The controversy erupted after photographs and paparazzi videos from the birthday celebration of actors Kunal Verma and Puja Banerjee’s son showed Neha wearing a casual top featuring printed Urdu/Arabic calligraphy referring to "Allah, Rasool, Muhammad" positioned alongside casual cartoon graphics. Taking to social media on Wednesday evening, the couple stated that the garment was an unvetted fan gift from a trip to Bangkok and reiterated that neither of them could read or understand the script when she put it on.
The Backlash: Casual Fashion vs. Sacred Inscriptions
The uproar began earlier this week across social media platforms after visuals from the Mumbai birthday gathering circulated online:
The Objections: Several social media users and commentators—including Pakistani actress Mishi Khan, who posted a viral video demanding accountability—pointed out that sacred religious names should not be casually integrated into fast-fashion apparel or worn in recreational, party environments.
The Escalation: The criticism rapidly escalated into coordinated digital trolling, with vitriolic comments, religious curses, and direct threats targeted at Swami across her public profiles.
The Joint Clarification: "A Fan Gift from Bangkok"
In an extended statement posted to their official Instagram accounts, the couple detailed the background of how the T-shirt ended up in her wardrobe:
“We would like to address the ongoing situation concerning Neha Swami Bijlani and the T-shirt she was recently spotted wearing, which featured words in Urdu referring to the Prophet.
Neha was completely unaware of the meaning and significance of the writing on the T-shirt when she wore it. It was gifted to her by a fan during our visit to a mall in Bangkok. There was absolutely no intention to hurt, disrespect or offend the religious sentiments of any individual or community. We sincerely respect all religions, faiths and beliefs, and would never knowingly do anything to hurt the sentiments of others.”
They added: “We are sorry for what happened unintentionally and we will always be careful in future with regards to the gifts received.”
We sincerely apologise. ❤️ https://t.co/092cdOzZgI
— Arjun Bijlani (@Thearjunbijlani) October 14, 2026
Calling Out Online Abuse and Threats
While offering an apology for the oversight, Bijlani expressed concern over the personal vitriol aimed at his family:
Deeply Distressing: The statement noted:
“While we understand that people may have strong feelings about matters of religious significance, the trolling, abusive language, curses and threats directed at Neha are deeply distressing and unacceptable.”
Fraternity Support: Several television colleagues and followers urged netizens to show restraint, noting that ignorance of a foreign script on gifted merchandise should not invite extreme harassment once a clarification has been made.
Industry Take:
The incident highlights the recurring hazards celebrities face when wearing unverified international merchandise or fan gifts featuring non-native calligraphic scripts. While religious sensitivities remain high regarding sacred names on commercial apparel, the couple’s prompt, transparent explanation and apology are intended to de-escalate the controversy and prevent further harassment.
