UP Maulana upset over Nushrratt Bharuccha’s Mahakal visit:Says actress committed ‘major sin’ by offering prayers; calls it is against Shariat

Bollywood actress Nushrratt Bharuccha’s visit to the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain has triggered a political and religious controversy after sharp remarks from a cleric in Uttar Pradesh. In Bareilly, All India Muslim Jamaat National President Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi criticised the actress, calling her temple visit a “serious sin” under Islamic law. He said Bharuccha, being a Muslim woman, should repent for participating in Hindu rituals. Maulana’s statement Reacting to her visit, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi said Islam does not permit such acts.He stated that, according to Shariat, Bharuccha’s participation in worship at the temple amounted to a major sin, and that she should feel remorse, repent, and recite the Kalma. He claimed she had acted against the principles of Islam and therefore fell under the purview of Sharia. Saints in Ujjain hit back The Maulana’s remarks drew strong reactions from saints and seers in Ujjain, who condemned his statement and defended the actress’s right to follow her faith. Mahant Vishal Das said that if someone visits a temple willingly, clerics should not interfere. He described Bharuccha’s visit as a reflection of India’s Ganga-Jamuna culture and warned against imposing religious views on others. Similarly, Mahant Satyanand of Shri Panchayati Akhada Bada Udasin said that issuing such statements or “fatwas” was inappropriate. He added that faith is personal and Bharuccha’s visit symbolised harmony rather than conflict. Saints in Ujjain hit back The Maulana’s remarks drew strong reactions from saints and seers in Ujjain, who condemned his statement and defended the actress’s right to follow her faith. Mahant Vishal Das said that if someone visits a temple willingly, clerics should not interfere. He described Bharuccha’s visit as a reflection of India’s Ganga-Jamuna culture and warned against imposing religious views on others. Similarly, Mahant Satyanand of Shri Panchayati Akhada Bada Udasin said that issuing such statements or “fatwas” was inappropriate. He added that faith is personal and Bharuccha’s visit symbolised harmony rather than conflict. No response from the actress Nushrratt Bharuccha, who belongs to the Dawoodi Bohra community, has not issued any response to the controversy so far. The actress is known for her lead roles in films such as Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, Pyaar Ka Punchnama, and Dream Girl. Maulana’s earlier remarks on New Year celebrations This is not the first time Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi has sparked debate. Earlier, he had released a video urging Muslims not to celebrate New Year, calling it un-Islamic and a wasteful expense. He said the Islamic calendar begins with Muharram, while the Hindu calendar starts with Chaitra, and described December 31–January 1 celebrations as part of European culture involving activities not permitted under Shariat. The latest controversy has once again reignited discussions on religious freedom, personal faith, and cultural harmony in the country.