New Delhi, Delhi. Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan special advertisement has been removed following a major controversy on social media. Several people had objected to the actress’s outfit and the manner in which Rakhi was shown being tied in the advertisement. As the controversy continued to grow, the company decided on Wednesday, August 26, to withdraw the advertisement from all media platforms.
Kriti Sanon was recently featured in a Raksha Bandhan campaign by a well-known jewellery company. In the advertisement, the actress was seen wearing a white bralette. During the campaign, she was shown tying a Rakhi to a young man as well as to a pet dog.
Soon after the advertisement was released, a debate began on social media. Many people described Kriti Sanon’s outfit as inappropriate in the context of a traditional festival such as Raksha Bandhan. Others also questioned the concept of the advertisement. Within a short time, the issue became a widely discussed topic on social media.
As the controversy intensified, several public figures also expressed their views. Actress Kangana Ranaut and others criticised the advertisement. Social media then saw both support and opposition regarding the campaign.
Amid the growing controversy, the company eventually decided to remove the advertisement. News agency ANI shared information about the company’s decision on X.
In its statement, the company said that it has the highest respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. It added that, as a brand, it believes in celebrating happy occasions with family.
According to the company, the advertisement was also intended to reflect love for pets and the spirit of celebration. However, it acknowledged that if the campaign had unintentionally hurt the sentiments of any section of society, causing such offence was never its intention.
The company said that, in respect of people’s sentiments, the advertisement had been withdrawn from all media platforms.
Kriti Sanon had also responded to the controversy. The actress said on social media that women should not be told what they should or should not wear. She added that a festival, custom or tradition should not be judged or linked to a person’s choice of clothing.
Following the company’s decision to remove the advertisement, the issue has once again become a topic of discussion on social media. The controversy has also highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding cultural sensitivity and personal choice in advertisements related to traditional festivals.
