Indian actress Kriti Sanon is facing online criticism over a Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring a bikini outfit and a dog [1, 2].
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension in India between modern advertising and traditional interpretations of cultural and religious festivals.
Critics on social media platforms said the advertisement was disrespectful to the festival [1, 3]. The backlash centered on two primary elements: Sanon's revealing clothing and the act of tying a rakhi, a sacred thread symbolizing sibling protection, to a dog [1, 3].
Actress Kangana Ranaut joined the criticism, labeling the advertisement intentionally creepy [1]. Ranaut said she questioned the wardrobe choice, asking, "Why tie rakhi in your bikini?" [1].
Sanon responded to the trolls and the criticism regarding her attire [2]. She said that culture is in a woman's heart, not her neckline [3].
Support for Sanon also came from her sister, Nupur Sanon [2]. She noted that Kriti Sanon ties a rakhi to her and said that trolls should evolve [2].
The row has sparked a wider debate across Indian social media regarding the boundaries of creative expression during traditional holidays, a recurring theme in Bollywood publicity.
“"Why tie rakhi in your bikini?"”
This dispute reflects a broader cultural divide in India where the commercialization of festivals often clashes with conservative social norms. By challenging the link between modesty and cultural piety, Sanon's response positions the conflict as one of individual agency versus traditional expectations.
