Actor Kareena Kapoor has received a legal notice following controversy surrounding a piece of jewellery she wore for her Diwali celebrations. The dispute centres on a historic emerald pendant from the former royal family of Bhopal, which features the Quranic verse Ayat-ul-Kursi.

The pendant, reportedly weighing 30 carats, was part of Kareena's festive ensemble and has drawn criticism from social activist Abbas Hafeez and some members of the Muslim community.

The royal heirloom behind Kareena's Diwali look

For the occasion, Kareena chose a beige kaftan designed by Punit Balana, paired with a matching turban and a decorative kalgi. The turban accessory also has a connection to her husband, actor Saif Ali Khan, who had worn it on their wedding day.

However, it was the emerald pendant that became the focus of attention. The heirloom is engraved with Ayat-ul-Kursi, the 255th verse of Surah Al-Baqarah in the Quran's second chapter.

The piece is said to have belonged to the Begum of Bhopal before being passed down through Saif's family to Kareena after her marriage to the actor.

Rhea Kapoor shares the history of the jewellery

Celebrity stylist Rhea Kapoor, who put together Kareena's Diwali look, offered details about the outfit and its royal accessories in an Instagram post.

She described the ensemble as a silver kaftan and turban by Punit Balana, accompanied by a roughly 200-year-old kalgi associated with the Nawab of Bhopal and the Begum's emerald pendant.

Kapoor also explained the family's connection to the jewellery, identifying the pieces as heirlooms that came to Kareena through Saif's lineage. She noted that Saif's grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of Bhopal's last ruling Nawab.

Kareena also posted photographs of her festive appearance on Instagram, captioning them, "Diwali is all about traditions done right."

Objections over the religious inscription

The use of the pendant has prompted objections from Hafeez and other members of the Muslim community, leading to the legal notice being served on the actor.

Their concerns relate to the presence of a Quranic verse on jewellery worn as part of a festive fashion ensemble. The controversy has brought attention to the religious significance of the inscription as well as the pendant's history as a royal family heirloom.