Ranveer Singh issues apology after Kantara mimicry backlash

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh has publicly apologised after igniting a firestorm of criticism for his mimicry of a sacred scene from the film Kantara – Chapter 1 at the closing ceremony of IFFI 2025 in Goa. The controversy erupted when Singh re-performed the film’s climactic “Daiva” scene — referring to the revered deity as a “female ghost” and mimicking the ritualistic expression on stage. What may have been intended as a tribute to Rishab Shetty’s intense performance instead struck a chord with many viewers as culturally insensitive and disrespectful.

In a post on his Instagram story, Singh clarified that his only intention was to highlight and appreciate Rishab Shetty’s exceptional acting. “Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene the way he did, for which he has my utmost admiration,” he wrote. He further stressed that he has “always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country.” He concluded by offering a heartfelt apology to anyone whose sentiments may have been hurt.

The backlash gained momentum after clips of the performance circulated widely on social media, with many condemning the imitation as dismissive of the spiritual and cultural significance of the “Daiva” tradition depicted in the film. A formal complaint was reportedly filed by a religious group, adding to the controversy. The incident — coming just days before the release of Singh’s next film — has brought renewed focus on the sensitivity required when engaging with regional cultural narratives.