Kangana Ranaut Backpedals on Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan Ad Controversy: 'My Issue Was Never With Her Clothes'

Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut has once again grabbed headlines by clarifying her stance on the recent social media controversy surrounding Kriti Sanon's controversial Raksha Bandhan advertisement. After previously sparking intense online debate by criticizing the actress's attire in the commercial, Kangana has completely shifted her tone, asserting that her primary concern was never about what Kriti wore, but rather the dilution of traditional Hindu rituals in modern media.

Kangana Clarifies Stance: 'She Can Wear Whatever She Wants'

The controversy erupted when a jewelry brand released a 30-second Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon in a bralette top, triggering severe online backlash and eventual deletion of the commercial. While Kangana initially joined critics in questioning the wardrobe choice, she recently addressed the issue during an exclusive interview with Decode Live, offering a major clarification.

"She can wear whatever she wants, who's stopping her? Has anyone ever stopped her before? A woman can wear whatever she wants on Raksha Bandhan. I think the bralette was a very small detail," Kangana stated. She emphasized that her critique was directed at the cultural portrayal of the festival rather than personal fashion choices, adding, "We are Hindus and come from a background where we can point out these things. Where are your parents? Where is your home? There is no trace of Halwa Puri, Tilak of God, Akshat, Agarbatti, and Diya."

Upholding Cultural Tradition Versus Modern Portrayal

Elaborating on her core grievance, Kangana argued that festivals like Raksha Bandhan lose their essence when family-oriented and traditional elements are omitted. She emphasized that traditional practices such as applying a tilak and maintaining specific family decorum reflect the core of Hindu civilization. When questioned about whether similar wardrobe choices would be tolerated during other religious festivals like Eid, Kangana steered the conversation back to the cultural emphasis on maintaining dignity within familial traditions.

Previously, Kriti Sanon had responded to the massive trolling without directly naming anyone, defending her stance by emphasizing the emotional core of the festival. Kriti had stated on social media that the true meaning of a festival lies in feelings and mutual protection rather than attire, noting how she and her sister celebrate the bond of security, health, and mutual longevity.