SBI Removes Minimum Account Balance Requirement

Actor Ranveer Singh has issued a heartfelt apology following the backlash over his imitation of Rishab Shetty’s Daiva from Kantara Chapter 1 at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) 2025.

During the event, Ranveer attempted to recreate the sequence where Rishab’s character is possessed by the Chamundi Daiva. A video from the incident quickly went viral, with Ranveer referring to Chamundi Daiva as a “female ghost” before mimicking the iconic scene. This sparked outrage among netizens and led to the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) filing an official complaint, claiming that the act hurt religious sentiments.

In his apology on Instagram Stories, Ranveer clarified his intentions: “My intention was to highlight Rishab’s incredible performance in the film. 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.” He further emphasized his respect for all cultures, traditions, and beliefs, adding: “If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”

Rishab Shetty, who was present in the audience, had attempted to stop Ranveer during the act, signaling that portrayals of the Daiva are sacred and not meant for casual reenactments. Ranveer later acknowledged Shetty’s warning.

The Kantara franchise celebrates the gods and goddesses revered by the Tulu community of Karnataka, with Daiva festivals held with grand village-wide celebrations. Ranveer’s apology comes as a way to clarify that his performance was intended as admiration for Rishab Shetty’s acting, not as disrespect toward the deity or the tradition.