Lenskart hijab-bindi row: BJP leader storms Lenskart store, applies tilak to staff amid controversy
Lenskart hijab-bindi row: Amid controversy over allegations that Lenskart discouraged employees from wearing bindi and tilak while allowing the hijab, members of Hindu organisations—led by Nazia Elahi—entered a Mumbai showroom, applied tilak on staff, tied sacred threads (kalawa), and raised slogans.
Elahi and others confronted store employees, chanting “Jai Shri Ram” and questioning the floor manager, identified as Mohsin Khan, over the alleged restrictions on Hindu symbols. In a video, she is heard asking whether the ban on tilak was linked to his identity. Speaking outside, she accused the company of favouring one religion and warned of a boycott or shutdown of outlets unless an apology was issued.
The situation intensified when Khan called Hindu employees forward and applied tilak on their foreheads, saying there should be no hesitation in expressing religious identity. The employees appeared uncomfortable but did not resist.
One showroom staffer claimed that during training, employees were told not to wear tilak or kalawa, and that female staff—even if married—were not permitted to wear a mangalsutra. The allegations triggered anger among those present, with activists demanding an explanation from the management and calling for the outlet’s closure pending an investigation.
As the row grew, Lenskart issued an apology. CEO Peyush Bansal said the document being circulated was outdated and did not reflect current company policy, adding that references to bindi and tilak had already been removed.
- With inputs from agencies
