Sara Ali Khan Facing New Entry Requirements for Kedarnath Temple
A new policy from the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) has cast a shadow over actress Sara Ali Khan’s frequent spiritual pilgrimages to the Himalayas. According to recent statements from the committee’s chairman, Hemant Dwivedi, the actress may now need to formally declare her allegiance to Sanatan Dharma to gain entrance to the holy shrine.
The New Directive: Faith via Affidavit
During a media address in Dehradun on Tuesday, Chairman Dwivedi announced that individuals who are not traditional followers of Sanatan Dharma will now be required to submit a legal affidavit proving their belief in Hinduism to visit temples managed by the committee.
Addressing the actress specifically, Dwivedi stated, “If Sara Ali Khan expresses her devotion towards Sanatan Dharma and submits an affidavit, we will allow her to offer prayers.”
A Legacy of Interfaith Harmony
Sara, the daughter of actor Saif Ali Khan (Muslim) and Amrita Singh (Sikh), comes from a family long celebrated for its pluralistic values. Sources close to the family expressed deep hurt and bewilderment over the new restrictions:
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A Liberal History: The Pataudi family has a long-standing history of interfaith harmony, starting with Sara’s grandmother, Sharmila Tagore, and her 43-year marriage to Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi.
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Modern Precedents: Her father, Saif, has been married to Kareena Kapoor (a Punjabi Hindu) for over a decade without such questions of “allegiance” ever surfacing.
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The Source’s View: A family friend noted that such restrictions were “unimaginable” just a few years ago, questioning the direction of the current cultural climate.
A Connection Born from Cinema
Sara’s bond with the Kedarnath shrine is deeply personal and dates back to 2017, when she spent months in the region filming her debut movie, Kedarnath, alongside the late Sushant Singh Rajput. Since then, she has made it a point to visit the shrine regularly—a tradition that now hangs in the balance unless she chooses to comply with the new documentation requirements.
While Sara Ali Khan herself has refrained from making a public comment, the move has sparked a wider conversation regarding religious inclusivity at one of India’s most significant spiritual landmarks.
