Nushrratt Bharuccha’s visit to Mahakaleshwar sparks debate
Bollywood actor Nushrratt Bharuccha found herself in the eye of a religious controversy after visiting the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain to attend the Bhasma Aarti and offer prayers ahead of the New Year 2026. Photos and video clips of the actress participating in the morning rituals circulated widely, prompting reactions from religious leaders and the public.
What happened at the temple
Nushrratt visited the famous Mahakaleshwar temple, one of the 12 Jyotirlingas, where the Bhasma Aarti — a distinctive ritual involving sacred ash — is performed. She was seen joining the aarti and offering prayers, a private spiritual act that she chose to share publicly. The visit was peaceful and followed the temple’s regular ceremonial schedule.
Cleric calls the act “a grave sin”
The visit drew a sharp public response from Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat. In a statement, the cleric described Bharuccha’s participation in Hindu rituals as a “grave sin” under Sharia law and urged her to repent. He said performing puja and similar acts goes against Islamic principles and encouraged the actress to recite the Kalma for forgiveness.
“Islam does not permit such acts,” the Maulana said, asserting that a Muslim participating in temple rituals would be “guilty in the eyes of Sharia.”
Context: the Bhasma Aarti and why it matters
The Bhasma Aarti at Mahakaleshwar is a centuries-old ceremony unique to the temple and attracts devotees from across India. During the ritual, sacred ash is applied and devotees seek the deity’s blessings for protection and renewal. For many visitors, participating in or witnessing the aarti is a deeply spiritual experience rather than a public statement.
Responses and the wider conversation
The exchange has prompted a broader discussion about personal choice, spirituality and religious tolerance in a diverse society. Supporters of Nushrratt have pointed out that spiritual experiences can be personal and that people often visit places of worship for solace or cultural interest. Others agree with the cleric’s view, framing the issue around religious doctrine.
Public reactions online and in the media have been mixed, with voices urging calm and respect for individual freedom, while some commentators emphasize adherence to religious guidelines. The incident underlines how actions by public figures can quickly become flashpoints in conversations about faith and identity.
Where this leaves Nushrratt professionally
On the work front, Nushrratt Bharuccha was last seen in the silent film Ufff Yeh Siyapaa. She is next slated to appear in Bun Tikki, scheduled for release in 2026. The controversy does not appear to affect her announced projects, but it has put her personal faith expressions into the spotlight.
Looking ahead
As the debate continues, many observers are calling for respectful dialogue and tolerance. Whether one agrees or disagrees with the cleric’s statement, the episode highlights how faith, celebrity and public life intersect in India — and why conversations about belief and personal choice often become part of the national discourse.