Actress Kriti Sanon defended her clothing choice in a Raksha Bandhan jewelry advertisement Tuesday following criticism from actor-politician Kangana Ranaut [1, 2].
The dispute highlights ongoing tensions in India regarding the intersection of traditional cultural values and modern fashion choices for women in public spaces.
Sanon faced a wave of online trolling after appearing in a television commercial for a jewelry brand wearing an Indo-Western outfit [1, 2]. Critics argued the attire was inappropriate for the traditional Raksha Bandhan festival, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters [1, 3].
Kangana Ranaut joined the criticism, describing the advertisement as "creepy" [1]. Other reports noted that Ranaut questioned whether the outfit was appropriate for the specific festival [4].
Sanon responded to the backlash on social media, challenging the notion that clothing defines a person's connection to their heritage. "Culture is in the heart, not in her neckline," Sanon said [1].
In a further response to the critics and trolls, Sanon questioned the societal pressure placed on women's appearances. "When will we stop telling women what to wear?" Sanon said [3].
This controversy occurs during the 2026 festival season [2], as digital platforms in India continue to be primary battlegrounds for debates over modesty and tradition. Sanon remained firm in her stance, refusing to apologize for the fashion choice used in the commercial [2].
“"Culture is in the heart, not in her neckline."”
This clash reflects a recurring cultural divide in India between traditionalists and those advocating for individual expression. By framing the debate around women's autonomy over their clothing, Sanon is positioning the controversy as a gender issue rather than a religious or cultural one, while Ranaut's criticism aligns with a broader movement to preserve strict traditional norms in media.
