Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has issued a formal apology following widespread criticism of his on-stage impersonation of Rishab Shetty’s performance from the acclaimed film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’. The incident occurred during the closing ceremonies of the 2025 International Film Festival of India in Goa, where Singh’s spontaneous recreation of a spiritual possession scene sparked immediate controversy.
Addressing the backlash through his Instagram Stories, Singh expressed contrition while clarifying his artistic intentions. ‘My purpose was solely to emphasize Rishab’s extraordinary portrayal in the film,’ the actor explained. ‘As one performer to another, I recognize the immense dedication required to execute that specific scene with such conviction—a achievement that commands my profound respect.’
Singh further elaborated on his cultural sensitivities: ‘I have consistently maintained deep reverence for all cultural traditions and beliefs within our nation. Should my actions have inadvertently offended anyone, I extend my heartfelt apologies.’
The controversial moment unfolded as Singh praised Shetty’s performance before live audiences, specifically referencing the supernatural sequence where a female entity inhabits the protagonist’s physical form. While Shetty himself responded with apparent amusement during the live event, digital platforms subsequently erupted with critiques condemning the imitation as culturally insensitive.
‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ explores the historical foundations of Daiva worship practices within Tulunadu’s indigenous communities, tracing spiritual lineages to the fourth-century Kadamba dynasty. Shetty portrays Berme—guardian of Kantara’s woodland territories and protector of tribal inhabitants—alongside co-stars Rukmini Vasanth, Gulshan Devaiah, and Jayaram. The narrative centers upon conflicts between aristocratic families seeking dominion over sacred lands and local populations defending their ancestral traditions.
Looking forward, Singh is scheduled to appear in ‘Dhurandhar,’ an espionage thriller directed by Aditya Dhar featuring ensemble cast members Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal. The project represents a collaborative production between Jio Studios and B62 Studios.