Kriti Sanon found herself at the centre of a social media controversy after featuring in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement that drew criticism over her outfit and the way the festival was portrayed. The campaign, which featured Kriti celebrating Raksha Bandhan in a contemporary outfit, sparked a debate on the internet about clothing, culture and whether traditional festivals should be represented through a more conventional lens.A section of social media users heavily trolled the actress, with many objecting to her outfit and calling it inappropriate for a festival associated with family values and tradition. This debate intensified when Kangana Ranaut reacted to the ad and questioned why someone would choose to celebrate Raksha Bandhan in a bikini like outfit.Now Priyanka Chopra‘s mother Dr Madhu Chopra was asked about it. In a video going viral from an event, she could be seen talking to the media and was questioned regarding Kriti’s outfit and this controversy. Reacting to it, she said, “My body, my choice is right, but woh daayra zaruri hai. Dignity, respecting other people’s values is important. Ab yeh cheezein aisi jagah kar sakte hai jahan par yeh normal hai. Par yeh yahan normal nahi hai. Sorry to say that. Hamare bacche bhi pehente hai, kaam ke liye pehente hai, shauk ke liye pehente hai par jahan yeh normal ho aur mere khayal se acceptable aesthetically hona zaruri hai. Agar aesthetically accha hota hai toh sab kuch accha lagta hai. Par yeh thoda aesthetically nahi tha na isiliye. (Of course, my body, my choice is absolutely true however, there should be some boundaries and limitations. There should be dignity, respecting people’s values. You can wear such things where they are normal, but in our culture, it’s not normal to do this. Sorry to say. My kids also wear such clothes, for work and because they like wearing but I also feel, they need to look good aesthetically as per the occasion. If it’s not looking aesthetic, it will draw criticism).”Thus, Madhu Chopra said that she believes freedom should come with a sense of dignity and awareness of the cultural setting.Kriti, meanwhile, defended the advertisement and pushed back against the criticism on the internet. Without directly naming Kangana, she spoke about the meaning of Raksha Bandhan and argued that traditions and culture are not determined by a woman’s clothes. She wrote, “Imagine being this bothered by what another woman chooses to wear. Respectfully, evolve. PS: I’m the one she tied the rakhi to, and if I don’t have a problem with it, why do you? The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear; it is in the emotions and meaning you attach to the traditions.“She added, “Raksha Bandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other just as much as a brother would. We pray for each other’s health, happiness, and long life. For us, this prayer and promise extend to our dogs too. After all, they are family!”She further wrote, “Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, yet a woman’s respect for her culture is still measured by her clothes. Culture and traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”On work front, Kriti was last seen in ‘Cocktail 2’.
