Now Deepika's ‘Fi Amanillah’ necklace sparks fresh debate

An old photograph of Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone wearing a necklace engraved with the Arabic phrase ‘Fi Amanillah’ has gone viral on social media, reigniting debate over the use of religious inscriptions in celebrity fashion.

The renewed attention comes amid controversy surrounding actress Kareena Kapoor Khan, whose emerald pendant engraved with a Quranic verse recently drew objections from some quarters.

Deepika wore the distinctive jewellery at the 2022 Cannes Film Festival, where she served as a jury member. Her elaborate ensemble featured jewellery designed by renowned Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Among the standout pieces was a royal necklace named ‘Lucknow Rose’, crafted with precious gemstones and uncut diamonds. The necklace featured the Arabic inscription ‘Fi Amanillah’, meaning ‘In the protection of Allah’.

The piece was part of Sabyasachi's ‘Tropic of Calcutta’ collection, which sought to blend traditional Indian heritage with contemporary fashion.

Although the necklace attracted little controversy at the time, photographs of Deepika wearing it have resurfaced following the recent debate surrounding Kareena's jewellery.

What sparked the controversy over Kareena's pendant?

During Diwali celebrations in 2026, Kareena Kapoor Khan wore a 30-carat emerald pendant engraved with Ayatul Kursi, a revered Quranic verse.

The actress paired the jewellery, designed by Puneet Balana, with a beige turban featuring silver gota patti embroidery.

Her stylist, Rhea Kapoor, reportedly explained that the pendant belonged to the royal collection of the former royal family of Bhopal.

However, the use of a Quranic verse as a fashion accessory drew objections.

According to media reports, on November 11, Madhya Pradesh Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez sent legal notices to Kareena and her stylist Rhea Kapoor through a lawyer, alleging that using a sacred Quranic verse as a fashion accessory could hurt religious sentiments.

The notice reportedly demanded the removal of the related photographs and videos from social media, a public apology and an assurance that religious verses would be treated with due respect in the future.

Amid the controversy, several organisations in Bhopal have reportedly voiced support for Kareena. The Hindu Utsav Samiti and Sanskriti Bachao Manch have opposed demands for an apology.

Neither Kareena nor Rhea Kapoor has issued an official response to the controversy so far.

With Deepika's old Cannes photograph now circulating widely, the debate over religious symbolism, cultural heritage and the boundaries of fashion has returned to the spotlight.