Kareena Kapoor Khan faces legal notice from Congress leader over Quran-inscribed pendant worn on Diwali
Mumbai/IBNS: Bollywood superstar Kareena Kapoor Khan has reportedly been served a legal notice by a Congress leader over wearing a 30-carat emerald pendant bearing Ayat-ul-Kursi, a verse from the Quran, during Diwali celebrations, media reports said.
Congress national media coordinator Abbas Hafeez has objected to the manner in which the sacred Quranic inscription was presented in photographs shared on social media.
Hafeez has demanded the removal of photographs and videos from social media accounts under the actor's control, along with a public apology and an assurance that the inscription would not be presented in a manner that compromises its religious sanctity.
Why has Kareena Kapoor Khan faced legal notice?
Hafeez has clarified that his objection is not directed at Kareena's clothing or personal choices but specifically concerns the presentation of the Quran-inscribed pendant.
Photo: Kareena Kapoor Khan Instagram
In the legal notice quoted by The Indian Express, Hafeez stated, "My client clarifies that he does not seek to comment on or control either person’s general clothing, personal choices or freedom to wear jewellery."
"However, his specific concern is that, when wearing and publicly presenting an item bearing Ayat-ul-Kursi, the overall presentation – including the attire in which it is displayed and the manner and context of the social-media post – should, in his view, reflect the reverence due to a sacred Quranic inscription."
"He considers that the attire and manner of presentation in the posts concerned did not demonstrate that level of reverence. This objection is confined to the presentation of this sacred pendant and is not a general comment on either person’s dress or lifestyle," the notice added.
What did Kareena wear on Diwali?
Kareena embraced royal elegance this Diwali in a beige kaftan by designer Punit Balana, featuring intricate silver embroidery.
Styled by Rhea Kapoor, she paired the outfit with a matching turban and exquisite royal heirloom jewellery.
Her accessories included a 200-year-old diamond kalgi linked to the Nawab of Bhopal and a 30-carat emerald necklace associated with the Begum of Bhopal.
She completed her look with smoky kohl eyes, bronzed cheeks and nude lips.
Jewellery's connection to the Bhopal royal family
Kareena's pendant has a historical association with the Bhopal royal family through her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan.
Saif's paternal grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal. She married Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi, and their son was Saif's father, the late cricket legend Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor Khan on Diwali. Photo: Kareena Kapoor Khan Instagram
What did the legal notice say about religious sentiments?
The notice further stated that Islamic scholars have expressed reservations about wearing Quranic verses as jewellery.
It emphasised the importance of preserving the sanctity of such inscriptions and avoiding circumstances in which they could be treated disrespectfully. It also acknowledged that religious views on the practice may differ.
Hafeez, who said he had filed the notice in his individual capacity and not on behalf of the Congress party, claimed that the manner in which the pendant was presented had hurt members of the Muslim community and people with roots in the erstwhile Bhopal Princely State.
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