02 December,2025 12:37 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer Singh, a Bollywood star, is just days away from the debut of his highly awaited flick Dhurandhar, which is set to open in theatres on December 5. However, the excitement around the movie has been eclipsed by a controversy that arose following the actor's presence at the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. What was supposed to be a lighthearted moment onstage has now sparked public outrage, formal complaints, and calls for an apology.
Now, Ranveer Singh took to his Instagram handle to issue an apology, the statement read, 'My intention was to highlight Rishab'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 had my utmost admiration. I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise.'
The incident occurred when Ranveer mimicked the finale sequence from Kantara - Chapter 1 in front of the audience, which included director and actor Rishab Shetty. During the impersonation, he equated the sacred Chamundi Daiva, a mystical figure shown in the film and adored in coastal Karnataka, to a "female ghost". The statement was welcomed with laughs from some attendees at the event, but it quickly became a source of outrage when a video of the incident leaked online.
The viral video swiftly spread across social media platforms, with many viewers calling Ranveer's performance "insensitive" and "tone-deaf". Several viewers claimed that the actor's seemingly innocuous humour came off as deeply disrespectful to individuals who follow the Daiva tradition.
The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) filed an official complaint against the actor, which exacerbated the situation even more. According to the PTI report, Ranveer "insulted Goddess Chamundadevi by describing the deity in a derogatory manner".
HJS members Pramod Tuyekar and Dilip Shetye filed a complaint with the Panaji police, urging authorities to take action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. According to the memorandum, Chamundi Daiva is a significant family deity in the Kotitulu/Tulu group, and negatively presenting him can cause unrest and offend religious sensibilities.
Along with legal proceedings, HJS has demanded that Ranveer make a public apology. They advised the actor to promise not to make similar remarks or performances in the future. It also urged IFFI organisers to develop a code of conduct to ensure that no deity or spiritual tradition is insulted at award ceremonies or public events. While encouraging supporters to express their concerns, HJS stressed that protests must be peaceful and within legal limitations.
