Resurfaced Video of Kangana Ranaut's National Award Outfit Sparks Online Debate Following Remarks on Kriti Sanon
NEW DELHI: A viral video clip resurfacing from the 62nd National Film Awards ceremony has ignited a widespread debate across social media platforms, following recent public remarks made by actor and politician Kangana Ranaut regarding attire in commercial advertisements.
The footage shows Ranaut receiving her National Award from then-President Pranab Mukherjee while wearing a western off-shoulder gown. Social media users circulated the archival clip to contrast her past public appearances with her recent criticism of actor Kriti Sanon's outfit choice in a jewellery brand's Raksha Bandhan advertisement campaign.
Social Media Backlash and Online Debate
The controversy emerged shortly after Ranaut publicly commented on Kriti Sanon's wardrobe in a promotional video for jewellery brand GIVA. Following the online friction, the brand subsequently withdrew the promotional video from its official handles.
Users on X (formerly Twitter) shared the 2015 ceremony clip to highlight perceived double standards regarding personal sartorial choices in official and public spaces:
- Archival Clip Resurfacing: Online users contrasted Ranaut’s western dress from 2015 with traditional attire worn by fellow awardees like Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt, and Keerthy Suresh at recent National Award ceremonies.
- Brand Response: GIVA pulled down the advertisement campaign following online discussions surrounding the controversy.
- Public Reactions: Online commentators remained divided, with several users pointing out that wardrobe choices in professional and artistic contexts remain a matter of individual preference.
Legal observers note that while public figures frequently encounter scrutiny over statements made on social media under Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution of India, freedom of expression protects both personal fashion choices and opinionated commentary in the public domain.
Representatives for the actors involved have not issued further formal statements regarding the viral video posts.