Madhu Chopra on Kriti Sanon Ad Row: Personal Choice Needs Boundaries

Madhu Chopra, mother of actor Priyanka Chopra, has added her voice to the debate over Kriti Sanon's withdrawn Raksha Bandhan advertisement. Speaking at the Women Building Cinema Together event in Mumbai, she emphasised that while personal choice is important, it should operate within certain boundaries.

"My body, my choice works within a boundary," she said in Hindi, adding that dignity and respect for other people's values are crucial. She noted that such choices may be acceptable in places where they are considered normal, but "this is not normal here."

Referring to actors wearing different outfits for work, Madhu said there is nothing wrong with such clothing for professional or personal reasons, but the overall look should be aesthetically appropriate. "If it is aesthetic, everything looks good. If it is not aesthetic, then people talk," she remarked.

The controversy began after GIVA, a jewellery brand, released a Raksha Bandhan ad featuring Kriti Sanon in an ivory lehenga with a deep-neck blouse and cape. While many appreciated the look, some social media users deemed it unsuitable for the festival.

Kriti had earlier responded to the criticism, questioning why a woman's clothing is often tied to her respect for culture and traditions. In response to the backlash, GIVA withdrew the advertisement and issued a statement saying it holds deep respect for Indian culture and traditions, and that hurting religious or cultural sentiments was never its intention.