Kareena Kapoor has reportedly received a legal notice over a pendant featuring Ayat-ul-Kursi, a sacred Quranic verse, which she wore during her Diwali 2026 celebrations. The notice was issued by Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez, to Kareena and her stylist Rhea Kapoor.
Hafeez has said the pendant is a 200-year-old Bhopal royal heirloom, a kalgi from the Nawab of Bhopal and the Begum of Bhopal, set with a 30-carat emerald carved with the verse. He has argued that wearing the verse as a fashion statement hurt religious sentiments.
The notice, dated 11 November, was sent through Hafeez's lawyer, Mohammad Zafar. It demands the removal of the photographs and videos showing the pendant from social media, a public apology, and an assurance that the sacred verse will not be presented in a manner that could compromise its sanctity.
Hafeez has clarified that the notice is issued strictly in his individual capacity, not on behalf of the party. He has also said his objection is specifically to the presentation of the Quranic inscription, and not to Kareena's choice of attire or her celebration of Diwali.
The Pendant And The Diwali Pictures
Kareena celebrated Diwali on 8 November at home with her husband Saif Ali Khan and their two sons, Taimur and Jeh. She shared pictures of her Diwali look, wearing a beige kaftan by designer Punit Balana and a matching turban, accessorised with the emerald pendant.
Her stylist Rhea Kapoor also shared pictures of the look, describing the outfit and the jewellery in detail. Rhea's post described the piece as a 200-year-old kalgi from the Nawab of Bhopal and the Begum of Bhopal's 30-carat emerald, carved with Ayat-ul-Kursi.
Ayat-ul-Kursi is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran, and is held in particular reverence by many Muslims. The pendant is said to have come from the household of the former Begums of Bhopal and to have been passed down through the family to Kareena through her marriage into the Pataudi family.
The pictures drew attention as soon as they were shared, and the pendant became the centre of a widespread debate before the legal notice followed.
Reactions On Both Sides
The Hindu Utsav Samiti has defended Kareena and rejected the demand for an apology, extending its support to the actress. The group has argued against the notice and the call for the photographs to be taken down.
Kareena Kapoor and Rhea Kapoor have not put out any official statement on the legal notice so far. The lawyer who sent the notice has said that further legal remedies could be explored if the demand is not met.
On the work front, Kareena will be seen in Shah Rukh Khan's King. She confirmed her appearance in the film on his birthday on 2 November, with a post showing their silhouettes dancing together.
