An act rooted in devotion has unexpectedly ignited a wider conversation around faith, belief and personal choice. Actor Nushrratt Bharuccha recently visited the Shri Mahakaleshwar Jyotirlinga Temple in Ujjain, where she participated in the sacred Bhasma Aarti to seek blessings ahead of the New Year 2026. What began as a spiritual visit soon became a major talking point across social media platforms.
Nushrratt attended the early morning ritual, during which she was warmly received by temple priests and honoured with a traditional stole. Pictures and videos from the ceremony quickly went viral online, drawing a mix of admiration and criticism. While many users applauded her for exercising spiritual freedom and embracing India’s pluralistic traditions, others questioned her presence at a Hindu temple due to her Muslim identity.
The debate intensified after Maulana Shahabuddin Razvi Barelvi, National President of the All India Muslim Jamaat, publicly criticised the actress. As reported by NDTV, the cleric stated that participating in Hindu rituals, performing puja and applying sandalwood at a temple amounts to a “grave sin” under Sharia law. He claimed such actions go against Islamic principles and urged Nushrratt to repent and recite the Kalma.
This is not the first time Nushrratt Bharuccha has spoken candidly about her relationship with faith. In a previous interview with journalist Shubhankar Mishra, the actress emphasised that her belief system is deeply personal and centred on peace rather than religious labels. “For me, my faith is real. Unreal things happen and that’s what strengthens my belief,” she shared, explaining that her spiritual connection gives her strength and clarity.
Nushrratt also spoke openly about finding solace across different places of worship and practising her faith in her own way. “Wherever you find peace—be it a mandir, a gurudwara or a church—you should go there,” she said. She added that she prays namaz regularly, even carrying her prayer mat while travelling, and believes in one God with multiple paths leading to Him. According to her, exploring these paths brings the same sense of calm and connection.
On the professional front, Nushrratt was last seen in the silent film Ufff Yeh Siyapaa. She is next set to appear in Bun Tikki, which is scheduled for a 2026 release.
As the debate continues, Nushrratt Bharuccha’s temple visit has once again highlighted ongoing conversations around faith, inclusivity and the right to spiritual self-expression in contemporary India.
