Kangana Ranaut Criticizes Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan Advertisement
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Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has publicly criticized fellow actress Kriti Sanon's recent advertisement for Raksha Bandhan, a traditional Indian festival celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters. During the festival, sisters tie a rakhi, a sacred thread symbolizing love and protection, around their brother's wrist.
In the controversial advertisement, Kriti Sanon is shown wearing a bikini while performing the rakhi ritual. Ranaut questioned this styling choice, asking why a sister would choose to wear such an outfit for a family-oriented tradition. She went further, describing the advertisement's overall tone as creepy, implying that it created an unsettling or inappropriate impression rather than reflecting the festival's spirit.
The advertisement has since generated significant backlash across social media, with numerous users criticizing the outfit as being unsuitable for the occasion. Some commentators have argued that the portrayal does not reflect how sisters typically dress during the festival, insisting that the choice undermines the cultural significance of the ritual.
This is not the first instance of Ranaut publicly voicing strong opinions on matters within the entertainment industry; she has a reputation for being outspoken about social and cultural issues. Her comments have reignited discussion over how brands portray traditional customs in modern marketing campaigns, particularly when commercial interests intersect with cultural sensitivities.
The controversy highlights an ongoing tension in advertising between creative expression and respect for cultural traditions. While some observers argue that advertisers should have the freedom to interpret festivals in contemporary ways, others believe that certain rituals carry deep symbolic meaning that should be preserved without alteration.
As of now, Kriti Sanon has not issued any public response to Ranaut's remarks or to the wider criticism directed at the advertisement. The discussion, however, continues to attract attention across entertainment news outlets and social platforms, reflecting broader public interest in how Bollywood figures navigate cultural representation in their professional work.
Vocabulary7 words
- Raksha Bandhan
- an Indian festival about brother-sister love
- rakhi
- a sacred thread tied on the wrist
- bikini
- a small two-piece swimming outfit
- creepy
- strange and uncomfortable
- backlash
- strong public anger about something
- outspoken
- willing to say strong opinions openly
- traditions
- old customs passed through generations
Quiz
Answer key
1. The choice to wear a bikini during the rakhi ritual 2. Significant backlash 3. False
Discussion questions
- Do you think advertisements should follow traditional customs closely, or is creative freedom more important?
- Why do you think this advertisement caused such strong reactions online?
- How do celebrities' public opinions influence discussions about culture and tradition?
- Should brands be more careful when using cultural or religious festivals in advertising? Why or why not?