Actor Kriti Sanon has recalled the backlash she faced over her Raksha Bandhan advertisement during an appearance on Kareena Kapoor Khan’s YouTube show, What Women Want. Calling out the hypocrisy of online trolls, Kriti said that people who claimed to uphold Indian culture and respect had used abusive language against her parents and sister on social media.
Speaking on the show, Kriti questioned the hostility she encountered, explaining that although she generally avoided reading comments on posts, the abuse directed at her family disturbed her. She said that people who spoke about culture and respect were ironically among those posting offensive remarks on her family members’ social media accounts.
Kriti recalled that her sister had suggested turning off the comments, but she questioned why she should have to do so. The actor stressed the importance of women standing up for themselves and asked what gave people the right to make such comments.
Reflecting on the Raksha Bandhan advertisement controversy from a woman’s perspective, Kriti said she had initially chosen not to respond because she felt the issue extended beyond her personally. She pointed out that women were frequently scrutinised for even the smallest things, including their clothing, physical appearance and pregnancy. She described this as her personal perspective on the issue.
Highlighting gender inequality in society, Kriti also said actors often become easy targets for online criticism. She noted that celebrities are human too and can be affected by such attacks. Emphasising the deep-rooted nature of patriarchy, she said society would need to challenge it repeatedly before meaningful change could occur.
The backlash against Kriti and the jewellery brand involved two main aspects of the Raksha Bandhan advertisement. Social media users objected to the actor wearing a contemporary bralette-and-skirt outfit while tying a rakhi to her brother. The commercial also drew criticism for depicting her tying a rakhi to a pet dog.
Although Kriti issued a statement explaining her position on the outfit, the brand eventually removed the advertisement from its platforms as the controversy intensified.
Kriti was last seen in director Homi Adajania’s Cocktail 2, which also stars Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in key roles. The film was released in theatres on June 19, 2026.
