Kriti Sanon has spoken out against the online hate she faced over her Raksha Bandhan advertisement for jewellery brand, saying the backlash went beyond her outfitThe actor revealed that trolls also posted abusive comments on her parents’ and sister’s social media posts.
Published: October 25, 2026, 11:58 AM IST
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Kriti Sanon rakhi ad
Actor Kriti Sanon has opened up about the backlash she faced over her Raksha Bandhan advertisement for jewellery brand GIVAMonths after the controversy, Kriti spoke about the incident on Kareena Kapoor Khan’s talk show What Women Want Season 6She said the issue was not just about her outfit but also about how women are judged for their choices. Kriti also revealed that the online abuse went beyond her, with trolls leaving nasty comments on her mother’s and sister’s social media postsShe said the incident disturbed her and highlighted the need for women to stand up for themselves.
Speaking about the controversy, 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 everythingIt is only women who are targeted for the smallest thingWhat you want to wear, she is too short or tall, oh, is she pregnant… what is going on? It is just my opinion.”
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Kriti said she was upset by the abusive comments posted by people who claimed to be speaking up for culture and respectShe added that her sister had suggested turning off comments on social media, but Kriti questioned why she should have to do so. She said, “What is with the hate? I don’t read comments under posts… but I feel that sometimes people get so nastyThose who talk about culture and respect were ironically the ones who commented on my parents’ and sister’s posts in the nastiest, abusive languageWhat have they done? My sister said I should turn off my comments and I asked, why? I was disturbedI feel it’s important for women to stand up for themselvesWho has given these people the right to be commenting, and for what?”
The actor also spoke about the pressure faced by celebrities and the gender inequality that continues to exist in society. “Actors are the easiest targetsIt has happened with multiple people, and we are just human, and it also affects usI feel very strongly about the gender inequality that exists, and the patriarchy that is embedded so deeplyWe need to shatter it multiple times for it to break,” concluded the actor.
What was the Kriti Sanon Rakhi ad controversy?
Earlier this year, Kriti faced criticism after appearing in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement for jewellery brand GIVAIn the campaign, she was seen wearing a bralette-style blouse with a cape and a draped skirt while celebrating the festivalSome social media users objected to her outfit, arguing that it was not suitable for the occasion. Actor Kangana Ranaut also criticised the advertisement and questioned Kriti’s choice of clothingShe called the campaign “intentionally creepy” and asked, “Why would you tie a rakhi to your brother while wearing a bikini or undergarments?”
Kriti later responded to the criticism through a lengthy note on social mediaDefending her choice, she wrote, “Imagine being this bothered by what another woman chooses to wearRespectfully, evolvePS: I’m the one who tied the rakhi, and if I don’t have a problem with it, why do you? The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear; it is in the emotions and meaning you attach to the traditions.”
On Raksha Bandhan, Kriti also shared a picture with her younger sister, Nupur Sanon, showing them holding hands with rakhis tied on each other’s wristsTaking a subtle dig at the criticism surrounding her outfit, she wrote, “While the Rakhi fashion committee is still in sessionWe’re focusing on what really mattersHappy Rakhi to all.”
Kriti was last seen in Cocktail 2.
