Row over actor Nushrratt Bharuccha’s Mahakal temple visit, cleric objects, saints defend

A controversy broke out after Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha visited the Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain. A Muslim cleric objected to her taking part in Hindu rituals, while several Hindu saints came out in her support, saying faith is a personal choice.

Nushrratt visited the temple on Tuesday and attended the early morning Bhasma Aarti. She offered water to the deity, took prasad and met temple officials, who later honoured her. The actor said the visit felt peaceful and positive, and added that she would like to return.

After the visit, Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, president of the All India Muslim Jamaat, criticised her actions. He said that taking part in temple rituals went against Islamic teachings and called it ‘un-Islamic’, adding that she should repent. His remarks quickly sparked reactions.

Nushrratt, who belongs to the Dawoodi Bohra community, has not responded to the cleric’s comments. Earlier, she had only spoken positively about the temple visit and thanked authorities for the arrangements.

The cleric’s statement was strongly criticised by Hindu saints in Ujjain. Mahant Vishal Das reportedly said religion is a personal matter and questioned why anyone should object to someone visiting a place of worship. He said the actor’s visit reflected India’s shared culture and urged religious leaders not to pass judgments on personal faith.