Mumbai: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has landed in a controversy over her Diwali appearance after a royal family heirloom worn by her sparked objections over religious sentiments. A Madhya Pradesh Congress leader has reportedly served a legal notice to Kareena and celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor over a 30-carat emerald pendant featuring a sacred verse from the Quran.
The controversy erupted after Kareena shared photographs of her Diwali look on social media. The actress was seen wearing a beige traditional outfit designed by Punit Balana, paired with a matching turban and an elaborate emerald pendant. The jewellery, however, soon became the centre of attention for reasons beyond fashion.
The pendant reportedly dates back nearly 200 years and was associated with the former royal family of Bhopal. What makes the heirloom particularly significant is the inscription of Ayat-ul-Kursi, the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah from the Quran.
Madhya Pradesh Congress leader and national media coordinator Abbas Hafeez issued the legal notice on November 11. The notice was also sent to Rhea Kapoor, who styled Kareena for the festive occasion and shared details of the royal jewellery on social media.
Hafeez has objected to the manner in which the Quranic inscription was presented in the photographs. He has demanded that the concerned pictures and videos be removed from social media, along with a public apology to the Muslim community. He has also sought an assurance that the sacred inscription will not be displayed in a manner that compromises its religious significance.
The Congress leader has clarified that the notice was issued in his personal capacity and does not represent the party's official position. He has also indicated that further legal action could follow if his demands are not addressed.
The pendant's royal connection goes through Kareena's husband, actor Saif Ali Khan. It reportedly belonged to Saif's paternal grandmother, Sajida Sultan, daughter of Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal. The heirloom subsequently passed through the Pataudi family.
Meanwhile, the controversy has also triggered reactions from different organisations. The Bhopal-based Hindu Utsav Samiti has come out in support of Kareena. Its president, Chandrashekhar Tiwari, has questioned the demand for an apology and defended the actress.
As of November 12, neither Kareena nor Rhea Kapoor has issued an official response to the legal notice. Importantly, the notice itself is not a court order or a judicial finding of wrongdoing.
What began as a festive fashion appearance has now turned into a debate involving religious sentiments, royal heritage and the public presentation of historical jewellery.
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