Kareena Kapoor’s 30-Carat Emerald Pendant Behind Legal Notice Has A Fascinating Connection To Bhopal’s Royal Family

Kareena Kapoor’s 30-Carat Emerald Pendant: The Royal Bhopal Legacy Behind the Jewellery That Sparked Controversy

Kareena Kapoor Khan recently grabbed attention with an unusual festive look that brought together royal heirlooms, traditional styling and statement jewellery. Dressed in a silver kaftan and matching turban, the actor stepped away from the familiar festive lehenga and anarkali styles. Styled by Rhea Kapoor, her ensemble featured two striking pieces of jewellery with links to the former royal family of Bhopal.

The highlight was a magnificent 30-carat emerald pendant, accompanied by an antique diamond kalgi. While the look quickly became a talking point among fashion enthusiasts, the emerald has since attracted attention for a different reason.

The gemstone features an intricate carving of Ayat-ul-Kursi, a revered verse from the Quran. Its appearance in the photographs prompted Bhopal-based Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez to issue a legal notice to Kareena and her stylist. The notice reportedly demands that the pictures be taken down and a public apology be issued, raising objections to the presentation of the religious inscription.

Amid the controversy, the pendant’s royal origins have also come into focus. The emerald reportedly belonged to the Begum of Bhopal and entered Kareena’s collection through her husband Saif Ali Khan’s family.

The 30-Carat Emerald’s Connection To Bhopal’s Royal Family

The emerald is no ordinary piece of jewellery. Weighing approximately 30 carats, the gemstone is carved with Ayat-ul-Kursi, also known as the Throne Verse. It is verse 255 of Surah Al-Baqarah and describes Allah’s power, knowledge and sovereignty.

Rhea Kapoor, who styled Kareena for the occasion, revealed on Instagram that the pendant is an heirloom associated with the Bhopal royal family. Its connection to Kareena comes through Saif’s lineage.

Saif Ali Khan’s grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of Hamidullah Khan, the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal. The family connection gives the emerald a significant place in the Pataudi family’s heritage, linking the piece to Bhopal’s erstwhile royal household.

The 200-Year-Old Diamond Kalgi Has Its Own Royal Story

The emerald was not the only historic treasure in Kareena’s ensemble. Her turban was adorned with an antique diamond kalgi, believed to be around 200 years old and once owned by the Nawab of Bhopal.

A kalgi is a traditional ornament worn on the front of a turban. Often crafted with precious stones and elaborate detailing, it was historically associated with royalty and ceremonial attire.

This particular piece also has a personal connection to Saif. He reportedly wore the same diamond kalgi at his wedding. Kareena’s decision to bring it back for her Diwali appearance added another layer of family history to the ensemble.

For the occasion, she paired the heirloom jewellery with a pure silver kaftan and a coordinated turban designed by Punit Balana.

Kareena’s festive appearance may have stood out initially for its distinctive styling, but the stories behind the two jewels make it even more remarkable. From a 30-carat emerald linked to the Begum of Bhopal to a centuries-old diamond turban ornament associated with the Nawab, the ensemble offered a glimpse into the royal heritage preserved through the Pataudi family.