Rahul Gandhi Backs Kriti Sanon amid Raksha Bandhan Ad Row with Kangana Ranaut

A debate over a Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring actor Kriti Sanon has taken a political turn after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi came out in her support.

The controversy began after Sanon appeared in a jewellery campaign ahead of Raksha Bandhan. Her outfit, which combined a bralette-style blouse with a cape and draped skirt, drew criticism online from people who felt the look was out of place for a festival traditionally associated with family and cultural values.

Among the most vocal critics was actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut. Questioning the styling of the campaign, Ranaut argued that the choice of clothing was inappropriate for a Raksha Bandhan advertisement and described the presentation as deliberately provocative.

Sanon later responded to the criticism, pushing back against the idea that a woman's cultural values or respect for traditions should be judged by her clothes. She questioned why women continue to be told what they should wear and argued that personal choice should not automatically be treated as a rejection of culture. It was against this backdrop that Rahul Gandhi entered the debate.

Sharing Sanon's response on social media, Gandhi defended her right to make her own choices. He argued that a woman's clothing, actions and movements are ultimately matters of personal freedom and urged people to stop targeting women for exercising that freedom.

His intervention has added a political dimension to what initially appeared to be a familiar social-media dispute over celebrity fashion and advertising.

The episode has also opened up a wider conversation about how traditional festivals are represented in modern advertising. While critics have questioned whether the campaign was culturally appropriate, Sanon's supporters have framed the backlash as another example of women being subjected to scrutiny over their appearance.

The jewellery brand subsequently withdrew the advertisement, saying the decision was made out of respect for Indian culture and traditions. For now, the disagreement has moved beyond one advertisement, touching on larger questions about personal freedom, cultural expectations and the extent to which women's clothing becomes a subject of public debate.

Ultimately, Kriti Sanon’s choice of attire should not overshadow the larger issues that deserve public attention. She carried the outfit with confidence and grace, and there was nothing inherently vulgar about the way she presented herself.

It is also worth remembering that this was a professionally styled advertisement set, not someone’s home or a setting where traditional dress codes were being imposed. People are free to dislike an outfit, but turning a woman’s clothing into a moral debate only distracts from far more important conversations society needs to have. Kriti’s appearance should be viewed as a matter of personal and professional expression, rather than a reason to question her character or values.