Kriti Sanon's controversial Rakhi ad pulled down

Kriti Sanon’s latest Rakhi advertisement which sparked a debate online over clothing choices during Indian festivals has been taken down.

The commercial by jewellery brand GIVA divided viewers. While some targeted Kriti's attire and also some parts of the content, others defended her and any women's choices to choose what she wore.

GIVA has released a statement and has confirmed that the brand has pulled the ad.

"We have the highest regard and deep respect for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. As a brand, we have always believed in celebrating these joyous moments with the entire family and this time we wanted to extend the love and celebration to our pets.

"If our recent advertisement has inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some segments of society, that was not our intent at all. Out of respect, we have withdrawn the said advertisement from all media. Wish you all the love & positivity this festive season!" the brand said in a statement.

Kriti Sanon's Rakhi commercial has been pulled by brand

Kriti appeared in a recent ad for the jewellery brand where she wore an off-white bralette-style blouse paired with a cape and a draped skirt. A section of viewers objected to the star wearing something revealing during an Indian festival. Kangana Ranaut slammed the ad as well. Soon after, Kriti had defended the commercial and the sentiment behind it.

She took to her stories and 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 lehenga cholis, jeans to saris, bikinis 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! "

“The essence of festivals is not in the clothes you wear, it is in the emotions and meaning you hold for the traditions."

She further wrote, "Rakshabandhan is a bond of protection. My sister and I tie rakhi to each other. We know we can protect each other no less than a brother would have. We pray for each other’s health, happiness & long life. And for us, this prayer and promise extends to our dogs too! After all, they are family! Also, 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!”

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