Ranveer Singh apologizes for mispronouncing Kantara daivas at IFFI 2025 Goa, clarifying he meant to honor Rishab Shetty’s iconic performance.

After receiving a lot of backlash for imitating actor-director Rishab Shetty’s famous Daiva performance from Kantara at the IFFI 2025 closing ceremony in Goa, Ranveer Singh has issued an apology. The incident, which took place on stage with Rishab present, sparked intense internet comments, particularly after Ranveer mispronounced the daivas as “ghosts.”

On Instagram, Ranveer Singh apologizes.

The actor acknowledged that his intentions had been misunderstood in a letter posted on Instagram Stories early on Tuesday. “I wanted to draw attention to Rishabh’s outstanding performance in the movie. I have the biggest respect for him because, as an actor, I am aware of how difficult it would be to execute that specific scene in the manner that he did.

“I have always had the utmost respect for every culture, tradition, and belief in our nation,” he added. I truly apologize if I have offended anyone.

Why the dispute arose

Ranveer paused during the IFFI closing ceremony to commend Rishab Shetty’s efforts. “I watched Kantara Chapter 1 in theaters, and Rishab, it was an outstanding performance, especially when the female ghost (Chamundi daiva) enters your body — that shot was amazing,” he is heard saying in films that are making the rounds online.

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Rishab laughed as Anveer reenacted a segment of the scenario, but social media users, especially those who were interested in the movie’s cultural origins, were not amused. Others pointed out his mistake in referring to daivas—guardian deities of the forest—as “ghosts,” while many believed the mimicry trivialized a highly cherished ceremony.

Another video from the occasion, in which Rishab was seen warning Ranveer not to imitate him, added gasoline to the fire. The uproar was heightened by this as well as an official complaint made by a Hindu group alleging that Ranveer had offended religious feelings.

What will happen to Ranveer Singh next?

Ranveer is preparing for the debut of Dhurandhar, an espionage thriller that opens in theaters this Friday, despite the uproar. Ranveer plays an Indian agent who infiltrates criminal networks in Lyari Town, Pakistan, in this Aditya Dhar-directed movie. Sara Arjun, R Madhavan, Akshaye Khanna, Sanjay Dutt, and Arjun Rampal are also part of the cast.