A piece of jewellery can carry a story that goes far beyond its appearance. For Kareena Kapoor Khan, a Diwali look featuring a 30-carat emerald pendant has now drawn attention for reasons beyond fashion.
The actor has found herself facing a legal notice over the heritage piece, bringing questions of religious sentiments and royal family history into the spotlight.
The pendant, reportedly part of a royal heirloom collection, has also raised curiosity about its origins and the significance of its inscription.
What about this centuries-old family treasure has sparked a legal dispute? And how does it connect Kareena to the former royal family of Bhopal?
Read on to find out.
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What Happened? The Legal Notice Explained
The controversy began after Kareena shared her Diwali look on Instagram in November 2026. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, she wore a beige kaftan by Punit Balana, a matching turban and a 30-carat emerald pendant engraved with Ayat-ul-Kursi, a Quranic verse.
On 11 November, Congress leader Abbas Hafeez sent a legal notice to Kareena and Rhea, objecting to the use of the religious inscription as a fashion accessory.
Sent through his lawyer, Mohammad Zafar, the notice demanded the removal of the photographs and videos, a public apology to the Muslim community and an assurance that the inscription would be treated with respect.
Hafeez argued that the verse held religious significance. However, the notice is not a court order or a finding of wrongdoing.
What Does Ayat-ul-Kursi Mean?
Ayat-ul-Kursi, or the Verse of the Throne, is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, the Quran’s second chapter.
It describes Allah as the Ever-Living and Sustainer of all existence, stating that He is never overcome by sleep or drowsiness and that everything in the heavens and on earth belongs to Him. It also highlights His vast knowledge and power, saying His Kursi extends over the heavens and earth and that protecting them does not tire Him.
The verse is significant to Muslims, who recite it in prayers and associate it with protection, divine authority and Allah’s greatness.
This religious significance is central to the legal notice. Hafeez argued that Quranic verses must be treated with reverence and not displayed disrespectfully. The notice also cited religious guidance against wearing Quranic inscriptions as jewellery, though interpretations and practices may differ.
The Royal Story Behind The Emerald Pendant
The 30-carat emerald is part of the former royal family's Bhopal heirloom collection. It came to Kareena through her husband, Saif Ali Khan.
According to reports, the emerald belonged to Saif's paternal grandmother, Sajida Sultan, the daughter of Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal.
Sajida married Iftikhar Ali Khan Pataudi. Their son, Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, was Saif's father. The emerald reportedly passed down through the family before coming into Saif's possession.
Kareena's look also featured a diamond-studded kalgi, or sarpench, a traditional ornament worn on turbans during royal and ceremonial occasions.
The three-pronged design reportedly belonged to the Nawab of Bhopal and has been in Saif's family for at least 200 years.
Saif also wore it at his 2012 wedding to Kareena.
Together, the emerald and the kalgi brought two generations of the family's history into her Diwali look.
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What Happens Next?
The notice has raised questions about religious sentiments, personal expression and the preservation of historical heirlooms.
Hafeez clarified that he acted in his personal capacity, not for the Congress party, and objected to the presentation of the Quranic inscription, not Kareena’s clothing or freedom to wear jewellery.
The Hindu Utsav Samiti backed Kareena, with its president, Chandrashekhar Tiwari, rejecting the apology demand and saying she should not face objections for wearing a religious symbol close to her heart.
As of 12 November, neither Kareena nor Rhea had responded publicly. The matter remains at the legal notice stage, with no clarity on whether the photographs will be removed or further legal action will follow.
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TL;DR | News At A Glance
Why did Kareena Kapoor receive a legal notice?
Congress leader Abbas Hafeez sent her and stylist Rhea Kapoor a legal notice over photographs showing Kareena wearing a pendant inscribed with Ayat-ul-Kursi.
What is Ayat-ul-Kursi?
It is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran. It describes Allah's power, knowledge and authority over all existence.
What is special about the pendant?
It features a 30-carat emerald that belonged to Sajida Sultan, the grandmother of Saif Ali Khan and daughter of Bhopal's last ruling Nawab.
What does the legal notice demand?
It seeks the removal of photographs and videos featuring the pendant, a public apology and an assurance that the inscription will be treated with religious respect.
Has Kareena responded?
As of 12 November 2026, neither Kareena nor Rhea Kapoor had publicly responded to the notice.
Who has supported Kareena?
The Bhopal-based Hindu Utsav Samiti has supported the actor and rejected the demand for an apology.
