Sunny Deol-starrer Batwara 1947 did not meet box office expectations, but Preity Zinta said she remains proud of the film and believes an actor can only control the effort put into a project. 

Actor Preity Zinta has opened up about the box office performance of Batwara 1947, saying that while an artist can give their best to a film, the final outcome is not always in their control. The film, starring Sunny Deol and directed by Rajkumar Santoshi, received a disappointing response at the box office after release. 

Speaking about the film's journey, Preity said she remains proud of the project and follows the belief of putting maximum effort into her work before accepting whatever result follows. She said she gives her “1000 per cent” to every film and leaves the rest to God. The actress added that an actor can focus on their performance and dedication but cannot completely control audience response, business results or other factors that decide a film's theatrical journey. 

Batwara 1947, which marked Preity Zinta's return to acting after an eight-year gap, brought together Sunny Deol and director Rajkumar Santoshi once again. Despite the reunion of the popular duo and expectations around the period drama, the film struggled to achieve the expected box office numbers. The film opened with a reported collection of around ₹5.75 crore, according to trade reports.  The movie also features actors including Shabana Azmi, Karan Deol, Ali Fazal and others in key roles. 

Preity Zinta is now preparing for her next project Vibe, directed by Kunal Kemmu. She has also spoken about the physical preparation required for the role, including training for action sequences. The actress' comments highlight the unpredictable nature of the film business, where extensive preparation and commitment do not always guarantee commercial success.

Nora Fatehi Faces ₹3 Crore Defamation Suit Over ‘Toy Plane’ Remarks

Bollywood actor Nora Fatehi is facing a ₹3 crore civil defamation suit filed by aviation company Dunes Aviation in a Gandhinagar court over her alleged social media comments about one of its chartered aircraft.

The company has alleged that Fatehi described the aircraft as a “toy” and a “Lego airplane” after travelling on it, and claimed that the remarks harmed its reputation and commercial operations. The matter is scheduled to come up before Senior Civil Judge R. Agarwal on September 25. (Business Today)

Dispute dates back to December 2025 flight

According to the lawsuit, Fatehi recorded videos inside a Cessna Citation CJ2 aircraft during a Mumbai-Jaipur flight in December 2025 and later shared the footage on Instagram.

The aviation company alleges that she referred to the aircraft as “miniature”, a “toy” and a “Lego airplane”. Dunes Aviation has described these comments as derogatory, reckless and irresponsible, arguing that they were made without adequate technical knowledge or verification. (Business Today)

Company claims business was affected

Dunes Aviation has linked the social media posts to an alleged decline in its business. According to the company's claims in the suit, bookings fell by around 15–20% and cancellations increased following the controversy.

The firm has argued that Fatehi's large social media following amplified the comments and contributed to reputational damage, loss of goodwill and an adverse commercial impact. These are allegations made by the company in its civil suit and have not been established by the court. (The Economic Times)

Dunes Aviation says aircraft was certified

The company has also disputed any suggestion that the aircraft was unsuitable for the journey. Dunes Aviation has maintained that the Cessna Citation CJ2 was a standard aircraft, airworthy and operated legally.

According to the company's case, the aircraft was DGCA-certified and being operated under a valid Non-Scheduled Operator's Permit (NSOP). (Hungama Express)

₹3 crore damages sought

Apart from seeking ₹3 crore in damages, Dunes Aviation has asked for the removal of social media content containing the alleged statements or references to the aircraft.

The company has also sought a public clarification from Fatehi over the remarks. The court will consider the matter at its upcoming hearing on September 25. (Business Today)

No response from Nora Fatehi reported so far

As of the latest reports, no detailed response from Nora Fatehi to the civil suit has been reported. The legal proceedings are at an early stage, and the company's allegations should not be treated as findings of fact.

The case also raises a broader question about the legal consequences of comments made by high-profile personalities on social media, particularly when companies claim that such statements have caused measurable reputational or financial losses.

What happens next?

The Gandhinagar court's September 25 hearing will be an important next step in the dispute. Among the issues likely to arise are the nature of Fatehi's statements, whether they constitute actionable defamation, and whether Dunes Aviation can establish a direct connection between the posts and the financial losses it claims.

The ₹3 crore compensation demand, alleged 15–20% booking decline and claims about reputational damage are part of Dunes Aviation's case. They have not been established as court findings, and any response from Nora Fatehi could alter the context as proceedings develop.

The casting of Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram in Nitesh Tiwari’s upcoming two-part film ‘Ramayana’ has come under fresh scrutiny after Shiv Sagar, grandson of the late filmmaker Ramanand Sagar, said he personally finds it difficult to accept the actor in the role.

Shiv Sagar, who is also a producer-director, said Ranbir’s previous screen image—particularly his role in Animal—creates what he described as “baggage” for a character as culturally and spiritually significant as Lord Ram. He said a relatively new face would, in his view, have been a better choice. 

Shiv Sagar prefers a fresh face for Ram

Speaking to ANI, Shiv Sagar said he liked most of the film’s casting but disagreed with the choice of Ranbir Kapoor for Lord Ram.

He explained that when he thinks of Ram, he finds it difficult to separate Ranbir from the image created by his earlier roles. According to Shiv, a fresh actor without a strong association with previous characters could have allowed audiences to approach the role differently.

His comments were specifically about his personal perception of the casting, rather than a statement about Ranbir Kapoor’s acting ability. 

‘Animal’ image cited as the main concern

Shiv Sagar’s objection centres on Ranbir’s portrayal of Ranvijay Singh Balbir in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Animal, a character that was markedly different from the traditional image associated with Lord Ram.

He argued that actors portraying revered mythological figures can carry the weight of their earlier screen identities into such roles. Shiv said this is why his family has generally preferred new faces for characters in their television productions.

The debate is particularly sensitive because Ramayana is not being treated merely as another fictional adaptation by many Indian viewers. Shiv stressed that Lord Ram is worshipped by millions and occupies a significant place in Indian cultural and religious life.

Yash and Sai Pallavi receive praise

While questioning Ranbir’s casting, Shiv Sagar praised the choices of Yash and Sai Pallavi.

Yash plays Ravana, while Sai Pallavi portrays Sita in Nitesh Tiwari’s adaptation. Shiv said both actors appeared suitable to him because, in his assessment, they did not carry the same kind of previous-role association that he believes Ranbir brings to the project. 

His comments come as the film’s casting continues to attract considerable public discussion ahead of its theatrical release.

Costume choices also questioned

Shiv Sagar also expressed reservations about some of the film’s costumes and other creative decisions.

He said that certain aspects of the casting and costume design could have been handled differently, while emphasising that ultimately the audience would determine whether the filmmakers’ choices worked.

The remarks add another layer to the ongoing discussion around the visual interpretation of the epic, particularly after promotional material and the trailer generated debate over character looks and costumes.

Why the casting debate matters

The casting discussion reflects a larger challenge faced by filmmakers adapting culturally revered stories for contemporary cinema: balancing star power and commercial reach with the expectations audiences attach to familiar religious and cultural figures.

Shiv Sagar acknowledged that casting a major star such as Ranbir could have commercial advantages, including helping the film’s marketing. However, he maintained that his personal preference would still be for a new face in the role of Ram.

Similar concerns about Ranbir’s Animal image have also been raised publicly by veteran actor Mukesh Khanna, who recently argued that the association could affect how children and audiences perceive the character of Ram. 

‘Ramayana’ set for November 2026 release

Directed by Nitesh Tiwari, Ramayana: Part 1 stars Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita and Yash as Ravana. The film is planned as the first instalment of a two-part adaptation.

The makers have announced November 6, 2026 as the global theatrical release date for the first part. 

As the release approaches, the response to the casting, costumes, visual effects and overall interpretation is likely to remain an important part of the film’s public conversation.

Ranveer Singh’s first glimpses from the sets of his upcoming film ‘Pralay’ have surfaced online, giving fans a closer look at his rugged new appearance. The actor is seen with long hair and stubble, while one of the circulating videos shows him carrying a child on his back during a scene with co-star Kalyani Priyadarshan.

The leaked set visuals have quickly triggered comparisons with Ranveer’s look in Dhurandhar, with some fans joking that his character Jaskeerat Singh Rangi has returned. However, there is currently no indication from the filmmakers that the two characters are connected. (The Times of India)

Ranveer sports rugged, long-haired look

The pictures and videos emerging from the Mumbai shoot show Ranveer in a markedly different appearance. He has longer, unkempt hair, facial hair and a weathered look that appears suited to the film’s post-apocalyptic setting.

In one video, Ranveer is seen walking alongside Kalyani Priyadarshan and other people while carrying a child on his back. The visuals also feature a dusty environment, damaged-looking roads and abandoned vehicles, adding to the survival-thriller atmosphere. (Moneycontrol)

The identity of the child and the relationship between the character and the child have not been revealed by the makers.

Fans connect the look with ‘Dhurandhar’

Ranveer’s long hairstyle immediately reminded several social media users of his appearance as Jaskeerat Singh Rangi in Dhurandhar.

In the film, Ranveer initially appears as undercover Indian operative Hamza Ali Mazari before the character’s real identity is revealed as Jaskeerat Singh Rangi. The similarity in hairstyle has led to fan speculation, but the comparison remains just that—a fan theory.

There is no reported official connection between Dhurandhar and Pralay, and the latter is being developed as a separate post-apocalyptic survival story.

Kalyani Priyadarshan spotted alongside Ranveer

Malayalam actor Kalyani Priyadarshan is also visible in the newly surfaced footage. The project marks her Hindi film debut after her recent recognition for Lokah. She had previously shared an update from the Pralay sets, confirming her involvement in the production. (Cinema Express)

Her appearance alongside Ranveer in the leaked footage has further increased curiosity around their characters and their role in the film's survival narrative.

‘Pralay’ set in a post-apocalyptic world

Directed by Jai Mehta, Pralay is being described as a post-apocalyptic zombie action or survival thriller. Reports indicate that the story is set in a dystopian version of Mumbai following a catastrophic outbreak.

The film is expected to combine survival drama with large-scale action and VFX-heavy sequences. Earlier reports had indicated plans for extensive shooting outside India, although production has already been underway in Mumbai. (The Hollywood Reporter India)

The first set visuals now offer audiences an early glimpse of the world the filmmakers are attempting to create.

Film went on floors in Mumbai

Pralay officially began filming in Mumbai in August, with Ranveer and Kalyani among the principal cast members. Kalyani had also confirmed her involvement through a social media update from the sets in late August. (Cinema Express)

The newly leaked footage appears to have come from the ongoing Mumbai schedule. The makers have yet to officially release a full first look or detailed character information.

Ranveer’s next major departure after ‘Dhurandhar’

The project comes after Ranveer’s recent work in the Dhurandhar franchise and represents a move into a different genre. Instead of a conventional action setting, Pralay is built around a world where characters are fighting to survive amid a post-apocalyptic crisis.

For now, the leaked look has done exactly what early set footage often does—it has generated speculation without revealing the central story. Whether Ranveer’s character is a survivor, protector or something else will become clearer only when the filmmakers release more official information.

Punjabi singer and actor Diljit Dosanjh drew praise online after a respectful interaction with a foreign fan at his Milan concert, where he noticed his name printed alongside the sacred Sikh symbol and phrase ‘Ik Onkar’ on the fan’s T-shirt.

Rather than reacting angrily, Diljit explained the religious significance of the symbol and asked the fan not to associate his name with it. He also told the audience that the fan may not have understood the significance and urged them to forgive him. The incident, captured on video, has since gone viral. 

Fan invited on stage during Milan concert

The incident took place during Diljit’s recent concert in Milan, Italy, as part of his international tour. A foreign fan accompanied by a woman was invited onto the stage.

The fan was wearing a customised white T-shirt featuring ‘Ik Onkar’ alongside Diljit’s name. After noticing the design, Diljit pointed towards the shirt and began explaining why the two should not be placed together. 

Diljit explains why his name should not be beside ‘Ik Onkar’

In the video, Diljit can be seen calmly explaining the significance of the symbol. He indicated that ‘Ik Onkar’ is sacredand that his own name should not be placed alongside it.

He also made it clear that he respected the fan’s feelings and did not appear to interpret the design as an intentional act of disrespect. His response focused on explaining the religious significance rather than publicly reprimanding the fan. 

Singer asks audience to forgive the fan

After explaining the issue, Diljit brought the fan towards the centre of the stage and addressed the audience.

He asked people to forgive the fan, suggesting that the person may simply not have known about the significance of the symbol. Diljit also acknowledged the fan’s intentions and treated the interaction as an opportunity to explain rather than embarrass him. 

The fan subsequently folded his hands and apologised on stage.

Fan later apologises on social media

The fan also addressed the incident in the comments section of an Instagram video showing the interaction.

According to reports, he said he had not realised how close Diljit’s name was to the Ik Onkar symbol when the T-shirt was designed. He also said that he had no intention of hurting anyone’s sentiments and that the symbol was personally meaningful to him because he had regularly visited gurdwaras. 

His explanation added context to the incident and indicated that the placement on the shirt was not intended as a religious provocation.

Diljit’s response wins praise online

The video has generated largely positive reactions on social media, with viewers praising Diljit for addressing a potentially sensitive religious issue without humiliating the fan.

Many users focused on the singer’s decision to explain the issue calmly and then ask the audience to forgive the visitor. The fan’s willingness to apologise has also been noted in reactions to the viral footage.

The episode also highlighted how international audiences are increasingly engaging with Punjabi music and Sikh cultural symbols as Indian artists take their music to global stages.

Diljit continues his international tour

The Milan concert was one of the European stops on Diljit’s ongoing international tour. The singer has been performing across Europe and the UK, with recent appearances reported in cities including Berlin and Prague before the Milan show. 

The incident has now become one of the more widely discussed moments from the tour—not because of a performance, but because of the way Diljit handled a culturally sensitive misunderstanding.

Mumbai: Arshad Warsi's upcoming film has undergone a last-minute title change, with Jeevan Bheema Yojana now renamed Jeevan Ya Bheema Con? just three days before its scheduled theatrical release.The Abhishek Dogra-directed dark comedy is set to arrive in cinemas on September 4, 2026. The title change comes shortly before release, making the new name the latest promotional twist for a film that has already seen its theatrical date shifted.The film was previously known as Jeevan Bheema Yojana. Its trailer, released on August 26, was also promoted under the earlier title.

Why the new title matters

The new title — Jeevan Ya Bheema Con? — directly plays on the film's central premise and Warsi's double role.Warsi plays Jeevan and Bheema, two men who look alike. Sanjeeda Sheikh plays Yojana, while Vijay Raaz, Pooja Chopra, Brijendra Kala and the late Atul Parchure are also part of the cast.The film follows a debt-ridden couple whose plan involving Jeevan's lookalike Bheema spirals into a complicated crime-comedy situation. The plot involves a fake death, an insurance payout and Bheema's unexpected connection to diamond smuggling.The new question-mark title therefore puts the identity confusion at the centre of the film's marketing.

Arshad Warsi in his first double role

Jeevan Ya Bheema Con? marks Arshad Warsi's first double role on the big screen.Speaking about the film, Warsi has described it as a quirky story involving ordinary people caught in an increasingly complicated situation. He has also indicated that the trailer does not reveal everything the film has in store for audiences.Directed by Abhishek Dogra, the film also stars Sanjeeda Sheikh, Vijay Raaz, Pooja Chopra and Brijendra Kala.

Release date was already changed

The title change comes shortly after the film underwent another significant change.The movie was originally scheduled to release on August 28, but the makers later postponed its theatrical release by one week to September 4. The new release date was announced on August 24.At the time, reports said the additional time would allow the team to complete the final leg of its marketing campaign and publicity.The film is now scheduled to release on September 4 under its new title, Jeevan Ya Bheema Con?

What is the film about?

The story revolves around Jeevan, Yojana and Bheema, with Warsi playing the two lookalike characters.According to the film's synopsis, Jeevan and Yojana are struggling with debt when they encounter Bheema, a stranger who looks exactly like Jeevan. They devise a plan involving a fake death and an insurance claim, but the discovery that Bheema was connected to diamond smuggling brings dangerous complications into their lives.The film combines crime, comedy and thriller elements, with the identity mix-up forming the basis of the story.With only three days remaining before its theatrical release, the last-minute title change gives the Arshad Warsi-led film a fresh promotional identity just as it enters the final stage of its campaign.

Mumbai: Veteran actor Anupam Kher has said goodbye to his signature moustache for an upcoming film role, unveiling a noticeably different look on social media.Kher explained that the change was required for a film and admitted that shaving his moustache was not an easy decision because he has long associated it with a sense of comfort. He has now shared photographs of his new avatar and asked fans whether the moustache should return or stay away for a while.The actor described the transformation with a playful reference to hair, using the hashtag HairTodayGoneTomorrow while showing off his clean-shaven look.

Why did Anupam Kher shave his moustache?

Kher has confirmed that the change was made specifically for a film, but he has not disclosed the title or the character he is preparing to play.That has led to curiosity among fans, particularly because the actor has also announced his 555th film. However, Kher has kept details of that project under wraps and has not officially confirmed that the moustache-free appearance is for the same film.In his announcement about the 555th film, Kher said details would be revealed at the appropriate time, asking audiences to enjoy the suspense for now.

Fans react to Anupam Kher's new look

The new appearance quickly drew reactions on social media, with several users complimenting the actor's look and others jokingly asking him to bring the moustache back.Kher himself appeared amused by the response and left the decision open-ended, asking followers whether the moustache should make a comeback or take an “extended holiday”.

Anupam Kher's upcoming projects

Kher continues to have a busy lineup despite keeping his latest project under wraps.He has completed filming for Shri Rambhoomi, in which he is set to portray former Vishwa Hindu Parishad leader Ashok Singhal. He is also attached to Khosla Ka Ghosla 2 and a forthcoming film directed by Sooraj Barjatya.For now, however, the biggest mystery is the project that prompted Kher to part with his trademark moustache. The actor has indicated that more details will come when the time is right.

A film that appeared headed for a quiet theatrical run has turned into one of the surprise box-office stories of 2026. Hanuman Ansh, a spiritual drama inspired by the life and teachings of Neem Karoli Baba, opened to just ₹10 lakh on August 7 but has since witnessed a dramatic surge in audience interest.According to the latest trade figures reported on August 31, the film has crossed ₹40 crore in India net collections and reached around ₹47.33 crore India gross in 24 days. Another latest tracker puts its India net collection at ₹41.19 crore and gross at ₹48.58 crore, showing that the film is now closing in on the ₹50-crore mark. Box-office figures can vary between trade trackers, so the latest numbers should be treated as estimates until final figures are available.

From ₹10 lakh opening to a major turnaround

The film's early performance gave little indication of what was to come.Hanuman Ansh collected around ₹1.08 crore during its first week and roughly ₹1.5 crore in its first two weeks, according to reports based on industry tracker data. The turnaround began in its third week, when collections jumped sharply as more viewers started recommending the film.The third week proved to be the turning point. The film reportedly collected around ₹10.40 crore during that week, with individual days showing unusually strong growth. Its fourth week was even stronger, with reported collections of ₹6.25 crore on Day 22 and ₹9.25 crore on Day 23.That trajectory is unusual for a theatrical release. Most films depend heavily on their opening weekend, whereas Hanuman Ansh found its audience much later in its run.

What is Hanuman Ansh about?

Directed and written by Vishal Chaturvedi, the film is based on the spiritual journey of Neem Karoli Baba, also known as Maharaj-ji. Actor Shobhinaw Satyaa plays the central role, with Chandan Anand, Purnima Tiwari and Anil Rastogi among the other members of the cast.The film follows a young boy's spiritual journey and his eventual transformation into Neem Karoli Baba. Its subject matter and devotional themes gave it a clearly defined audience, even though it did not arrive with the scale or promotional machinery associated with major Bollywood releases.

Why did the film suddenly take off?

There does not appear to be one single reason behind the turnaround.The film's team has said that it had a limited promotional budget. Instead of relying on a large conventional campaign, the makers organised eight bhandaras as part of their outreach and promotion. Director Vishal Chaturvedi also said the team sought guidance from spiritual leader Premanand Ji Maharaj before the release.The film's subject also helped it connect with an existing audience interested in Neem Karoli Baba and spirituality. But the biggest change appears to have come through word of mouth: people who watched the film began recommending it, leading to greater audience interest and more shows.

A reported ₹2 crore budget adds to the story

Reports have put the film's production budget at around ₹1.8 crore to ₹2 crore. At the time of its initial box-office surge, reports suggested that its earnings had already translated into a substantial return on the reported production cost.The exact profit, however, should not be equated directly with box-office collection minus production budget. Theatre revenue sharing, distribution costs, marketing expenses and other commercial factors determine a film's actual profitability.

The unusual lesson from Hanuman Ansh

The success of Hanuman Ansh is less about its opening and more about its longevity and delayed audience discovery.The film initially struggled to attract viewers, but instead of disappearing after its first couple of weeks, it began gaining momentum. Its performance suggests that a smaller film with a clearly defined audience can still build a theatrical run when positive word of mouth takes hold.As of August 31, the film is approaching the ₹50-crore India gross milestone, making its journey from a ₹10-lakh opening to a major sleeper hit one of the more unusual box-office stories of the year.

Rapper Badshah and Punjabi actor Isha Rikhi have announced their divorce, just five months after their marriage. The couple confirmed the separation through identical statements shared on their respective Instagram Stories on Monday night, August 31.In the statement, Badshah said he and Isha had “mutually decided to part ways” and move forward on separate paths. He added that the decision was made with mutual respect and requested people to respect their privacy during this period.The couple also made it clear that they do not intend to make further public comments about their relationship. Their statement requested people to avoid “further speculation or assumptions” about the reasons behind their separation.

Badshah-Isha Rikhi marriage lasted around five months

Badshah and Isha Rikhi reportedly got married in an intimate ceremony in March 2026. The wedding was kept largely private, although pictures from the ceremony later surfaced on social media. Reports said the two had been in a relationship for around four years before getting married.The relationship had attracted attention because both Badshah and Isha had generally kept their personal lives away from the spotlight. Speculation about trouble in their marriage began circulating on social media in July.However, neither Badshah nor Isha had publicly confirmed the reasons behind those rumours before Monday's announcement.

What Badshah and Isha said about their separation

Their joint statement focused on the decision to move forward separately rather than explaining what led to it.Badshah said the decision was taken with mutual respect and asked the public to give them privacy. The couple also specifically requested that no further assumptions be made about their relationship.As of now, neither has publicly disclosed the reason for the divorce. Therefore, speculation surrounding the cause of their separation should not be treated as confirmed information.

Badshah's second marriage

The separation marks the end of Badshah's second marriage. He was previously married to Jasmine Masih. The couple separated and finalised their divorce in 2020 and have a daughter together.For now, Badshah and Isha Rikhi have indicated that their August 31 statement will be their only public comment on the matter.

Actor Asin Thottumkal gave fans a rare glimpse into her family life on the occasion of Onam, sharing pictures of her daughter Arin making a traditional Pookalam at home.

Asin posted the images on her Instagram Stories, offering an uncommon look at her daughter, whom she has largely kept away from the public eye. Arin was seen in a traditional yellowish-orange outfit with gold detailing as she arranged colourful flowers for the festive decoration.

In one of the pictures, Arin was surrounded by trays of flowers, including marigolds and roses, as she worked on the Pookalam. Her father, businessman Rahul Sharma, was also seen joining her during the celebrations.

Another picture showed Arin taking charge of the floral decoration while Asin watched. The actress has generally maintained a low profile since stepping away from films, making the festive pictures a rare update for her followers.

Asin married Micromax co-founder Rahul Sharma in January 2016. The couple welcomed their daughter Arin in October 2017. Since leaving the film industry, Asin has only occasionally shared glimpses of her family on social media.

Asin began her acting career in Malayalam cinema before becoming a prominent name in Tamil and Telugu films. She made her Hindi film debut opposite Aamir Khan in the 2008 blockbuster Ghajini, which brought her wider recognition in Bollywood.

She subsequently appeared in films including Ready, Bol Bachchan and Housefull 2. Her final film appearance was in the 2015 comedy All Is Well, after which she stepped away from acting following her marriage.

The latest pictures once again highlight how rarely Asin shares details of her personal life. Rather than a public appearance or film announcement, her Onam update offered fans a simple glimpse of a family celebration centred around Arin.

Jewellery brand GIVA has withdrawn its Raksha Bandhan advertisement featuring actress Kriti Sanon following criticism on social media over her outfit in the festive campaign. The advertisement, which showed Sanon celebrating Raksha Bandhan, sparked a debate over clothing, cultural traditions and how women are judged during festival campaigns.

The controversy began after Sanon appeared in the advertisement wearing a bralette-style blouse with a cape and draped skirt while celebrating the festival. A section of social media users questioned the choice of outfit for a campaign associated with Raksha Bandhan, while others defended the actress and argued that clothing should not determine a person's respect for culture.

GIVA subsequently issued a statement saying that the campaign was intended to celebrate the festival with families and their pets. The company said it respects Indian culture, traditions and festivals and that hurting anyone's sentiments was not its intention.

GIVA withdraws advertisement

In its statement, GIVA said it had the “highest regard and deep respect” for Indian culture, traditions and festivals. The company added that if the advertisement had inadvertently hurt the sentiments of some people, that was not its intention.

The jewellery brand said that, out of respect, it had decided to withdraw the advertisement from all media. It also extended wishes for love and positivity during the festive season.

The decision came amid an intense social media discussion surrounding the campaign and Sanon's appearance in it.

Kangana Ranaut criticises campaign

Actor and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut was among those who criticised the advertisement. She questioned the decision to show someone tying a Rakhi while wearing what she described as clothing resembling a bikini or undergarments.

Ranaut also described the campaign as “intentionally creepy”, adding another political and cultural dimension to the debate.

Her comments prompted Sanon to respond through Instagram Stories, where the actress defended both her outfit and the broader message of the campaign.

Kriti defends her clothing

Sanon questioned why women continue to be judged on the basis of what they wear. She argued that the meaning of festivals comes from the emotions and traditions associated with them rather than a person's clothing.

The actress said a woman's respect for her culture should not be determined by her outfit, stressing that culture and traditions are “in her heart, not in her neckline”.

Sanon also addressed criticism surrounding the advertisement's depiction of Raksha Bandhan. The campaign showed her tying a Rakhi to a dog, which also became a point of discussion online.

She explained that Raksha Bandhan represents a bond of protection and said that while she and her sister tie Rakhi to each other, their wishes for health, happiness and long life also extend to their dogs because they consider them part of their family.

Rahul Gandhi backs Sanon

Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also came out in support of Sanon during the controversy. Sharing her response on Instagram Stories, Gandhi said that a woman's clothing, actions and lifestyle are her own choices.

He criticised online trolling over women's clothing and used the hashtag #SmashThePatriarchy, arguing against what he described as online policing of women's choices.

His intervention brought the advertisement controversy into a wider political and social discussion over women's freedom and public scrutiny.

Nupur Sanon supports sister

Sanon's sister Nupur Sanon also defended her amid the backlash. She questioned the criticism and urged Ranaut to “respectfully evolve”.

Nupur also pointed out that she personally had no issue with the Rakhi being tied to the family's dog, supporting Kriti's explanation that pets are considered part of their family.

Ad sparks wider debate

The GIVA controversy has highlighted the difficult balance brands face when using traditional festivals in contemporary advertising. While festive campaigns often combine modern fashion with cultural themes, the response to the Raksha Bandhan advertisement showed how quickly questions surrounding clothing and cultural representation can become contentious online.

For GIVA, the decision to withdraw the advertisement brings the immediate controversy to a close, although the debate over women's clothing, cultural expectations and advertising choices is likely to continue.

Sanon, meanwhile, has defended her position and maintained that cultural values should not be judged simply through a woman's appearance.

Actress Taapsee Pannu has asked the media to stop repeatedly bringing up her long-running feud with Kangana Ranaut, saying the controversy would eventually end if both the public and the media stopped asking questions about it. Taapsee made the comments while promoting her upcoming film Gandhari, after being asked about recent allegations made against her by Kangana.

Taapsee appeared visibly uncomfortable with the question and questioned why the issue continued to be discussed. She said that repeated questions were keeping the controversy alive and suggested that the matter could have ended much earlier had the two actresses not continued to be asked about it.

“Why don't you let this matter end?” Taapsee said, adding that when people stop asking both actresses about the dispute, the issue would also come to an end.

Kangana's recent allegations

The latest exchange began after Kangana criticised Taapsee in social media posts that were subsequently deleted. Kangana accused Taapsee of trying to gain attention while promoting her upcoming film and described her as a “cheap copy.”

Kangana also alleged that Taapsee had crossed a line by making comments about her upbringing and parents. In another deleted post, she questioned why Taapsee's parents had not raised an “original human being” like her, while defending her own family and upbringing.

The comments brought the actresses' old public disagreements back into the spotlight.

Kangana defends her family

Kangana later shared a news report featuring comments attributed to Taapsee and responded to criticism concerning her background. She said that questions about her upbringing and parents had surfaced repeatedly and defended her family's background.

Kangana described herself as coming from a prestigious Rajput landlord family and said her parents were well educated. She also maintained that leaving her family and starting her career from scratch was her own decision.

According to Kangana, her parents and upbringing should not be brought into arguments about the career choices she made.

Feud dates back to 2018-19

The disagreement between the two actresses goes back several years. Their public exchanges became particularly noticeable around 2018 and 2019, when Taapsee commented during the promotion of Manmarziyaan that Kangana needed a filter while expressing her opinions.

The situation intensified in 2019 after Taapsee praised the trailer of Kangana's film Judgementall Hai Kya without specifically mentioning Kangana. Kangana's sister Rangoli Chandel subsequently criticised Taapsee and called her a “sasti copy”.

The phrase became closely associated with the dispute and was repeatedly discussed in entertainment media.

Bollywood outsider debate

The Taapsee-Kangana dispute also unfolded against the wider debate over nepotism and opportunities for outsiders in the Hindi film industry. That discussion became significantly more intense following the death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in 2020.

During that period, Kangana criticised several actors while discussing nepotism and had referred to Taapsee and Swara Bhasker as “B-grade actresses”, arguing that they supported an industry system they had themselves entered as outsiders.

Taapsee subsequently argued that outsiders should not fight among themselves, highlighting the broader tensions surrounding the debate.

Taapsee wants controversy to end

Years after their most prominent exchanges, Taapsee's latest comments indicate that she does not want to continue discussing the dispute publicly.

Her response also reflects how older celebrity disagreements can remain part of entertainment coverage long after the original exchanges have taken place. Every new comment can revive the discussion, particularly when both actors continue to have active film careers.

For now, Taapsee appears keen to shift the focus back to her upcoming projects rather than revisit her equation with Kangana. Her appeal was straightforward: if questions about the feud stop, she believes the controversy can finally be allowed to end.