Kareena Kapoor's Diwali look: 200-year-old Bhopal royal heirlooms
Synopsis
Kareena Kapoor's Diwali wasn't just a fashion moment — it was a living history lesson. The 200-year-old kalgi of the Nawab of Bhopal and a 30-carat emerald of the Begum, carved with the Ayat-ul-Kursi, trace directly back to Saif Ali Khan's grandmother Sajida Sultan, the daughter of Bhopal's last ruling Nawab.
Key Takeaways
Kareena Kapoor Khan celebrated Diwali 2026 in a pure silver (chandi) kaftan and turban designed by Punit Balana .
She wore a 200-year-old kalgi that once belonged to the Nawab of Bhopal .
A 30-carat emerald associated with the Begum of Bhopal , carved with the Ayat-ul-Kursi , was also part of the ensemble.
The heirlooms came through husband Saif Ali Khan's family — his grandmother, Sajida Sultan , was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal .
Stylist and producer Rhea Kapoor shared details of the look, calling Kareena a 'real movie star' with 'real heirlooms'.
Actor Kareena Kapoor Khan turned heads this Diwali with a festive ensemble that blended high craftsmanship with centuries-old royal history — wearing a pure silver (chandi) kaftan and turban paired with 200-year-old heirloom jewellery from the royal family of Bhopal. The look, staged at her Mumbai residence, drew widespread attention after stylist and producer Rhea Kapoor shared details of the outfit on social media.
The Ensemble in Detail
Kareena wore a pure chandi kaftan and turban designed by Punit Balana. The look was elevated by a 200-year-old kalgi that once belonged to the Nawab of Bhopal, and a 30-carat emerald associated with the Begum of Bhopal. Notably, the emerald is carved with the Ayat-ul-Kursi — a verse from the Quran — making it one of the most spiritually and historically significant pieces in the collection. She accessorised further with an antique gold choker paired with an emerald pendant necklace.
The Royal Family Connection
The jewellery is part of Kareena's own collection, inherited through her husband Saif Ali Khan's lineage. As Rhea Kapoor explained, Saif's grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, directly linking these pieces to one of India's most storied royal families. This heritage connection gave the Diwali appearance a dimension well beyond fashion.
Rhea Kapoor's Post and Public Reaction
Sharing photographs of the look, Rhea Kapoor wrote: 'Real movie star, real chandi, real heirlooms, and real personal style. Kareena in a pure chandi kaftan and turban by @punit.balana, wearing a 200-year-old kalgi from the Nawab of Bhopal and the Begum of Bhopal's 30-carat emerald, carved with the Ayat-ul-Kursi. Jewelry: Heirlooms of the Bhopal royal family, Kareena's own. These pieces come through Saif's family: his grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal.' The post highlighted both the personal significance and the irreplaceable historical value of the jewels.
The Setting and Personal Celebrations
Kareena posed on the balcony of her Mumbai home, which was adorned with festive lights and floral decorations for the occasion. She also shared a series of photographs on her own Instagram handle, offering glimpses of her Diwali celebrations with family. The 'Jab We Met' actor's choice to celebrate the festival draped in centuries of royal heritage was widely seen as a distinctive, personal statement.
Point of View
Surfacing a lineage that most audiences would not have known. The story of Sajida Sultan and Bhopal's last Nawab deserves to be told more fully; this Diwali look has inadvertently reopened that conversation.
NationPress
9 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Kareena Kapoor wear for Diwali 2026?
Kareena Kapoor wore a pure silver (chandi) kaftan and turban designed by Punit Balana, paired with 200-year-old heirloom jewellery from the royal family of Bhopal. The look included a kalgi from the Nawab of Bhopal and a 30-carat emerald belonging to the Begum of Bhopal.
What is the history behind Kareena Kapoor's Diwali jewellery?
The jewellery traces back to the Bhopal royal family and came to Kareena through her husband Saif Ali Khan's lineage. Saif's grandmother, Sajida Sultan, was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, making these heirlooms over 200 years old.
What is the significance of the 30-carat emerald Kareena wore?
The emerald is associated with the Begum of Bhopal and is carved with the Ayat-ul-Kursi, a verse from the Quran, making it one of the most historically and spiritually significant pieces in the collection. It is estimated to be over 200 years old.
Who revealed the details of Kareena's Diwali look?
Stylist and producer Rhea Kapoor shared photographs and details of the ensemble on social media, describing Kareena as a 'real movie star' and explaining the royal family connection behind each piece.
Who was Sajida Sultan and how is she connected to Saif Ali Khan?
Sajida Sultan was the daughter of the last ruling Nawab of Bhopal, and she is the paternal grandmother of actor Saif Ali Khan. This lineage connects the Bhopal royal heirlooms directly to Saif's family, and by extension, to Kareena Kapoor Khan.
