Kareena Kapoor Khan has landed in a controversy over her Diwali 2026 appearance after a 200-year-old royal emerald pendant worn by the actress became the subject of a legal notice. Congress leader and national media coordinator Abbas Hafeez has issued the notice to Kareena and celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor, objecting to the way a sacred Quranic verse engraved on the jewellery was presented in social media photographs.
The pendant is a 30-carat emerald associated with the Begums of Bhopal and features Ayat-ul-Kursi, the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah. The controversy has sparked a wider discussion about religious sentiments, royal heirlooms and the use of historically significant jewellery in celebrity fashion.
Why Has Kareena Kapoor Khan Received a Legal Notice?
The legal notice, dated November 11, 2026, objects specifically to the presentation of the Quran-inscribed pendant in photographs shared on social media. Abbas Hafeez has argued that the religious inscription carries significance and should be displayed with appropriate reverence. The notice reportedly demands that Kareena and Rhea remove the photographs, videos and related posts featuring the pendant from their social media accounts.
It also seeks a public apology to the Muslim community and an assurance that the sacred inscription will not be presented in a manner that could compromise its religious sanctity. Hafeez has clarified that his objection is not directed at Kareena's clothing choices or her celebration of Diwali. He has also stated that the notice was issued in his individual capacity and does not represent the Congress party's official position.
The 200-Year-Old Emerald Pendant and Its Royal History
The jewellery became a talking point after Rhea Kapoor shared details of Kareena's festive appearance on Instagram. She described the emerald as a 30-carat heirloom belonging to the Begum of Bhopal and featuring the Ayat-ul-Kursi inscription. The pendant is associated with the royal family of Bhopal and came to Kareena through her husband, Saif Ali Khan's family.
Saif's paternal grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, Hamidullah Khan. The actress also wore a 200-year-old kalgi associated with the Nawab of Bhopal. These pieces were described by Rhea as personal heirlooms passed down through Saif's family.
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Kareena's Diwali Look Featured a Punit Balana Ensemble
For the Diwali celebrations, Kareena chose a traditional silver kaftan designed by Punit Balana, paired with a matching turban. She completed the outfit with the historic kalgi and the emerald pendant. The styling attracted attention because of the combination of traditional clothing and royal family jewellery.
However, the Quranic inscription on the emerald subsequently became the focus of the controversy. The legal notice also refers to concerns about the religious significance of wearing Quranic verses as jewellery. It notes that religious views on the practice may differ and emphasises the importance of respecting sacred inscriptions.
What Happens Next in the Kareena Kapoor Pendant Controversy?
The matter has drawn attention to the relationship between religious heritage and fashion, particularly when historical objects carry sacred inscriptions. The demands made in the notice include removal of the relevant social media posts and a public apology.
As of November 11, neither Kareena Kapoor Khan nor Rhea Kapoor had publicly responded to the notice. There has also been no reported court ruling establishing any wrongdoing by the actress. The controversy currently centres on the objections raised by Hafeez and the demands made through the legal notice.
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