Hina Khan Weighs In on Kriti Sanon's Controversial Jewelry Ad: A Cultural Debate Unfolds

Television actor Hina Khan has weighed in on the controversy surrounding a jewelry advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon, which was pulled after facing backlash for its portrayal of traditional attire. Khan emphasized the need for cultural sensitivity in fashion choices, while Sanon defended her outfit, arguing that the essence of festivals lies in emotional connections rather than clothing. The discussion has sparked a broader debate about modern fashion versus traditional values, with other celebrities also sharing their perspectives. This article delves into the reactions and implications of this ongoing discourse.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 7, 2026, 13:34 IST

Hina Khan Addresses the Jewelry Ad Controversy

Television star Hina Khan has shared her thoughts on the recent uproar regarding a jewelry advertisement featuring Kriti Sanon, which was withdrawn after facing considerable backlash on social media. The ad showcased Sanon celebrating Raksha Bandhan in a modern, revealing outfit, which many viewers criticized as inappropriate for the traditional festival. On the show The POV, Khan expressed that while she did not find the outfit vulgar, she believed that both the brand and the actress could have shown more cultural sensitivity regarding the occasion.

Khan pointed out that actors have the power to choose their projects and can refuse roles if they feel uneasy about the creative direction. She noted that when a campaign stirs controversy, it is often the celebrity who bears the brunt of public criticism, while the production team and brand tend to remain less scrutinized. This sparked a lively discussion, with fellow actor Rubina Dilaik offering a contrasting view, suggesting that the outfit itself was not offensive. Khan clarified that her concerns were based on the importance of aligning one's appearance with cultural events.

Public Reaction and Celebrity Perspectives

The advertisement, which featured Sanon in a bralette-style top with a cape and draped skirt, ignited a flurry of negative feedback regarding the appropriateness of such attire for a traditional Indian celebration. Actor Kangana Ranaut also chimed in on social media, questioning the outfit choice and implying that the styling was deliberately provocative. The backlash was immediate, resulting in the ad being pulled from circulation as discussions about modern fashion versus traditional values heated up online.

Kriti Sanon Responds to the Backlash

In response to the criticism, Kriti Sanon defended her outfit and the campaign's message, emphasizing that the essence of a festival lies in the emotions and connections shared among people, rather than the clothing worn. She challenged the ongoing scrutiny of women's fashion choices, arguing that a woman's respect for her culture should not be judged by her attire. Sanon further explained that for her family, Raksha Bandhan symbolizes a protective bond that extends to her sister and even their pets, highlighting that the fundamental values of the tradition are not dictated by current fashion trends.