Kriti Sanon's Rakhi post hits back at 'fashion committee' amid GIVA ad row
Synopsis
Kriti Sanon didn't fire back — she posted a photo of rakhi-clad hands with her sister Nupur and let the caption bury the argument. Her 'fashion committee' quip, days after the GIVA Raksha Bandhan ad was pulled under public pressure, became the most-shared celebrity response to festival-shaming in recent memory.
Key Takeaways
Kriti Sanon posted a Raksha Bandhan photo with sister Nupur Sanon on 28 August , captioning it as a dig at the 'Rakhi fashion committee.' The controversy stemmed from her appearance in a GIVA jewellery ad wearing a bralette-style blouse, cape, and draped skirt.
A section of social media criticised the outfit as inappropriate for a festival; GIVA subsequently withdrew the advertisement.
Sanon had earlier issued a statement saying 'the essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions.' Her Rakhi post drew widespread public support, with fans praising her measured and witty response.
Actress Kriti Sanon responded to the ongoing controversy over her Raksha Bandhan advertisement with a composed and pointed Instagram post on Friday, 28 August, choosing celebration over confrontation. The 'Mimi' star uploaded a photograph of her and sister Nupur Sanon's rakhi-adorned hands, letting her caption do the talking.
The Post That Said It All
Sanon's caption read: 'While the Rakhi fashion committee is still in session...We're focusing on what really matters. Happy Rakhi to all.' The subtle dig at her critics landed with precision, drawing a wave of support from fans and followers in the comment section. Several users praised her for responding with grace rather than anger, with one writing, 'You go girl!!! Everyone is free to celebrate festivals in their own manner.'
What Sparked the Controversy
The backlash began after Sanon appeared in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement for jewellery brand GIVA, wearing an off-white ensemble comprising a bralette-style blouse, a cape, and a draped skirt. A section of social media users argued the outfit was inappropriate for an Indian festival. The criticism intensified rapidly, and GIVA eventually withdrew the advertisement. This is not the first time a brand has pulled a festival-themed campaign following online pressure — it reflects a recurring tension between contemporary fashion choices and conservative expectations around cultural occasions.
Kriti's Earlier Response
Before the Rakhi post, Sanon had already addressed the controversy directly with a note on social media. 'The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions,' she wrote. She added that she and her sister Nupur tie rakhi to each other, stating: 'We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have. We pray for each other's health, happiness and long life. And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! Afterall, they are family!'
Public Reaction
The response to Sanon's Rakhi post was largely supportive. Fans called it 'the best reply,' praised her for 'laughing at the trollers,' and commended her for 'speaking up when it mattered the most.' The post underscored a broader public debate about the policing of women's clothing choices during festivals and the limits of online moral enforcement. The actress, currently awaiting the release of 'Cocktail 2', continues to remain one of Bollywood's more publicly vocal voices on social issues.
Point of View
Followed by brand capitulation. GIVA's decision to pull the ad sets a troubling precedent — it signals to advertisers that a vocal minority can override creative and commercial decisions. Sanon's response, witty and non-combative, was strategically sound, but the real story is that a brand blinked. Until labels and platforms hold the line, every festival season will produce another version of this cycle.
NationPress
28 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Kriti Sanon GIVA advertisement controversy about?
Kriti Sanon faced backlash for wearing an off-white bralette-style blouse, cape, and draped skirt in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement for jewellery brand GIVA. Critics on social media argued the outfit was inappropriate for an Indian festival, and GIVA eventually withdrew the ad.
How did Kriti Sanon respond to the Raksha Bandhan controversy?
Sanon responded in two steps: first with a written note stating that 'the essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear,' and then with an Instagram post featuring her and sister Nupur Sanon's rakhi-clad hands, captioned as a gentle dig at the 'Rakhi fashion committee.'
Who is Nupur Sanon and what was her role in the post?
Nupur Sanon is Kriti Sanon's sister and a fellow public figure. She appeared alongside Kriti in the Rakhi photograph, reinforcing Kriti's message that the bond of Raksha Bandhan matters more than the clothes worn to celebrate it.
Why did GIVA withdraw the Raksha Bandhan advertisement?
GIVA pulled the advertisement following sustained criticism from a section of social media users who deemed Kriti Sanon's outfit inappropriate for a festival-themed campaign. The brand has not issued a detailed public statement explaining the withdrawal.
What is Kriti Sanon's upcoming film?
Kriti Sanon is currently associated with 'Cocktail 2,' which is among her forthcoming projects. The controversy has kept her in the public spotlight in the lead-up to the film.
