Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 12: A controversy has erupted over a pendant worn by Bollywood actor Kareena Kapoor Khan at a Diwali party, after Congress leader Abbas Hafeez objected to its use as a fashion accessory and sent her a legal notice.

The pendant, reportedly around 200 years old, is said to feature verses from the Holy Quran, including Ayatul Kursi. Hafeez has demanded an apology from the actor, stating that Quranic verses hold deep religious significance for the Muslim community and should be treated with respect.

According to Hafeez, the jewellery is associated with the prayers of the Begums of Bhopal and should not be used merely as a fashion accessory. He also pointed out that many Muslims avoid touching Quranic verses without performing wudu, or ritual ablution.

Clarifying his position, Hafeez said he had issued the legal notice not in his capacity as a Congress leader but because of his association with the Muslim community.

The controversy followed an Instagram post by Kareena's stylist Rhea Kapoor, who shared photographs of the actor's Diwali look, along with close-up images of the antique jewellery.

Rhea revealed that Kareena wore a 200-year-old kalgi belonging to the Nawab of Bhopal and a 30-carat emerald associated with the Begum of Bhopal, carved with Ayatul Kursi.

Describing the ensemble, Rhea said Kareena wore a pure silver kaftan and turban designed by Punit Balana, paired with heirloom jewellery from the Bhopal royal family.

She further explained that the jewellery belonged to Kareena's family heirlooms and had come through her husband Saif Ali Khan's family. Saif's grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal.