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Ranveer Singh's IFFI Act Sparks Cultural Backlash
30 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Ranveer Singh mimicked a sacred Daiva ritual at IFFI, causing offense.
- Rishab Shetty politely asked Ranveer to stop the imitation during the event.
- Filmmakers previously cautioned against trivializing sacred Daiva rituals.
During the closing ceremony of IFFI 2025 in Goa, Ranveer Singh's attempt to honor Rishab Shetty and 'Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1' led to controversy. Singh's reenactment of a dramatic scene involved referring to the film's revered 'Daiva' as a 'female ghost' and mimicking a possession-like performance, which immediately sparked disapproval from attendees and online viewers.
A source present at the event revealed that Rishab Shetty had already politely asked Ranveer Singh to refrain from mimicking the Daiva. Despite this request, Singh repeated the act on stage, reportedly while wearing shoes, further contributing to the shock and offense caused. Shetty maintained his composure, choosing not to escalate the situation at the high-profile event.
This incident echoes previous warnings from 'Kantara' filmmakers. Hombale Films had earlier urged fans to avoid imitating Daiva rituals, emphasizing that Dhaivaradhane is a sacred Tulu tradition rooted in deep spiritual belief, not merely a performance or costume. The team appealed for respect, requesting viewers to refrain from treating Daiva portrayals lightly.
