Bollywood celebrities celebrated Diwali by hosting parties and get-togethers, with many opting for traditional outfits and embracing their culture and festive traditions. However, while the celebrations were all about fashion, family and festivities, it was Priyanka Chopra and Kareena Kapoor Khan who found themselves at the centre of online criticism over their Diwali posts.
Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan’s kaftan look for Diwali has landed her in controversy, with her stylist Rhea Kapoor being served a legal notice over an accessory featuring a Quranic verse. Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez has served a legal notice to Kareena and her stylist, Rhea Kapoor, alleging that the pendant worn by the actor hurt religious sentiments.
According to India Today, Hafeez has demanded that the photographs be removed from social media and sought a public apology.
Kareena shared pictures of her traditional festive attire on social media on the occasion of Diwali. Following the post, claims surfaced online that the Bhopal royal pendant seen around her neck bears an inscription of Ayat-ul-Kursi, a revered verse from the Quran, sparking widespread debate.
Hafeez objected to the accessory, stating that using sacred verses from the Quran as a fashion statement and pairing them with such attire could hurt religious sentiments.
Citing this as the basis for the legal notice sent to both Kareena and Rhea, Hafeez demanded the immediate deletion of the concerned pictures along with an unconditional public apology. He further clarified that he initiated the step in his personal capacity as a Muslim and that the Congress party has no connection with the matter.
Hafeez has warned that if Kareena does not take down the photographs and issue an apology, he will pursue further legal recourse through the police or courts.
On Diwali, Rhea had shared pictures of Kareena dressed in a pure silver kaftan and a matching turban by designer Punit Balana.
What is Ayat-ul-Kursi and why is it inscribed on jewellery?
Ayat-ul-Kursi, the Throne Verse, is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, the second chapter of the Qur’an. It is widely regarded as the greatest verse in the Qur’an due to its profound declaration of Allah’s absolute sovereignty, power, and divine attributes. The verse written on the pendant translates to: “Allah – there is no deity except Him, the Ever-Living, the Sustainer of (all) existence… And He is the Most High, the Most Great.” It is regarded as one of the most significant verses in Islam. It describes God’s power over the heavens and Earth. Muslims often recite the verse for protection.
The emerald pendant is said to have belonged to the Begum of Bhopal, who ruled the princely state for more than a century. The connection to Kapoor Khan comes through her husband Saif Ali Khan’s family. Hamidullah Khan was the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal. His daughter, Sajida Sultan, married Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi.
He was an Indian cricketer and former captain of the Indian cricket team. Their son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who was also a cricketer, was Saif Ali Khan’s father. The 200-year-old kalgi and pendant are priceless. But if auctioned, considering their history, historic sets like these could fetch over ₹20 crore to over ₹50 crore.
Neither Kareena nor Rhea has issued an official response to the controversy yet.
Priyanka Chopra faces backlash over non-vegetarian food at Diwali celebration
On the other hand, Priyanka Chopra shared a carousel post from her Diwali celebrations in New York, where she was seen enjoying shrimp or prawns. While the post featured festive decorations, traditional outfits, family moments, and food, one particular picture caught the internet’s attention.
Several users questioned why non-vegetarian food was being served during the Hindu festival of Diwali. Comments such as “Non-veg in Diwali”, “In Diwali, non-veg nooo” and “How can someone eat non-veg on Diwali?” flooded the discussion.
Some users also questioned her use of candles instead of traditional diyas, while others criticised her outfit, jewellery and hairstyle.