Kriti Sanon Ad Row: Festival's Spirit Debated Online

The Cliff News | 26 August 2026

An advertisement for a jewellery brand intended to celebrate Raksha Bandhan has ignited a significant online debate, centering on actress Kriti Sanon’s attire and the festival's traditional sentiment.

The ad, designed to promote festive jewellery, faced immediate backlash from a segment of viewers who deemed Sanon’s outfit, a bralette-style blouse with a cape and draped skirt, inappropriate for the occasion. Critics argued the styling diverged from cultural norms associated with the festival.

Festival Sentiment and Pet Inclusion

Further controversy arose from a scene depicting Sanon tying a rakhi to a dog, which many online interpreted as diluting the core sibling bond that Raksha Bandhan represents. The criticism escalated to the point where the jewellery brand ultimately withdrew the advertisement from all platforms.

In an official statement posted on Instagram, the brand explained its intention was to acknowledge pets as integral family members during celebrations. This explanation, however, did little to quell the surrounding discourse.

Sanon's Defense and Societal Scrutiny

Kriti Sanon addressed the controversy directly, questioning why her clothing choices garnered more attention than the festival’s essence. She shared her personal connection to Raksha Bandhan, emphasizing that her well wishes extend to her dogs, whom her sister and she consider family.

“It’s 2026 and people are still asking, ‘Why is Kriti Sanon wearing a bikini in a Rakhi ad?’ Maybe ask why a woman showing skin bothers you so much,” a strong counter-argument from social media users stated, highlighting outfit-shaming as a recurring issue for female celebrities.

Wider Social Media Reaction

While the criticism was vocal, it was met with significant pushback from a larger section of internet users. Many decried the backlash as an overreaction to a straightforward advertisement. These users pointed to a pattern of body-shaming and wardrobe policing directed at women in the public eye.

Commenters emphasized that the sexualization often lies in the viewer’s perspective, not inherently in a woman’s appearance. They praised Sanon for her acting prowess and business acumen, calling her a successful contemporary figure who is unfairly subjected to such scrutiny.