What Led to the Controversy?
The controversy began after Kareena shared pictures of her Diwali look on Instagram. She wore a beige kaftan designed by Punit Balana, paired with a matching turban and traditional royal jewellery.
The highlight of her outfit was a 30-carat emerald pendant engraved with Ayat-ul-Kursi, the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran. Her stylist, Rhea Kapoor, shared details of the jewellery, describing it as a 200-year-old heirloom belonging to the Begum of Bhopal.
The photographs received attention online, but some people raised objections over the presentation of the sacred inscription as part of a fashion look.
Who Sent the Legal Notice and What Does It Demand?
Abbas Hafeez, a Congress leader from Madhya Pradesh, sent a legal notice to Kareena Kapoor Khan and Rhea Kapoor on 11 November 2026.
According to reports, Hafeez objected to the manner in which the Quranic verse was displayed in the photographs. He requested that the pictures and videos featuring the pendant be removed from social media and sought a public apology.
His objection was specifically about the presentation of the religious inscription, rather than Kareena's choice of clothing or her decision to wear jewellery.
Hafeez also clarified that he had issued the notice in his personal capacity and that it did not represent the official position of the Congress party.
The Royal History Behind Kareena's Emerald Pendant
The jewellery has a connection to the former royal family of Bhopal through Kareena's husband, Saif Ali Khan.
The emerald is said to have belonged to the Begum of Bhopal and was passed down through Saif's family. His paternal grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal.
Rhea Kapoor also revealed that Kareena's Diwali outfit included a 200-year-old kalgi, a traditional turban ornament that belonged to the Nawab of Bhopal.
These heirloom pieces have attracted attention not only because of their value but also because of their historical and cultural significance.
Why Is Ayat-ul-Kursi Important?
Ayat-ul-Kursi is one of the most recognised and significant verses in the Quran. It appears in Surah Al-Baqarah and is widely recited by Muslims as a prayer associated with protection and faith.
The use of Quranic inscriptions in jewellery has different interpretations among Islamic scholars. While some views permit it under conditions of respect, others discourage wearing sacred verses because of the possibility of inappropriate handling or display.
This difference in religious perspectives has become an important part of the discussion surrounding Kareena's pendant.
Kareena Kapoor's Response
As of 12 November 2026, reports had not confirmed any public response from Kareena Kapoor Khan or Rhea Kapoor regarding the notice.
The incident has sparked conversations about celebrity fashion, religious sensitivity, heritage jewellery and the responsibility that comes with presenting culturally significant objects on social media.
For now, the focus remains on the legal notice and the discussion surrounding the historic pendant. The controversy also highlights how traditional heirlooms can carry meanings that go beyond their appearance or monetary value.
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