Actor Kriti Sanon has responded to criticism from Kangana Ranaut over her outfit in a jewellery advertisement shared around Rakshabandhan.

Kangana had earlier criticised Kriti for appearing in a bikini while featuring in the festive campaign. Without naming Kangana directly, Kriti addressed the controversy through a lengthy note on her Instagram Stories, questioning the idea that a woman's connection to culture and traditions can be judged by her clothing.

Kriti began by emphasising that festivals are ultimately about the emotions and relationships behind them, rather than the clothes worn to mark them.

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

Talking specifically about Rakshabandhan, Kriti said the festival represents a bond of protection and shared that she and her sister tie rakhi to each other.

She also spoke about her relationship with her pets, saying that her wishes for health, happiness and long life extend to her dogs because she considers them family.

The actor then questioned the continued focus on women's clothing during cultural and religious celebrations.

“Also, when will we stop telling women what to wear??” Kriti wrote, arguing that ethnic fashion has evolved but women are still often judged on their clothing when it comes to questions of culture and respect.

She ended her note with a pointed message: “Culture & Traditions are in her heart, not in her neckline!”

The exchange has once again sparked debate around women's clothing, cultural expression and who gets to define what is considered appropriate during festivals.