Shaista Lodhi On How Her Spiritual Moments During Umrah Met With Public Intrusion

Renowned host and actor Shaista Lodhi recently opened up about her Umrah experience, reflecting on how being a public figure can sometimes intrude on deeply personal and spiritual moments.

Speaking on a Ramadan show, Shaista expressed gratitude for her unexpected opportunity to perform Umrah, calling it “one of the most memorable moments of my life.” She cherished every moment of worship but acknowledged the challenges of maintaining privacy as a celebrity, even in sacred spaces.

She revealed how people surrounded her with questions and took pictures without consent. “I was praying at Hateem (one of the most sacred areas within Masjid al-Haram) when people started secretly taking my pictures. I had no idea what they intended to do with photos of me at the Holy Kaaba,” she shared.

Adding to her unsettling experience, she recounted, “During my prayer, some women started recording videos and asked me, ‘What are you doing here?’ I was left speechless, unsure how to respond.”

Host Faysal Quraishi supported her sentiments, sharing similar stories from other celebrities. He remarked that while fans’ curiosity is understandable, celebrities should not be expected to entertain others at holy sites, emphasizing that “Umrah is a deeply personal journey for everyone.”