Bollywood actor Sara Ali Khan may be required to submit an affidavit if she wishes to offer prayers at Kedarnath and Badrinath, following a new directive proposed by the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee.
Temple Committee Chairman Hemant Dwivedi said that non-Hindu devotees would need to provide a written declaration affirming their belief in Sanatan Dharma in order to seek blessings at the temples.
Affidavit rule for non-Hindu devotees
Speaking to the media, Dwivedi stated that the rule would apply uniformly to all non-Hindus visiting the shrines. He added that devotees would have to submit proof of their faith through an affidavit.
“If Sara Ali Khan expresses her devotion towards Sanatan Dharma and submits an affidavit, we will allow her to offer prayers,” he said.
According to the proposed guideline, individuals must declare, “I am a Sanatani; I believe in Hindutva,” to gain access to the temples. The move signals a more formalised process for non-Hindu devotees seeking entry.
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#WATCH | " Sab sanatani hain...Yahan jo bhi hain sanatani hain...Wo bhi sanatani hai, so why fear in writing down the truth," says BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, on reports of Badrinath, Kedarnath Temple Committee Chairman asking actor Sara Ali Khan to submit an affidavit to offer… pic.twitter.com/Zz5V4bsnai
— ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2026
Kangana Ranaut reacts
Actor and politician Kangana Ranaut also commented on the controversy. As per ANI, speaking to reporters outside Parliament, she said, “Sab sanatani hain... Yahan jo bhi hain sanatani hain... Wo bhi sanatani hai, so why fear in writing down the truth.”
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Sara’s long-standing connection with Kedarnath
Sara Ali Khan has maintained a consistent personal connection with the Kedarnath Temple over the years. Her association with the shrine began during the filming of Kedarnath in 2017, which marked her Bollywood debut. Since then, she has visited the temple almost every year during its open season between April and November. Located at an altitude of around 3,583 metres, the temple is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva and remains a significant pilgrimage site.
Her visits are typically personal, involving trekking or helicopter travel, and include standard rituals such as early morning darshan and offerings. She often shares glimpses of these visits on social media, showcasing the temple and the surrounding Himalayan landscape.
