the creative choices made in the advertisement.

The controversy has therefore shifted beyond the advertisement itself, turning into a broader conversation about fashion, cultural traditions and the way women are judged for their appearance. It remains to be seen whether the debate will settle down or continue to gain momentum following Kriti’s response.