📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Verghese TK
Entertainment
Kriti Sanon’s Rakhi Ad Sparks Social Media Backlash, Kangana Ranaut Slams Brand’s U‑Turn
✍️ NDTV
🗓 27 Aug 2026, 07:08 AM
👁 5
The Rakhi commercial featuring Kriti Sanon drew widespread trolling online, prompting actress Kangana Ranaut to criticize the brand’s sudden reversal.
A new Rakhi‑themed television commercial starring Bollywood actress Kriti Sanon was released by a prominent consumer brand ahead of the festival. The ad, which showcased the actress in a festive setting, was intended to promote the brand’s seasonal offerings.
Within hours of its broadcast, the spot became the focus of intense online trolling. Social‑media users questioned the creative choices and accused the brand of exploiting a cultural occasion for commercial gain. The backlash quickly trended across platforms, with many commenters demanding a withdrawal of the advertisement.
Amid the uproar, veteran actress Kangana Ranaut took to her social channels to lambast the brand’s handling of the controversy. She described the company’s decision to pull back on the campaign as a “U‑turn” and warned that such missteps could erode consumer trust.
The episode underscores how celebrity endorsements can ignite swift public scrutiny, especially when tied to culturally significant events. Industry observers note that brands now face heightened expectations to align marketing narratives with audience sensitivities.
Within hours of its broadcast, the spot became the focus of intense online trolling. Social‑media users questioned the creative choices and accused the brand of exploiting a cultural occasion for commercial gain. The backlash quickly trended across platforms, with many commenters demanding a withdrawal of the advertisement.
Amid the uproar, veteran actress Kangana Ranaut took to her social channels to lambast the brand’s handling of the controversy. She described the company’s decision to pull back on the campaign as a “U‑turn” and warned that such missteps could erode consumer trust.
The episode underscores how celebrity endorsements can ignite swift public scrutiny, especially when tied to culturally significant events. Industry observers note that brands now face heightened expectations to align marketing narratives with audience sensitivities.