Amid the controversy over Kriti Sanon’s attire in a Rakshabandhan ad for a jewellery brand, Kareena Kapoor Khan was asked at a recent event if she had any limits to what she would wear or not on screen.
The question was asked during a press conference after the trailer launch of her upcoming film Daayra. In videos of the event shared on social media, Kareena appears hesitant to answer and director Meghna Gulzar can be seen taking up the question.
Meghna said an actor's clothes depend on the character they are playing and the director's vision. " Film mein ek female ka ya ek male ka kya character hai uss hisab se unko dress kiya jayega (A male or a female will be dressed as per their characters in the film). It depends on the character. It depends on the director. It is unfair to ask this to one actor," she said.
The controversy began after Kriti Sanon featured in a Rakshabandhan ad for jewellery brand GIVA. It showed the actor wearing an ivory bralette-style blouse, tying rakhi to her brother along with her pet dog. It was a campaign to make Rakshabandhan more inclusive and the brand also launched rakhis for pets. However, a section of people on social media had a problem with the actor’s clothes. They stated that her dress was inappropriate for the occasion. Others also had an issue with her tying rakhi to a dog.
Kriti responded to the backlash and defended both the campaign and her choice of clothing. She questioned why a woman’s outfit was being used to judge her respect for culture and traditions.
“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 wrote.
“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!”
She further addressed the criticism over her clothing and wrote, “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!”
The ad, however, was ultimately pulled down. It still caused a debate on social media with many celebrities like Kangana Ranaut, Priyanka Chopra’s mother Madhu Chopra, and also Rahul Gandhi giving their opinions on the issue.