Last week, Ranveer Singh was criticised on social media for imitating Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara Chapter 1 at an event and for also calling the ‘daiva’ shown in the film as a “female ghost.” On Tuesday, the actor took to social media to render an apology for hurting people’s sentiments.
Ranveer took to Instagram stories and shared a note which read, “My intention was to highlight Rishabh's incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene in the way that he did, for which he has my utmost admiration.”
He added, “I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”
On Friday, Ranveer and Kantara actor and director Rishab Shetty were attending the closing ceremony of International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025. During the event, Ranveer praised the latter’s performance in the film and also imitated the film’s climax scene while referring to the ‘daiva’ as a “female ghost.”
However, his remarks and act did not sit well with a section of social media users, who called it insensitive and disrespectful. One comment read, “How can actors lack basic understanding of what should and shouldn’t be said? It is extremely disrespectful for people from the South that their goddess is being referred to as a female ghost.” Another wrote, “To be honest, I found it quite offensive. Ranveer should know better.” A third user commented, “It is absolute disrespect to the daivas.” Another said, “Ghost? He should have been more careful with his words — this is extremely tone-deaf.”
One of the comments read, “This is so disrespectful. She is not a ghost but a goddess herself.” Another wrote, “What an unaware and disrespectful man. His wife belongs to the same geographical region as the daiva tradition. At least show some respect.”
This controversy came just a week before the release of Ranveer’s actioner Dhurandhar. Helmed by Aditya Dhar, the film also stars Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna and R Madhavan.
