‘While the Rakhi fashion committee is still in session...’: Kriti Sanon takes indirect swipe at GIVA row on Raksha Bandhan

Kriti celebrates Raksha Bandhan with Nupur

Kriti shared glimpses of her Raksha Bandhan celebrations with Nupur on Instagram.

Amid the controversy surrounding her GIVA advertisement and the debate over her outfit, Kriti appeared to take a light-hearted swipe at those continuing to discuss the issue.

‘Rakhi fashion committee is still in session’

In what appeared to be an indirect response to the criticism, the Cocktail 2 actor wrote, "While the Rakhi fashion committee is still in session. We’re focusing on what really matters."

The remark appears to mock the ongoing discussion over what is considered appropriate attire for celebrating Raksha Bandhan.

With the statement, Kriti seemingly shifted the focus from the outfit controversy to the essence of the festival and spending time with family.

GIVA's Raksha Bandhan ad sparks controversy

The post comes amid a controversy surrounding jewellery brand GIVA's Raksha Bandhan campaign featuring actor Kriti Sanon.

The advertisement drew criticism on social media over Sanon's Indo-Western outfit, which included a bralette-style blouse, cape and draped skirt. The campaign also showed Sanon celebrating Raksha Bandhan and tying a rakhi to a pet dog.

The controversy intensified after Ranaut criticised the campaign, questioning the choice of styling while portraying a Hindu festival.

Kangana questions representation of Hindu festivals

Ranaut's criticism focused on what she described as the cultural and civilisational significance of Hindu festivals. Her remarks sparked a larger discussion over whether traditional festivals should necessarily be represented through conventional Indian attire and customs.

Kriti Sanon in the controversial GIVA ad. Photo: Screen-grab

Kriti Sanon responds

Sanon subsequently appeared to respond to the criticism without naming Ranaut directly.

The actor argued that culture is rooted in a person's values and emotions rather than simply in their clothes. Her response shifted the debate towards women's autonomy and whether a person's attire should be used as a measure of their respect for tradition.

GIVA withdraws the advertisement

The backlash eventually prompted GIVA to withdraw the advertisement from its media platforms.

The jewellery brand said it has "the highest regard and deep respect" for Indian culture, traditions and festivals and that hurting sentiments was never its intention.

The controversy has since grown into a wider conversation about cultural representation, women's clothing and the evolving ways in which Indian and Hindu festivals are portrayed in popular culture.