NEW DELHI: Actor Kriti Sanon has seemingly responded to the controversy surrounding her latest Raksha Bandhan advertisement, saying a woman’s respect for her culture should not be measured by her clothes.Sharing a statement on her Instagram Story, Sanon wrote that the essence of festivals lies in the emotions and meaning attached to traditions, rather than the clothes one wears.“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,” she wrote, adding that the same prayer and promise extended to their dogs, “after all, they are family”.
Sanon’s Instagram Story
Sanon then addressed the debate over 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!!” she wrote.“Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not her neckline!” Sanon added.
What is the Raksha Bandhan ad row?
Sanon recently featured in a jewellery brand’s Raksha Bandhan campaign in which she wore an off-white bralette-style blouse with a cape and draped skirt while participating in the festival-themed advertisement.The campaign drew mixed reactions online, with some social media users questioning whether the styling and presentation were appropriate for a traditional festival.Some also questioned the absence of traditional elements such as a puja thali.The controversy intensified after BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut appeared to take aim at the advertisement.
Ranaut’s Instagram Story
In an Instagram Story, Ranaut questioned why someone would tie a rakhi while wearing what she described as a bikini-style outfit.Sanon has not directly named Ranaut in her latest post, but her comments about women being told what to wear came amid the ongoing debate over the advertisement.
