Actor Ranveer Singh has issued a public apology after coming under sharp criticism for his remarks at the closing ceremony of IFFI 2025 in Goa on Friday. While praising Rishabh Shetty’s powerful climax scene in Kantara Chapter 1, released on October 2, Singh wrongly referred to the goddess depicted in the possession sequence as a “female ghost” and briefly imitated the moment on stage.
The remark quickly attracted criticism online for being disrespectful to the cultural and religious significance of the ritual depicted in the movie.
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Ranveer's Response: 'If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise'
Amid mounting calls for a public apology, especially from Hindu groups, Singh addressed the controversy in a statement on Tuesday through his social media handle.
He made it clear he only wanted to appreciate 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." He reiterated that his remark was never meant to belittle any belief or tradition and added, “I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise."
Complaint filed by Hindu Janajagruti Samiti
As per a report by the Times of India, a complaint was filed by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) with Panaji Police on Monday, accusing Singh of insulting Goddess Chamundadevi. In a memorandum submitted by the HJS representatives, Pramod Tuyekar and Dilip Shetye, it was mentioned that the imitation and description by the actor amounted to hurting religious sentiments.
The statement from the group said, "Chamundi Daiva is considered a sacred family deity of the Tulu community, and depicting or describing the deity in a derogatory manner amounts to disrespect. Such acts may cause public resentment and disturb peace.”
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The HJS has sought action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and demanded an assurance from the actor that he would avoid such remarks in future.
The controversy comes just ahead of Singh's next theatrical release. His action film Dhurandhar, directed by Aditya Dhar and co-starring Arjun Rampal, Kashaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt and Sara Arjun, is set to hit theatres on Friday, December 5. With conversations about the incident continuing online, the apology by the actor tries to placate tempers as the release week of the film gains momentum.
