Rahul Gandhi Defends Kriti Sanon After Kangana Ranaut’s Criticism in Raksha Bandhan Ad Row
Rahul Gandhi has backed Kriti Sanon amid Kangana Ranaut's criticism over her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan jewellery advertisement, saying, 'What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes – is her choice. Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom.' Sanon had earlier defended the campaign and said, 'Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!'
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday, August 25, backed actor Kriti Sanon after she faced criticism and trolling on social media over her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement for a jewellery brand. Sharing Sanon’s statement on his Instagram Stories, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said a woman’s clothing and lifestyle should not be policed online.
The controversy began after the advertisement showed Sanon in an ivory bralette-and-skirt outfit with a cape while tying a rakhi. The campaign triggered debate over women’s clothing, cultural traditions and personal choice, with actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also criticising Sanon’s appearance in the advertisement. Kriti Sanon Breaks Silence on Raksha Bandhan Ad Controversy, Hits Back at Critics.
Rahul Gandhi Comes Out In Support Of Kriti Sanon
Rahul Gandhi Backs Kriti Sanon Amid Kangana's Criticism
Backing Sanon, Gandhi wrote: “What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes – is her choice. Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom.” His comments came after Sanon responded to the criticism in a statement shared on her Instagram Stories. The actor questioned why women’s respect for culture and traditions continued to be judged by their clothing.
Kriti Sanon Responds To Backlash
Sanon wrote: “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline! Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear?” She also argued that ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but women continue to face scrutiny over their clothes when they participate in cultural and religious traditions.
Defending the advertisement, Sanon said festivals should be understood through the emotions and values associated with traditions rather than through clothing. Repeating her point, she wrote: “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!” Kangana Ranaut Reacts to Kriti Sanon’s Rakhi Ad, Calls It ‘Intentionally Creepy’.
What Kriti Sanon Said About Raksha Bandhan
Sanon also explained what Raksha Bandhan means to her family, describing it as a bond of protection between siblings. “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 said.
She added that she and her sister pray for each other’s health, happiness and long life. Sanon also said the same feeling extends to their pets. “After all, they are family,” Sanon said. In the advertisement, Sanon is seen tying a rakhi on her brother’s wrist while their pet dog watches. She then ties another rakhi around the dog’s leg.
Kangana Ranaut Reaction To Advertisement
The controversy also drew a response from Kangana Ranaut, who criticised Sanon’s outfit in the campaign. Ranaut described the look as “intentionally creepy” in a social media post. Some social media users similarly criticised Sanon’s outfit, arguing that it was inappropriate for a traditional festival. Others objected to the depiction of her tying a rakhi on a dog.
As the criticism grew, the discussion moved beyond the advertisement to broader questions about women’s clothing, cultural traditions and freedom of choice. Sanon’s response focused on the argument that cultural values are not determined by a woman’s neckline or clothing.
Gandhi’s intervention has now added a political dimension to the ongoing social media debate, with the Congress leader explicitly defending Sanon’s right to make her own choices.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 25, 2026 10:53 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).