Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan captured significant attention this Diwali by incorporating rare, centuries-old royal heirlooms into her festive attire. Moving away from traditional lehengas and anarkali suits, the actor opted for a beige kaftan designed by Punit Balana. The outfit, crafted from pure silver hand-embroidered fabric, was paired with a turban and layered neckpieces to create a distinctive aesthetic. However, it was the historic jewellery pinned to her headgear that became a focal point of discussion among fashion enthusiasts and social media followers.
The centrepiece of the look was a 200-year-old, three-feathered diamond kalgi. According to fashion critic and digital creator Diet Sabya, this piece is an ancestral item with a notable history, having been worn by the Nawab of Bhopal several decades ago. The kalgi also holds personal significance for the actor, as it was worn by her husband, Saif Ali Khan, during their wedding. The piece is widely recognised as a traditional accessory for royals and grooms during significant ceremonial occasions.
Complementing the kalgi was another historic item from the family collection: a 30-carat emerald pendant, which features a delicate carving of the Ayat-ul-Kursi. This emerald previously belonged to the Begum of Bhopal. Both the kalgi and the emerald are part of the heritage collection passed down through Saif Ali Khan’s family lineage. His grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, which serves as the direct link for these pieces entering the couple’s personal collection. The look was curated by stylist Rhea Kapoor.
Deepthi Sasidharan, the founder and director of Eka Cultural Resources and Research, provided further insight into the historical provenance of the diamond kalgi. In a public post, she explained that the kalgi is linked to Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, who served as an honorary aide-de-camp to Edward, the Prince of Wales, between 1921 and 1922. The three-feathered design of the kalgi serves as a sparkling interpretation of the Prince of Wales’s heraldic badge, held securely in place by four rows of pearls. The lineage of the piece follows a clear path from the Nawab through his daughter, Begum Sajida Sultan, to her grandson, Saif Ali Khan, before its recent appearance in the actor's Diwali ensemble.
To maintain the focus on the vintage accessories, Kareena Kapoor Khan’s overall styling remained polished and chic. She opted for a makeup look defined by kohl-rimmed, smoked-out eyes, contoured cheeks, and a subtle nude lip. A generous application of highlighter provided a bronzed glow, which balanced the classic nature of the jewellery. Her hair was styled in straightened, layered locks that framed her face, allowing the turban and the kalgi to remain the prominent elements of her appearance.
The choice to feature these specific items has drawn public attention not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their cultural and historical significance. While many families observe traditions by passing down recipes or smaller tokens, the inclusion of such significant royal headgear and inscribed precious stones highlights the preservation of historical artifacts within the family. The appearance of these pieces on a modern public stage signifies a bridge between historical royal heritage and contemporary festive fashion, marking a new chapter for the heirloom collection on the actor’s pearl-draped turban.
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