Kareena Kapoor Khan has found herself at the centre of a fresh controversy this week, days after sharing pictures from her Diwali 2026 celebrations. Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez has sent a legal notice to the actor and her stylist Rhea Kapoor over a 30-carat emerald pendant she wore in the photographs, a piece of jewellery that carries the Quranic verse Ayat-ul-Kursi.
The notice demands the Diwali photographs be taken down from social media and seeks a public apology from the actor. The row has already split opinion, with the Hindu Utsav Samiti defending Kareena and saying she has nothing to apologise for.
What the legal notice says
According to reports, Hafeez’s objection is not to Kareena celebrating Diwali or to the outfit she wore. His objection is specifically to the Quranic inscription on the pendant. The pendant is a 200-year-old heirloom of the Bhopal royal family, and Hafeez has argued that it was commissioned as an expression of religious faith by the Begums of Bhopal, not as a fashion accessory.
“There is no objection to what anyone chooses to wear,” Hafeez told news agency ANI. “However, Kareena Kapoor shared a post on her social media handles on Diwali in which she was wearing and flaunting this pendant. This is a historic pendant of Bhopal associated with Islamic heritage. It cannot be used for a fashion parade.”
He added that his objection was only to the Quranic verse, not to the attire or the Diwali celebration, and would be the same had she worn it on Eid.
Advocate Mohammad Zafar, who sent the notice, said the demand was for the removal of the social media posts, and warned that further legal steps could follow. “The main objection of my client is not to wearing the jewellery but to the Quranic verse inscribed on it, known as Ayat al-Kursi, which is considered very holy and sacred,” Zafar said.
The pendant and its royal history
Kareena wore a 200-year-old kalgi from the Nawab of Bhopal and a 30-carat emerald belonging to the Begum of Bhopal, carved with Ayat-ul-Kursi. The pieces come from her husband Saif Ali Khan’s family: Saif’s grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal.
Stylist Rhea Kapoor had described the look in detail when she shared the photographs. “Real movie star, real chandi, real heirlooms and real personal style. Kareena in a pure chandi kaftan and turban by Punit Balana, wearing a 200-year-old kalgi from the Nawab of Bhopal and the Begum of Bhopal’s 30-carat emerald, carved with the Ayat-ul-Kursi,” Rhea wrote.
Kareena had celebrated Diwali in an intimate family gathering and shared pictures on social media with the caption, “Diwali 2026.” Saif wore an all-black traditional outfit, while Kareena wore a beige-toned festive ensemble, a matching turban and the statement jewellery. The pictures drew wide attention online, and only days later the pendant became the subject of a formal legal notice.
Support pours in for Kareena
Even as the legal notice made headlines, the Hindu Utsav Samiti moved quickly to defend the actor. Its president, Chandrashekhar Tiwari, said Kareena had every right to follow her religious traditions and celebrate Diwali, and that she should not apologise in any way.
Tiwari drew a comparison with his own religious pendant featuring Goddess Bhagwati, saying that wearing a religious symbol close to one’s heart should not invite objections. “If Quranic verses are placed at a sacred spot, close to the heart, I do not think there should be any objection to it,” he said. He added that the Hindu Utsav Samiti and Sanskriti Bachao Manch support her and her actions.
What happens next
As of Thursday morning, neither Kareena Kapoor nor Rhea Kapoor has issued an official statement. The notice seeks the removal of the Diwali photographs and a public apology, and the senders have kept the option of approaching the police or a court open.
On the work front, Kareena will next be seen in Shah Rukh Khan’s King, an appearance she confirmed on November 2 with a special birthday post for the superstar.
FAQs
Why has Kareena Kapoor received a legal notice?
Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez sent the notice over a 30-carat emerald pendant Kareena wore in her Diwali 2026 photographs. It is carved with Ayat-ul-Kursi, a sacred Quranic verse, and Hafeez says using it as a fashion statement hurt religious sentiments.
What does the legal notice demand?
The notice seeks the removal of the Diwali photographs from social media and a public apology. Further legal remedies, including approaching the police or a court, could follow if the demand is not met.
What is special about the pendant?
The pendant is a 200-year-old heirloom of the Bhopal royal family. The 30-carat emerald belonged to the Begum of Bhopal and is carved with Ayat-ul-Kursi. It comes through Saif Ali Khan’s family: his grandmother Sajida Sultan was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal.
Who has supported Kareena Kapoor?
The Hindu Utsav Samiti, led by president Chandrashekhar Tiwari, has defended the actor and said she does not need to apologise. The Sanskriti Bachao Manch has also extended its support to her.
Has Kareena Kapoor responded to the notice?
No. As of Thursday morning, neither Kareena Kapoor nor her stylist Rhea Kapoor has put out an official statement on the legal notice.
The story is developing, and this article will be updated as Kareena Kapoor or her team responds.
