Faith Is Personal: Sonia Bansal Defends Sara Ali Khan's Temple Visit
Television and reality show personality Sonia Bansal has defended Sara Ali Khan after the actress faced backlash over her darshan at the Kedarnath temple. Bansal argues that faith is a private matter and that people should be allowed to seek peace at any place of worship without fear of judgement.
She believes that the focus should remain on compassion and mutual respect instead of dividing people by religion.
Bansal, who gained recognition from Bigg Boss 17, said Sara is a fine actress who has always followed her instincts. She noted that Sara has visited Kedarnath on multiple occasions. Bansal recalled that Sara was part of the film 'Kedarnath', which portrayed faith, love, and humanity against the temple's setting.
'It baffles me why a personal act like seeking blessings has become a matter of dispute,' Bansal remarked. 'She is a human being who, like anyone else, wants to pray and feel calm inside.'
The actress expressed sadness at how swiftly everyday choices get tied to religion. She raised pointed questions about the direction in which society is moving and the values children are learning. 'Are we teaching our children to love, accept, and honour people, or are we first teaching them to notice differences?' she asked. Bansal observed that while the world progresses, people remain caught up in discussions about Hindu and Muslim identities, and said such thinking needs to be left behind.
Bansal described temples, mosques, and churches as spaces where people find devotion, tranquillity, and belonging. 'If someone wishes to bow their head in a temple, offer prayers in a mosque, or find serenity in a church, why should anyone mind? Each place of worship deserves respect, and everyone should have the liberty to pray as per their faith. Before any identity, we are all human,' she said.
She also questioned why people should doubt someone's intentions in the name of religion. Bansal stressed that faith is deeply personal and that no outsider can truly know what someone feels while standing before a deity and asking for blessings. She added that the way society treats such moments will shape the future for coming generations.
According to Bansal, Sara has entertained audiences and built a strong connection with viewers through her work. She said the actress should be celebrated for her talent and character, not dragged into controversy over visiting a religious site. Bansal expressed hope that people would learn to spread more love and less hate.
Sara Ali Khan reached the Kedarnath temple on October 25. Photos of her standing in the darshan queue appeared online, and she was later seen outside the shrine with folded hands in prayer. Following the visit, a debate erupted, and reports indicate that an Islamic religious leader has issued a fatwa against her.