After calling Kriti’s Rakhi ad ‘creepy’, Kangana now says ‘woman can wear whatever she wants’
Kangana Ranaut has once again spoken about the controversy surrounding Kriti Sanon’s outfit in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement, days after her initial comments sparked a debate over fashion, tradition and what women choose to wear.
Speaking to Sudhir Chaudhary on Decode Live, Kangana said that Kriti is free to dress as she wishes. “The way she dresses in films, who has stopped her from wearing anything she wants? I don't think anybody has anything to do with her choice of outfits,” she said.
Kangana also clarified her position on women’s clothing, adding, “A woman can wear whatever she wants to wear on Raksha Bandhan.”
What started the controversy?
The controversy began after Kriti appeared in a jewellery brand’s Raksha Bandhan advertisement wearing an off-white outfit featuring a bralette-style blouse, a cape and a draped skirt.
The styling drew criticism from a section of social media users, who questioned whether the outfit suited a campaign centred around a traditional festival.
Kangana joined the conversation on Instagram Stories, writing, “Why would you tie your brother a rakhi in your bikini/undergarments?”
She later expanded on her criticism, saying, “It's a wonderful time to be a woman. Our closets are full of a variety of clothes, today's woman is a global woman. From cocktail dresses to lehenga cholis, jeans to saris, bikinis to salwar kameez, from all the options that are available to us today, why would you tie your brother a rakhi in your bikini/undergarments? Where are all your styling options? Ha ha the advert looks intentionally creepy!”
Kriti responds to the criticism
Kriti responded to the debate through her Instagram Stories, arguing that festivals should not be judged by a woman's clothes.
“The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions...” she wrote.
She also questioned the continued scrutiny of women's clothing, writing, “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 by just her clothes!! Culture & traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”
Brand pulls down the advertisement
The jewellery brand later withdrew the advertisement following the backlash. In a statement shared on Instagram, it said, “We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals.”
The brand added that it had intended to include pets in the Raksha Bandhan celebrations as part of its idea of family.
“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,” the statement read.