PANAJI: Following complaints by the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) on Monday, alleging that Ranveer Singh mocked Goddess Chamunda Devi during the IFFI 56 closing ceremony, the actor issued a public apology.
Taking to Instagram Stories today, Ranveer said his intention was to celebrate Rishab Shetty’s performance in Kantara and expressed regret if anyone’s sentiments were hurt. He wrote, “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. I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”
The controversy arose when Ranveer mimicked Rishab’s Devi act from the Kantara films, referring to the Devi as “ghost.” While Rishab Shetty, present in the audience, laughed at the imitation, many on social media called the act disrespectful toward the Kotitulu community, for whom Chamunda Devi is a sacred deity. Earlier in the ceremony, Rishab had reportedly warned Ranveer not to mimic him, which intensified the criticism online.
HJS submitted a formal complaint to the Panaji police, now transferred to Agassaim Police Station on jurisdiction grounds, urging a case be registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The group also called on IFFI organisers to implement a code of conduct to prevent similar incidents and asked Ranveer Singh to refrain from such performances in the future.
