Saif, the titular Nawab of Bhopal, was within the city Friday night to peer the arena Series Hockey game between Bhopal Badshahs and Delhi Wizards and to advertise his forthcoming film "Agent Vinod".
The protesters, led by Congress leader Arif Masood, also threatened that Saif's films may not be screened within the city until an Indian national is re-appointed as caretaker of 'Rubaats', or the guest houses in Saudi Arabia where Haj pilgrims, especially from Bhopal, stay during Haj.
"There were 45 'Rubaats' of the Hyderabad Nizam in Saudi Arabia but their number came all the way down to one after Saudi nationals were appointed as caretakers, " Arif Masood told reporters, explaining the cause of protesting the decision.
There are no less than seven rubaats which comes under Aukaf-e-Shahi, or the religious endowment trust of the erstwhile Nawabs of Bhopal.
Last year, after the demise of Saif's father Mansoor Ali Khan Pataudi, who was 'mutawalli' or administrator of the trust, his elder daughter Saba Ali Khan took his place.
Soon thereafter, the caretaker of rubaats, who was an Indian, was replaced by a Saudi national. The verdict have been widely criticized by locals.
It was not clear who gave the order, but Aukaf-e-Shahi secretary Anwar Muhammad Khan resigned from the post at the controversy.
Saif's grandmother wbecause the daughter of the last reigning Nawab of Bhopal and succeeded him as the titular ruler.
Courtesy: Mid-Day.com
