Kriti Sanon Recalls GIVA Ad Controversy: “My Choli Had Become Like a Six-Person Panel Discussion”
Actor Kriti Sanon recently revisited the controversy surrounding her past GIVA jewellery advertisement during an appearance on Season 6 of Kareena Kapoor Khan’s talk show, What Women Want. Reflecting on the intense public scrutiny and moral policing female celebrities often encounter over their fashion choices, Sanon admitted her surprise at how a simple commercial outfit became a national debate.
Recalling the media frenzy, Sanon shared, “I couldn’t believe… when my choli had become like a six-person panel discussion on prime-time news.” Kareena Kapoor Khan quickly agreed with her sentiment, responding, “I know.”
The controversy stems from GIVA’s Raksha Bandhan campaign, where Sanon wore a contemporary Indo-western outfit featuring a white bralette-style choli, a sheer cape, and an embroidered skirt. The festive advertisement, which also showed Sanon tying a rakhi on a pet dog, sparked online criticism over the appropriateness of the attire in a traditional setting. The debate quickly escalated to prime-time television news, focusing heavily on clothing, culture, and social representation.
Actor-politician Kangana Ranaut also publicly criticized the campaign at the time, comparing the top to a “bikini.” As the online backlash grew, GIVA issued an apology and pulled the campaign from all digital and television platforms.
Sanon had strongly addressed the criticism when the controversy first broke, advocating for women’s autonomy over their wardrobes. “When will we stop telling women what to wear?? Ethnic fashion has evolved over the years, but still a woman’s respect for her culture is measured with just her clothes!! Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!” she wrote.
Her recent comments on What Women Want highlight how routine commercial styling can unexpectedly trigger intense cultural debates, underscoring the excessive scrutiny women in the entertainment industry continue to face. Stay tuned to know more about it and others only with us and if you have anything to share do comment below and share your thoughts.
