Actress Kriti Sanon has responded to criticism over her clothing in a jewelry brand advertisement released for the Raksha Bandhan festival [1].
The dispute highlights an ongoing cultural tension in India between traditional expectations of modesty during religious holidays and modern expressions of fashion.
The controversy began after actor-politician Kangana Ranaut criticized Sanon's outfit, which featured a deep-neck style [3]. Ranaut questioned the choice of attire for the occasion, asking why someone would tie a Rakhi to their brother in a bikini and stating that the imagery looked intentionally creepy [3].
Sanon addressed the backlash and the comments from Ranaut by advocating for women's autonomy over their clothing [1]. She said critics should stop telling women what to wear [1].
While some reports described the attire as a bikini or undergarment [1], other accounts identified the outfit as a deep-neck blouse accompanied by a cape [2]. Sanon defended the choice by arguing that the emotional and spiritual meaning of the holiday is not tied to physical appearance [2].
"Culture and traditions are not in the neckline," Sanon said [2].
The debate unfolded across various Indian social media platforms, drawing in a wider audience of trolls and supporters [2]. Sanon said the essence of the celebration remains in the heart rather than the clothing worn during the event [2].
“Stop telling women what to wear.”
This clash reflects a broader sociological divide in India regarding the intersection of feminism and tradition. By framing the debate as a matter of personal agency versus cultural preservation, the exchange underscores how public figures use traditional festivals as a backdrop to negotiate the boundaries of modern Indian identity and gender norms.
