Former Roadies presenter Raghu Ram has stepped forward to question the moral policing surrounding actor Kriti Sanon following intense backlash over her outfit in a recent Raksha Bandhan advertisement. The controversy erupted after a brand released a festive promotional video featuring Kriti wearing an Indo-Western bralette-style ensemble while celebrating the festival with her brother and pet dog. While several social media users and public figures criticized her attire as inappropriate for traditional celebrations, Raghu Ram shared a video on his social media handle expressing utter confusion over why people felt so deeply offended by a simple festive ad. He pointed out that if the actor’s brother had no issue with what she wore during the shoot, there was no valid reason for external spectators to raise an uproar.
Addressing the issue directly, Raghu Ram posed two fundamental questions to his audience regarding societal mindsets and the tendency to police female clothing. He firmly stated that people should stop linking a woman’s choice of clothing to harassment or assault, calling such logic a vile, unacceptable, and criminal mindset. Referencing past instances where public figures used offensive analogies to justify modesty, Raghu strongly criticized the entitlement of critics. He directly questioned what special privilege men believe they possess that gives them the authority to dictate what women should or should not wear.
The commentary has sparked a massive debate online, drawing mixed reactions from social media users across platforms. While many supported Raghu’s strong defense of personal autonomy and called out patriarchal conditioning, others continued to debate the appropriateness of contemporary fashion during cultural events. Meanwhile, Kriti Sanon has also defended her choices despite the brand pulling the advertisement amid heavy online pressure. Raghu’s candid response has brought the ongoing conversation about female agency and online trolling back into mainstream spotlight.