BENGALURU : Bengaluru’s High Grounds Police Station has registered a case against Bollywood star Ranveer Singh over allegations of hurting Hindu religious sentiments and disrespecting the Chavundi Daiva tradition of coastal Karnataka during an event in Goa. The FIR comes shortly after Singh issued a public apology, saying his actions were intended to “highlight Rishab’s remarkable performance” in the film Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1.
The complaint was filed by Prashanth Methal, a 46-year-old advocate from Bengaluru, leading to the FIR being lodged under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The matter is scheduled to be heard on April 8 in front of the 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) Court in Bengaluru.
Details of the FIR
The FIR alleges that Singh’s stage act not only mocked the Chavundi Daiva tradition but also referred to the deity as a “female ghost” during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last November. Methal claimed that the remarks were intentional and caused mental distress to devotees of the Daiva tradition.
The complaint further states that Singh’s act was deliberate and could incite hatred or unrest within society. Chavundi Daiva is revered as a guardian deity representing divine feminine power and is deeply respected by followers in coastal Karnataka.
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A video from the Goa event went viral, showing Singh saying, “I watched Kantara Chapter 1 in theatres, and Rishab, it was an outstanding performance, especially when the female ghost (Chamundi Daiva) enters your body, that shot was amazing.” He also imitated the scene despite Rishab Shetty previously requesting him not to.
Ranveer Singh’s Apology
Earlier, Singh had posted an apology on Instagram, stating that his intent was to showcase admiration for Rishab Shetty’s acting. “My intention was to highlight Rishab’s incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it takes to perform that particular scene the way he did, for which he has my utmost admiration,” Singh wrote.
He added, “I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”