Why tie Rakhi in a bikini?: Kangana Ranaut slams Kriti Sanon's ad as 'creepy'

Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut took a jibe at actor Kriti Sanon over her latest Raksha Bandhan advertisement, which has drawn online criticism. The backlash focussed on certain elements of the advert, including Kriti's bralette-style blouse and a scene showing a rakhi being tied to a dog. Reacting to the controversy, Kangana questioned why "would you tie your brother a Rakhi in your bikini?"

Her remarks appeared to reference the styling and presentation in the advertisement.

In her Instagram story, Kangana wrote, "It's a wonderful time to be a woman, our closets are full of variety of clothes, today's woman is a global woman, from cocktail dresses to lehnga cholis, jeans to saris, bikins to salwar kameez, from all the options that are available to us today why would you tie your brother a Rakhi in your bikini/ undergarments? Where are all your styling options? Ha ha the advert looks intentionally creepy (sic)!"

In the advertisement at the centre of the controversy, Kriti is seen celebrating Raksha Bandhan in an ivory bralette-style blouse with a cape-like shrug and a draped skirt. The campaign was intended to present a contemporary take on the festival, but some social media users questioned whether the outfit was appropriate for a traditional festive campaign.

An X user wrote, "Kriti sanon wearing a bra while tying a rakhi to her brother in a new jewellery Ad by GIVA. You won't see them making fun of either Eid or Christmas (sic)."

Another X user questioned blamed the campaign for running "woke" agenda and wrote, "What nonsense is this...Inko Hindu festivals hi milte hain apna WOKE agenda chalane? Here, Kriti Sanon is “celebrating” #RakshaBandhan wearing this skimpy outfit (perhaps left over from Cocktail 2) Kriti is not just a brand ambassador, but also a strategic investor so she would have a say in the concept & clothes (sic)."

"I challenge GIVA to make an E!D ad with such a skimpily dressed model...They won’t...STSJ se darte hain (they are scared of STSJ)...They think Hindus ki aastha ko hum hurt kar sakte hain (They think they can hurt Hindu beliefs) (sic)," the post concluded.

An X post also read, "Outrageous mockery of sacred traditions! The #GIVAJwellery RakshaBandhan ad featuring @kritisanon

trivializes our heritage for commercial gains. We urge @cyberpolice_up & @KarnatakaCops to register an FIR for hurting religious sentiments. Take this down (sic)!"

An X user also wrote, "Miss. @kritisanon...Do you really wear a bralette on #RakshaBandhan ? Oh wait sorry! You don’t have any brothers, right? How would you even know what this festival truly means? Out of curiosity! Would you ever do the same Bralette ad for Ramzan /Christmas? #GIVA #BoycottGIVA (sic)."

While strongly criticising the outfit, an X post read, "Once again Hindu festivals are being demeaned. No woman dresses like this on Raksha Bandhan. Shame on you @kritisanon (sic)."

Over the years, Kangana has been vocal about her views on politics, nationalism, and women's empowerment. Prior to commenting on Kriti, the Bharatiya Janata Party Member of Parliament had called out actors Ashutosh Rana, Sonu Sood, and Taapsee Pannu for criticising her over her "Generation Gutter" remark.

The Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata actor also took a jibe at Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijit Dipke. She shared a reel comparing her English-speaking skills with those of Abhijeet.

The reel began with Abhijeet giving a public statement in English and then shifted to Kangana delivering a speech in English about how she was perceived as a female actor in the film industry.

Its caption read: "12th pass Kangana Ranaut vs Boston University CJP Dipke English level: One is fire, the other needs a reboot (sic)."

Meanwhile, Kriti's last theatrical release was director Homi Adajania's Cocktail 2, featuring actors Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna in key roles. She was also seen in a cameo appearance in actor Varun Dhawan's Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai (2026).

Kangana was last seen on the big screen in Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata (2026), helmed by director and writer Manoj Tapadia.

Next up, she will collaborate once again with director AL Vijay for a pan-India psychological thriller, which also features her Tanu Weds Manu series co-actor R Madhavan.