BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut has taken a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi amid the ongoing controversy surrounding actor Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan advertisement.
Ranaut shared a cryptic post on social media mocking Gandhi's “smash the patriarchy” remark, which he made while defending Sanon after criticism over her festive advertisement.
Kangana Shares Cryptic Post Featuring 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'
In an Instagram story, Kangana Ranaut posted a caricature showing a conversation between a character resembling Rahul Gandhi and herself.
The post showed the “Gandhi” character saying “Smash the patriarchy”, while the “Ranaut” character responded, “Bro, wait. Bharat Mata Ki Jay. Shuru karte hai.”
Through the post, Kangana appeared to question what she described as performative feminism while highlighting her views on nationalism and cultural values.
Rahul Gandhi Defends Kriti Sanon Amid Backlash
The exchange came after Rahul Gandhi extended support to Kriti Sanon, who faced criticism over her outfit in a Raksha Bandhan advertisement.
Gandhi had said that a woman's clothing choices, actions and personal decisions should not be subjected to online trolling, using the hashtag “smash the patriarchy”.
His comments came after the advertisement sparked a debate on social media over fashion choices, cultural representation and traditions associated with Raksha Bandhan.
Kriti Sanon's Raksha Bandhan Ad Sparks Debate
The advertisement featured Kriti Sanon wearing an Indo-Western outfit while tying a Rakhi to her brother and pet dog.
The campaign triggered a heated discussion online, with some users questioning the portrayal of the traditional festival, while others defended the actor's freedom of expression.
Kangana Ranaut had earlier criticized the advertisement, questioning why traditional festivals were being represented with outfits she considered inappropriate.
Advertisement Pulled Down After Controversy
Amid the growing debate, jewelery brand Giva removed the advertisement on Wednesday. The company stated that if the campaign had unintentionally hurt the sentiments of any section of society, it was not the brand's intention. The controversy has now expanded into a wider discussion around women's choices, cultural traditions, fashion and social expectations.