Kangana Ranaut Doubles Down on Criticism of Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan Ad: “Festivals Are Expressions of Culture”
Actor and Member of Parliament Kangana Ranaut has offered further clarification regarding her recent backlash against a Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon. The controversy, which ultimately led to the withdrawal of the GIVA campaign, centered on Sanon’s attire—a bralette-style blouse—worn while performing the traditional ritual of tying a rakhi.
While Ranaut’s initial critique was perceived by many as a personal jab at the Mimi star, the politician emphasized that her remarks were intended to spark a broader discourse on how Indian festivals are depicted in modern media.
Beyond the Aesthetic
In a candid interview with journalist Sudhir Chaudhary, Ranaut rejected the notion that her criticism was about policing personal fashion choices. Instead, she argued that the issue lies in the dilution of cultural and civilizational traditions.
“Who is stopping them from wearing anything?” Ranaut remarked, addressing the defense that women should have complete agency over their appearance. “The aesthetic expression of any civilisation is its festival. Festivals are not just about aesthetics; they are an expression of a culture and a civilisation, and they come with their own set of rules, much like the rules for worship.”
Ranaut contended that the inclusion of a bralette was merely a symptom of a larger, systemic oversight in the advertisement’s creative direction. She pointed out that the campaign lacked the traditional components central to the spirit of Raksha Bandhan, such as the presence of family, the traditional tilak, akshat (rice grains), and the customary food offerings like halwa and puri.
A Clash of Ideologies
The conversation also touched upon wider sociopolitical themes, including comments made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding personal freedom and attire. Ranaut dismissed Gandhi’s stance as “confused,” arguing that he fails to grasp the nuances of tradition versus modernity.
When asked if she believed a similar visual treatment would be tolerated if applied to other religious festivals, such as Eid, Ranaut stressed the unique sanctity of Indian traditions. “In our culture, there is so much dignity in every relationship, so many traditions, lines, and boundaries,” she stated, suggesting that the campaign’s failure stemmed from a lack of respect for these established social codes.
The Broader Debate
The GIVA campaign had ignited a firestorm on social media, with many users echoing Ranaut’s sentiments, accusing the brand of making a “mockery of sacred traditions.” Critics argued that while modern fashion has a place in advertising, it should not come at the expense of religious sentiment.
As an elected representative, Ranaut defended her right—and responsibility—to weigh in on such matters. She maintains that her role as a public figure requires her to safeguard the cultural identity of the nation, even when it means challenging the creative liberties taken by high-profile brands and industry peers.
The incident has since become a focal point in the ongoing debate regarding the “Westernization” of Indian cultural narratives and the responsibility of advertisers to balance contemporary trends with deeply held traditional values.
