Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has taken a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi following his "smash the patriarchy" remark amid the controversy surrounding Kriti Sanon's outfit in a Raksha Bandhan jewellery campaign.
Kangana Ranaut Bashes Rahul Gandhi's Remark
Ranaut shared a post from the BJP's official Instagram account that criticised Gandhi's comments. Responding to his "smash the patriarchy" call, the actor-politician wrote, "Bro, wait. Bharat Mata ki Jay. Shuru karte hain," seemingly challenging Gandhi's stance and turning his own remark into a political jab.
© Instagram/Kangana Ranaut
The exchange came after Gandhi publicly backed Sanon, who had been facing criticism over her appearance in a 36-second jewellery advertisement released around Raksha Bandhan. Sharing Sanon's response to the backlash on his Instagram Story, Gandhi wrote: "What a woman wears, what she does and where she goes-is her choice," and urged people to, "Stop trolling women for exercising their freedom," while adding the hashtag "smash the patriarchy."
© Instagram/Rahul Gandhi
The advertisement became a talking point on social media after Sanon was shown wearing an Indo-Western outfit comprising a bralette and skirt. The campaign features the actor celebrating Raksha Bandhan by tying a Rakhi to her brother as well as her pet dog.
While some social media users objected to her choice of attire and argued that it was unsuitable for a festival associated with Indian traditions, others defended Sanon's right to choose what she wears. The controversy subsequently expanded into a broader discussion around women's clothing, personal freedom and the way traditional festivals are represented in advertising.
Interestingly, Ranaut had also criticised Sanon's appearance in the advertisement before taking aim at Gandhi's remarks. Her latest response has therefore added a political dimension to an already heated social media debate over the campaign.