Ranveer Singh has to say sorry after the Kantara mimicry controversy at IFFI 2025: "My sole intention was to pay Rishab Shetty's talent with a little tribute."

Ranveer Singh finds himself amidst the social media debate, once again, this time for impersonating Rishab Shetty's, at IFFI 2025, KANTARA's Chapter 1's dramatic climax, and Daiva performances. What was initially a

RANVEER SINGH'S PUBLIC APOLOGY

Ranveer, responding to the audience's reactions, issued an emotional apology through Instagram Stories on Tuesday morning.

He stated:

"My intention was not to highlight Rishabh's incredible acting in the motion picture. As a fellow actor, I am aware of the effort it takes for the performer to execute that scene perfectly. He possesses my deepest admiration."

Ranveer has been on the side of India’s cultures and traditions, which are not only numerous but also very diverse. He has further remarked that if any of the sentiments has been hurt due to his act, then he sincerely apologises.

The actor’s apology came right after a police complaint was reportedly filed by a Hindu organization alleging that his performance was offensive to religious feelings.

HOW THE CONTROVERSY GREW

Ranveer, during the IFFI closing ceremony, was all praise for Rishab Shetty and admitted how profoundly Kantara Chapter 1 influenced him.

But at the same time, the videos of the event depicted Ranveer's imitation of the Daiva possession scene, which is steeped in ritualistic significance.A part of the online audience believed that the imitation was a way of showing disrespect to the ritual. Another clip went around where Rishab appeared to warn Ranveer not to copy him, which added more fire to the backlash.

What was meant as a sign of adoration turned out to be viewed as an act of disrespect thus inciting the debate on the matter of cultural sensitivity.

Ranveer Singh's Upcoming Major Release

Despite the whole issue, Ranveer is still ready for the release of Dhurandhar, a spine-chilling spy thriller that will be coming to the cinemas this Friday.

The movie, directed by Aditya Dhar, has Ranveer playing an Indian agent who is going deep into the world of criminals in Pakistan's Lyari Town. The star-studded cast also includes Arjun Rampal, Sanjay Dutt, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, and Sara Arjun.