Kriti Sanon Gets Candid About Rakhi Ad Controversy: ‘Women Are Constantly Under Scrutiny’

Bollywood actor Kriti Sanon has finally opened up about the controversy surrounding her Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement, which sparked widespread criticism over her outfit and the depiction of the festival. During her appearance on Kareena Kapoor’s chat show What Women Want, Kriti spoke about the backlash and explained why she felt the issue was much bigger than just one advertisement.

The actor said the controversy highlighted how women are constantly scrutinised for their appearance, clothing and personal choices. She also expressed disappointment over the abusive comments directed at her family members, questioning why people who speak about culture and respect resort to such language online.

The advertisement, which featured Kriti wearing a bralette and skirt while tying a rakhi to her brother, attracted criticism from several social media users. Some also objected to the inclusion of her pet dog in the advertisement. Following the backlash, the jewellery brand eventually took down the campaign.

Kriti Sanon Says the Controversy Was About a Bigger Issue

Speaking to Kareena Kapoor on What Women Want, Kriti explained that she does not usually respond to every controversy involving her. However, this particular incident made her speak out because she believed it reflected a larger problem faced by women.

Kriti said, “Normally I don’t say anything… I felt it (the rakhi ad controversy) was not about me, it was a much larger issue where I feel women are constantly under scrutiny for everything.”

The actor pointed out that women are frequently judged for what they wear, their physical appearance and even changes in their bodies. She questioned why such personal matters become subjects of public criticism and debate.

According to Kriti, the constant scrutiny reflects a deeper problem of gender inequality, where women are often expected to meet society’s expectations even when their choices do not harm anyone.

‘What Is With the Hate?’ Kriti Reacts to Abusive Comments

Kriti also spoke about the unpleasant side of social media, revealing that the controversy became particularly disturbing when people began targeting her family.

The actor said that she generally avoids reading comments under social media posts, but the situation affected her when she learned that her parents and sister were receiving abusive messages.

She questioned the behaviour of people who claim to defend culture and respect while using offensive language against an actor’s family members.

Kriti said, “What is with the hate? I don’t read comments under posts… but I feel that sometimes people get so nasty, who talk about culture and respect were ironically the ones who commented on my parents’ and sister’s posts. In the nastiest, abusive language.”

She also revealed that her sister suggested turning off the comments. However, Kriti questioned why she should have to do so because of the behaviour of others.

For the actor, the incident raised an important question about accountability on social media and why celebrities and their families should have to tolerate personal attacks simply because they are in the public eye.

Kriti Sanon Says Actors Are Easy Targets

During the conversation, Kriti highlighted how celebrities often become easy targets whenever a controversy erupts. She reminded viewers that actors are human beings too and can be emotionally affected by online criticism.

She said, “Actors are the easiest targets. It has happened with multiple people, and we are just human and it also affects us.”

Kriti further spoke about the deep-rooted patriarchy and gender inequality that continue to influence how women are treated in society.

She emphasised the importance of women standing up for themselves and challenging the expectations imposed on them. In her view, meaningful change requires repeatedly questioning the attitudes and systems that continue to restrict women’s freedom.

Her comments turned the discussion from a debate about one advertisement into a broader conversation about women’s autonomy, public scrutiny and the way criticism is directed at female celebrities.

Why Did Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan Ad Spark Controversy?

The jewellery advertisement attracted attention after Kriti was seen wearing a bralette and skirt while tying a rakhi to her brother. Some viewers objected to the outfit, arguing that it was inappropriate for a festival associated with family bonds and tradition.

Others criticised the advertisement for showing the actor tying a rakhi to her pet dog. The reactions quickly spread across social media, prompting debate over the relationship between clothing, cultural traditions and personal expression.

Kriti later addressed the controversy in an Instagram statement, defending the meaning behind the advertisement and questioning why a woman’s outfit should overshadow the emotions associated with a festival.

She explained that the essence of a festival lies in its emotions and traditions rather than the clothes someone chooses to wear.

Kriti’s Earlier Statement on Raksha Bandhan

In her earlier statement, Kriti explained that Raksha Bandhan represents a bond of protection that is not limited to the traditional relationship between a brother and sister.

She shared that she and her sister tie rakhi to each other and pray for one another’s health, happiness and long life. For them, the same feelings of love and protection extend to their dogs, whom they consider members of the family.

Kriti wrote, “The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear; it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions.”

She also explained that the promise of protection associated with Raksha Bandhan can exist between sisters, challenging the idea that the tradition must follow only one conventional format.

Despite her clarification, the advertisement remained controversial, and the brand eventually removed it.

Kriti Sanon Calls for Women to Stand Up for Themselves

Through her latest comments, Kriti has once again highlighted her concerns about the way women are judged for their choices. For her, the issue was not simply about defending an outfit or an advertisement, but about questioning why women continue to face disproportionate scrutiny.

Her remarks also drew attention to the contradiction between demanding respect for traditions and directing abusive comments at people who interpret those traditions differently.

Kriti’s message is clear: women should be able to express themselves without facing personal attacks, and disagreements should not become an excuse to target their families.

The controversy surrounding her Raksha Bandhan advertisement may have begun with a debate over clothing and cultural expectations, but her response has brought a much wider issue into focus — the need for greater respect, accountability and freedom of choice for women.