Kriti Sanon Recalls Family Facing Nastiest Abuse Amid Rakhi Ad Row

Actor Kriti Sanon has opened up about the severe backlash and abusive language her family faced following her appearance in a promotional campaign earlier this year. Months after the controversy erupted over a jewellery advertisement for the festival of Raksha Bandhan, the actor discussed the incident during an appearance on a talk show. She noted that the incident reflected deep-seated issues regarding how women are constantly scrutinized and targeted.

Earlier this year, Kriti Sanon found herself at the center of public criticism after starring in a Raksha Bandhan advertising campaign for the jewellery brand GIVA. In the commercial, she was seen celebrating the festival while wearing a draped skirt paired with a cape and a bralette-style blouse featuring a plunging neckline.

The attire drew heavy criticism from critics who claimed the clothing choice disrespected the traditional sanctity of the festival. Among the public figures who weighed in, actor Kangana Ranjar publicly questioned the choice of clothing on social media, describing the campaign as inappropriate for the occasion. In response at the time, Kriti Sanon defended the campaign by sharing a note emphasizing that festival traditions are rooted in emotional meaning rather than clothing choices.

Appearing on Episode 2 of Kareena Kapoor Khan's digital show What Women Want Season 6, Kriti Sanon revisited the controversy. She explained that she felt the issue extended far beyond her personal experience, highlighting a broader pattern where women are continually judged for their appearance, choices, and actions.

The actor revealed that the situation escalated when trolls targeted her family members directly. She pointed out the irony that individuals who frequently lecture others about culture and respect were the ones who left the nastiest and most abusive comments on her parents' and sister's social media posts. Despite her sister suggesting she disable her comments section, the actor chose to keep them open, asserting that women need to stand up for themselves against unwarranted online hostility.

Reflecting on the psychological toll of such incidents, Kriti Sanon emphasized that actors are often treated as easy targets for public outrage. She noted that while public figures are human and deeply affected by negativity, the wider issue points to persistent gender inequality and a deeply embedded patriarchal mindset in society. She concluded that these entrenched attitudes must be challenged repeatedly in order to effect meaningful change.

The discussion highlighted the ongoing conversations surrounding online harassment, celebrity accountability, and the specific pressures faced by women in the public eye.