Deepika Faces Backlash Over Necklace Bearing ‘Fi Amanillah’ Inscription

Celebrity fashion and jewellery choices often attract attention in Bollywood. However, two pieces of jewellery have recently sparked religious controversy. Shortly after Kareena Kapoor Khan faced criticism over an emerald pendant engraved with a verse from the Holy Quran, Deepika Padukone has also come under discussion. An old photograph of her wearing a necklace bearing the Arabic inscription ‘Fi Amanillah’ has resurfaced on social media. The phrase means ‘Under Allah’s protection’.

Ms. Deepika wore the necklace while serving as a jury member at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival. The jewellery was designed by Indian fashion designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. Named ‘Lucknow Rose’, it was part of Sabyasachi’s ‘Tropic of Calcutta’ collection. Made with gemstones and uncut diamonds, the necklace featured elements of a traditional Maharani necklace design. One of its stones was engraved with the words ‘Fi Amanillah’.

At the time of the Cannes Film Festival, the necklace attracted attention as a fashion accessory. However, following the recent controversy surrounding Ms. Kareena, the old photograph of Ms. Deepika has resurfaced, triggering fresh discussions on social media about the use of religious symbols in jewellery worn by the two actresses.

Controversy Surrounding Ms. Kareena’s Pendant

The controversy began over a 30-carat emerald pendant worn by Kareena Kapoor Khan during Diwali celebrations in 2026. It was claimed that the pendant had Ayatul Kursi, a verse from the Holy Quran, engraved on it. Ms. Kareena’s stylist, Rhea Kapoor, said the jewellery was a traditional heirloom belonging to the royal family of Bhopal.

On November 11, Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez sent legal notices to Ms. Kareena and Rhea Kapoor through his lawyer. He alleged that presenting a sacred religious verse as a fashion accessory could hurt religious sentiments. The notice demanded that the relevant photographs and videos be removed from social media and that the actress publicly apologise.

However, several reports have described the pendant worn by Ms. Kareena as a family heirloom inherited from the erstwhile Nawab family of Bhopal. Meanwhile, several organisations in Bhopal have expressed support for the actress amid the controversy. Neither Ms. Kareena nor her stylist, Rhea Kapoor, has issued an official statement on the matter so far.