Rahul Gandhi backs Kriti Sanon amid row over Rakhi ad outfit

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi has waded into the controversy surrounding actress Kriti Sanon's appearance in a Rakshabandhan advertisement, defending her against online criticism.

The advertisement, for a jewellery brand, shows Sanon in an ivory lehenga with a deep-neck blouse and a cape. While many praised the look, a section of social media users deemed it inappropriate, questioning the outfit in the name of culture and tradition.

Reacting to the backlash, Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, wrote on Instagram: "What a woman wears, what she does, and where she goes - is her choice. Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom."

Sanon had earlier addressed the criticism directly, questioning why a woman's clothing is still treated as a measure of her respect for culture. In a post on Instagram, she wrote that the essence of festivals lies not in clothes but in the emotions and meaning one holds for traditions. She noted that she and her sister tie rakhi to each other, believing they can protect one another as well as any brother. She added that their prayer and promise extends to their dogs, who are family.

She also asked when society will stop telling women what to wear, pointing out that ethnic fashion has evolved but a woman's respect for her culture is still judged by her clothes. "Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!" she wrote.

The debate drew a response from actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, who shared a note on her Instagram Stories. Ranaut questioned the styling choice in the advertisement, suggesting that with so many clothing options available, the look appeared "intentionally creepy."

Sanon was last seen in the film 'Cocktail 2', directed by Homi Adajania, which also starred Shahid Kapoor and Rashmika Mandanna. The film is currently streaming on Netflix.