New Delhi: Ranver Singh issued an apology Tuesday after facing backlash for mimicking Rishab Shetty’s character from megahit Kantara: Chapter 1 at the International Film Festival of India 2025 closing ceremony in Goa. The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti has filed a complaint against the Bollywood star, alleging he insulted goddess Chamundidevi.
After the actor’s mimicry was called out as insensitive and tone-deaf on social media, Singh shared a story on his Instagram account and wrote, “I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”
On 28 November, Singh first praised Shetty’s performance in the film before imitating the film’s climax scene and referring to Chamnundi daiva, considered a goddess, as a ‘female ghost’.
In his apology, Singh reiterated his admiration of Shetty’s performance.
“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,” wrote Singh.
One video shows Rishab standing up as Ranveer noticed him and greeted him. After they hugged, Ranveer can be seen making faces as he attempts to mimic Rishab’s famous scenes from the Kantara films. Rishab then puts up a finger, gesturing to him not to do it.
But Singh did not pay heed to Shetty’s friendly warning and mimicked the scene anyway, in a way that was seen as disrespectful.
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‘Lack of responsibility’
“An apology isn’t even scratching the surface here. This is straight-up blasphemy. You can practically see the rage on Rishabh’s face and the crowd down there. Completely unacceptable,” wrote an X user, calling Singh a ‘bolly-joker’
Others expressed their disappointment in the lack of responsibility on Singh’s part while talking about the film.
“It’s disturbing to see celebrities making a mockery of our beliefs and values. You’re a responsible person with a huge fan following, any action of yours can influence lakhs of ppl. Stop degrading our culture and beliefs otherwise refuse to host the show where u don’t believe,” wrote another user.
On Monday, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti submitted a memorandum at the Panaji police station, seeking the registration of a complaint under the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita. They also demanded a code of conduct for those attending IFFI and a public apology from Singh.
(Edited by Saptak Datta)