MUMBAI: A Congress functionary has sent a legal notice to actor Kareena Kapoor Khan and celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor over photographs and videos showing the actor wearing a pendant engraved with Ayat-ul-Kursi, a verse from the Quran. The notice seeks the removal of the social media posts, a public apology and an assurance that the sacred inscription will not be presented in a similar manner again.
The notice was sent by Abbas Hafeez, a Congress leader and the party's national media coordinator, in his personal capacity. He has objected to the manner in which the Quranic verse was presented in the photographs, arguing that it risks undermining the sanctity of the inscription. He has clarified that his objection is specifically to the presentation of the pendant and not to Kareena's clothing or personal choices. The Congress party has no official position on the matter.
The pendant, a 30-carat emerald, was part of Kareena's Diwali ensemble. According to Rhea Kapoor, who styled the actor, the heirloom belonged to the Begum of Bhopal and came to Kareena through her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, and his family. Kareena wore it with a beige kaftan by designer Punit Balana and a matching turban adorned with a royal kalgi, which Saif had worn at their wedding.
Ayat-ul-Kursi, also known as the Verse of the Throne, is the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah, the second chapter of the Quran. It is associated with the Islamic concept of tawheed, or the oneness of God, and is widely recited by Muslims.
The matter currently involves a legal notice and not a reported criminal case. The notice warns of further legal action if its demands are not met. No police complaint or FIR has been reported in connection with the matter so far.
(with inputs from media organisations)