NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday defended actor Kriti Sanon amid criticism of her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement, saying “what women wears is her choice.”In a post on Instagram, Gandhi said, “What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes – is her choice.” “Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom,” he added.Rahul’s remarks came after Kriti responded to criticism of her jewellery advertisement, released ahead of Raksha Bandhan.
The campaign features the actor in an Indo-Western outfit comprising a bralette-inspired blouse, cape and draped skirt.Addressing the controversy in an Instagram post, Kriti had earlier questioned the practice of judging a woman’s respect for culture based on her clothes.“The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have,” she said.Sanon said she and her sister pray for each other’s “health, happiness & long life”, adding that the same wishes extend to their dogs because “they are family!”She also questioned the scrutiny faced by women over their clothing. “Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear??” Sanon said. “Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman’s respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes!! Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!” she added.
Kangana slams Kriti SanonEarlier on Monday, actor-turned-politician and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut also slammed Kriti questioning the styling of the advertisement in an Instagram Story.“It’s a wonderful time to be a woman. Our closets are full of variety of clothes, today’s woman is a global woman,” Kangana wrote.“From cocktail dresses to lehenga cholis, jeans to saris, bikinis to salwar kameez, from all the options that are available to us today why would you tie your brother a rakhi in your bikini/undergarments? Where are all your styling options? Ha ha the advert looks intentionally creepy!” she added.
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The advertisement had sparked criticism on social media, with some users questioning whether Sanon’s outfit was appropriate for a campaign centred on Raksha Bandhan.One user on X wrote, “Where is Puja Ki thali? Why are you wearing bra in front of your brother? Is this a Raksha Bandhan? Where is Tilak?”Another user criticised the actor, writing, “No woman dresses like this on Raksha Bandhan. Shame on you @kritisanon.”
