NEW DELHI: Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor Khan has received a legal notice over a historic emerald necklace featuring Ayat-ul-Kursi, a revered verse from the Holy Quran, which she wore during her Diwali celebrations.
The controversy emerged after the actress shared photographs of her festive appearance on Instagram, featuring a traditional beige outfit and an emerald pendant engraved with the Quranic verse.
The legal notice was sent by Abbas Hafeez, a Congress leader and social activist from Madhya Pradesh. Celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor, who arranged Kareena’s outfit and jewellery, was also named in the notice.
According to Indian media reports, the objection concerns how the sacred inscription was presented in the photographs shared on social media.
Hafeez has reportedly demanded that the photographs and videos featuring the pendant be removed from their social media accounts. He has also sought a public apology and an assurance that the religious inscription will be treated with appropriate respect.
The controversy began when Kareena shared pictures of her Diwali look, wearing a beige kaftan designed by Punit Balana, accompanied by a matching turban and traditional jewellery.
The most discussed piece was a 30-carat emerald pendant engraved with Ayat-ul-Kursi, the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah.
Rhea Kapoor later shared details about the jewellery on Instagram, describing it as a historic heirloom belonging to the former royal family of Bhopal.
She explained that the emerald originally belonged to the Begum of Bhopal and had been passed down through Kareena’s husband Saif Ali Khan’s family.
The jewellery reportedly dates back around 200 years and is associated with Saif’s paternal grandmother, Sajida Sultan, who was the daughter of Bhopal’s last ruling Nawab, Hamidullah Khan.
In his legal notice, Hafeez objected specifically to the presentation of the Quranic inscription rather than Kareena’s clothing or personal fashion choices.
He argued that sacred religious text should be displayed in a manner that respects its spiritual significance.
The notice reportedly states that the presentation caused concern among members of the Muslim community and people connected with Bhopal’s historical and cultural heritage.
Hafeez has requested the removal of the relevant social media content, an unconditional public apology and a commitment against presenting the inscription in a manner that could undermine its religious sanctity.
He has also indicated that further legal action through the police or courts could follow if the demands are not addressed.
However, the issuance of a legal notice does not establish that any law has been violated. The matter remains at the stage of a formal objection and demands made by the complainant.
As of November 12, neither Kareena Kapoor Khan nor Rhea Kapoor has issued a publicly confirmed response to the notice.
The controversy has also renewed discussions about the use of religious inscriptions in jewellery and fashion, particularly when sacred texts are displayed as decorative accessories.
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For now, attention remains on the legal notice, the historical significance of the Bhopal royal pendant and the response expected from the actress and her stylist.
