Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan has been served a legal notice by Congress leader and national media coordinator Abbas Hafeez following the release of photographs featuring her recent Diwali ensemble. The notice, which was also issued to celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor, objects to the manner in which a 30-carat emerald pendant bearing an inscription of the Ayat-ul-Kursi, a verse from the Quran, was presented on social media.
According to the notice, dated November 11, the objections are centered on the context of the photographs and the overall presentation of the sacred inscription. Hafeez has demanded that the posts, videos, and photographs be removed from accounts under the control of the actor and the stylist. Additionally, the notice requests a public apology and an assurance that the pendant will not be displayed in a manner deemed to compromise its religious sanctity.
Rhea Kapoor had previously shared details of the attire on Instagram, identifying the pendant as a 200-year-old heirloom belonging to the former royal family of Bhopal. The piece, which was worn by Kareena Kapoor Khan as part of her look, is reportedly part of the family collection passed down through her husband, Saif Ali Khan’s, lineage. Specifically, the heirloom was linked to his grandmother, Sajida Sultan, the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan.
Hafeez, who clarified that he issued the notice in an individual capacity rather than on behalf of the Congress party, stated that his concerns are limited to the presentation of the pendant. The notice specifies that he is not commenting on the actor's general lifestyle, personal clothing choices, or the wearing of other royal jewellery.
Key facts
- The legal notice was issued on November 11, 2026, by Abbas Hafeez.
- The emerald pendant is described as a 30-carat heirloom associated with the Bhopal royal family.
- The piece is engraved with the Ayat-ul-Kursi, the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah.
- The notice seeks the removal of social media posts, an apology, and a guarantee regarding future presentation.
- The heirloom reportedly reached the actor through Saif Ali Khan's paternal grandmother, Sajida Sultan.
Why it matters
The legal notice highlights growing concerns regarding the intersection of fashion, personal choice, and religious reverence. The document notes that certain Islamic scholars have previously expressed reservations about wearing Quranic verses as jewellery, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of such inscriptions to avoid potential disrespect.
Background
The controversy emerged after Kareena Kapoor Khan posted photographs to Instagram showcasing her Diwali outfit, which included a beige kaftan designed by Punit Balana and a turban, accessorised with the historic royal pendant.
Source: News18, Indian Express
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