In a pointed interview, Rashidi labeled the demand ‘utterly shameful.’ He challenged the hypocrisy: celebrities like Sara and Salman host Ganpati celebrations and join Holi festivities without scrutiny. ‘Film personalities don’t belong to one religion,’ he asserted. ‘Binding them in such boxes is unfair.’ Rashidi referenced Sara’s earlier temple outings amid public outcry and Nushrratt Bharuccha’s similar experiences.

Temple chief Hemant Dwivedi defended the policy, stating it’s open to all who affirm Sanatana Dharma beliefs through a sworn statement. Adopted in a key committee session, the rule aims to bar non-believers from sacred spaces like Kedarnath and Badrinath.

This development arrives amid heightened anticipation for the yatra season, prompting questions about religious inclusivity in Hinduism’s holiest sites. While the committee prioritizes ritual purity, voices like Rashidi’s advocate for a more open approach, reflecting Bollywood’s syncretic traditions. As pilgrims gear up, the affidavit stipulation may define access to these divine abodes, fueling national discourse on faith and fame.