Kriti Sanon’s Raksha Bandhan ad controversy has now drawn in Dr Madhu Chopra, giving the debate a fresh celebrity voice. As questions swirled around clothing, culture and festival imagery, Priyanka Chopra’s mother offered a view that balanced personal freedom with what she called the need for “daayra” and dignity.
The GIVA campaign showed Kriti in an ivory bralette-style blouse, paired with a cape and skirt, as she tied rakhi to her on-screen brother and a pet, framing the festival as a wider bond of love and protection. For many viewers, though, both the styling and the festive presentation became flashpoints, setting off a wave of criticism online before the ad was pulled down.
Madhu Chopra’s Take On The Controversy
Addressing the row, Madhu Chopra 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.”
With that, the conversation snapped into a larger Bollywood culture clash, where celebrity styling, festive symbolism and modern branding often collide far beyond the life of a single campaign.
Kriti Sanon Defended The Ad
Kriti responded firmly after the backlash escalated. 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 also explained the creative idea behind including a pet in the ad, saying, “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!”
On the criticism over clothing, Kriti added, “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!”
Giva Pulled Down The Campaign
As the controversy intensified, GIVA withdrew the ad and issued a statement that read, “We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. As a brand, we have always believed in celebrating these joyous moments with the entire family and this time we wanted to extend the love and celebration to our pets. If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all. Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media. Wish you all the love & positivity this festive season!”
The storm around the campaign has also kept Kriti firmly in public conversation, at a moment when her professional choices continue to attract close attention.
Kriti Sanon’s Recent And Upcoming Work
Kriti has remained especially visible through a busy recent run that includes Teri Baaton Mein Aisa Uljha Jiya and Crew, while Do Patti marked an important expansion of her career as she also stepped into production. Her romantic saga opposite Dhanush Tere Ishk Mein became her biggest hit last year. Her last release Cocktail 2 was average grosser at box office.
Stay tuned with us for the latest news, Hindi box office news, Hollywood news, OTT news, the latest Bollywood news, and the latest box office news.
