AIMIM leader Waris Pathan criticized actress Kangana Ranaut following her comments regarding a Raksha Bandhan jewelry advertisement featuring actress Kriti Sanon [1].
The dispute highlights the ongoing tension in India between traditional cultural expectations and modern advertising, often resulting in the removal of commercial content.
The controversy began when Ranaut questioned the clothing worn by Sanon in the jewelry campaign. Ranaut asked, "Why tie Rakhi in bikini?" [3]. The advertisement featured Sanon wearing a bralette-style blouse, which sparked public criticism across various platforms [2, 3].
Pathan responded to Ranaut's remarks by accusing the actress of seeking publicity and making provocative statements about women [2]. Pathan said Ranaut was a "Queen of Jhansi on a fake horse" [2].
The jewelry brand behind the campaign subsequently withdrew the advertisement following the backlash over the outfit [2, 3]. This action follows a pattern of brands removing content in India when attire is deemed offensive or inappropriate for a specific religious or cultural festival [3].
Pathan's comments target Ranaut's public persona and her tendency to engage in high-profile cultural debates [2]. While the ad is no longer active, the exchange between the political leader and the actress has continued to trend in Indian media [3].
“"Queen of Jhansi on a fake horse"”
This incident reflects the volatility of the Indian advertising market, where the intersection of celebrity influence and traditional values can lead to rapid brand reversals. The involvement of a political figure like Waris Pathan demonstrates how commercial disputes over attire quickly evolve into broader ideological conflicts regarding gender and nationalism.
