Bollywood actor Nushratt Bharuccha has come under sharp criticism from a Uttar Pradesh-based cleric following her visit to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. Bareilly-based cleric Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi termed her participation in Hindu rituals as “haram” under Islamic law, calling it a major sin and issuing a fatwa against her. He also invoked Sharia law, asking the actor to repent and recite the Kalma.
The controversy began after Nushratt shared details of her second visit to the Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga. Photos and videos on social media showed her participating in the Bhasma Aarti, offering prayers and receiving blessings at the sanctum, an experience she described as “beautiful” and “deeply meaningful.”
In an online video, the actor praised the arrangements for devotees and said she hoped to visit the temple every year, also posting “Jai Mahakal” on Instagram. Hours later, cleric Shahabuddin Razvi issued a fatwa, stating that her participation in Hindu rituals violated Sharia and constituted a grave sin, though he clarified he had no legal authority and was only advising repentance.
The remarks sparked a strong backlash online, with many criticising the cleric for “faith policing” and curbing personal freedom. Razvi dismissed the criticism, saying he was speaking purely as a religious leader and that Bharuccha was free to accept or ignore the fatwa.
