Kriti Sanon has addressed the backlash over her Raksha Bandhan advertisement, which was withdrawn after criticism over her outfit. The actress called out the scrutiny women face and the abusive comments directed at her family. She also stressed the importance of women standing up for themselves and questioned why actors are often easy targets for online hate.
Kriti Sanon on backlash
Sanon has once again addressed the backlash in Episode 2 of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s What Women Want Season 6. She said, “Normally, I don’t say anything… I felt it (the Rakhi ad controversy) was not about me; it was a much larger issue where I feel women are constantly under scrutiny for everything. It is only women who are targeted for the smallest thing. What you want to wear, she is too short or tall, oh, is she pregnant… what is going on? It is just my opinion.”
She added, “What is with the hate? I don’t read comments under posts… but I feel that sometimes people get so nasty. Those who talk about culture and respect were ironically the ones who commented on my parents’ and sister’s posts in the nastiest, most abusive language. What have they done? My sister said I should turn off my comments, and I asked why? I was disturbed. I feel it’s important for women to stand up for themselves. Who has given these people the right to be commenting, and for what? Actors are the easiest targets. It has happened with multiple people, and we are just human, and it also affects us.”
About Kriti Sanon’s outfit row
For the unversed, Kriti was criticised for wearing an off-white ensemble featuring a bralette-style blouse, a cape, and a draped skirt for an advertisement for a jewellery brand named GIVA on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan. A section of social media claimed that the attire was not appropriate as per Indian traditions. Later, the ad was withdrawn by the brand.
Kriti reacted to the backlash with a note on social media, saying, “The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear; it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions. Raksha Bandhan 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. We pray for each other’s health, happiness, and long life. And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! After all, they are family!”
