Shafaq Naaz confronted trolls who criticised her Karwa Chauth celebrations and targeted her husband. She said celebrating another culture cannot alter religious identity and called for mutual respect.Shafaq Naaz with husband Zeeshan Pewekar.

Credit: Instagram/shafaqnaaz777New Delhi,Nov 3, 2026 10:21 ISTTV actor Shafaq Naaz has responded to social media users who criticised her for celebrating Karwa Chauth and wearing sindoor. Calling out the abuse and trolling directed at her and her husband, Zeeshan Pewekar, the actor said that celebrating another culture's festival and wearing sindoor does not change one's religion.The controversy began after the Mahabharat actor shared pictures from her Karwa Chauth celebrations with Zeeshan, a Mumbai-based businessman.

Dressed in a red saree, with red bangles and sindoor, the actor posted pictures with her husband and wrote, "All dressed up for the man who has seen me at my absolute worst. Happy karva chauth."However, her post attracted criticism from a section of social media users, with some questioning her decision to observe the Hindu festival despite being Muslim.Reacting to the backlash, Shafaq shared a video addressing the comments and expressing disappointment over the intolerance.

In the caption, she wrote, "Honestly, it’s sad that we’re even having to discuss something like this. And this isn’t about one religion or one community.

It goes for everyone. A little more respect, a little more understanding and a little less hate." In the video, the actor said she was surprised by the abuse she received for simply sharing pictures of herself celebrating the festival.

She also clarified that her husband is Muslim and questioned the suggestion that wearing sindoor or observing Karwa Chauth could change someone's religious identity."How does wearing sindoor change your religion? Is your religion so fragile that celebrating another culture or its festival can shake your faith completely?

What kind of logic is that?" she said. Shafaq further spoke about India's cultural diversity, pointing out that people from different communities live together and celebrate each other's festivals.

She said she has always celebrated occasions such as Holi, Diwali, Christmas and Raksha Bandhan and has never felt the need to hide it.The actor also expressed anger over trolls targeting her husband and using abusive language against him. She questioned why people were dragging him into the controversy and said it was heartbreaking to see such intolerance.Shafaq stressed that respecting another person's faith should not be difficult and that religious teachings encourage people to respect different beliefs rather than insult them.She also maintained that religion is a personal matter and that nobody has the right to dictate how another person should practise their faith."I cannot sit here every time and tell you how many times I offer namaz, how much I fast or what else I do.

Religion is a very personal thing. It is a belief.

I will do whatever I can and whatever I want to do within my capacity. You should not force or judge anyone," she said.The actor added that she would continue celebrating festivals that she believes in, regardless of online criticism.

She also made it clear that people who disagreed with her choices were free to unfollow her.Shafaq concluded by urging people to stop fighting over religious and cultural differences, reiterating that respect should be mutual and that no faith is superior or inferior to another.Shafaq Naaz is an Indian television actor known for her work in shows such as Mahabharat, Chidiya Ghar and Gum Hai Kisi Ke Pyar Mein. She got married to Zeeshan in a secret 2024 wedding and introduced him through an Instagram post in June this year.- Ends