Ranveer Singh’s Big Oops Moment: When a Joke on Stage Hurt Thousands of Hearts
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Imagine this: the lights are bright at the grand closing ceremony of IFFI 2025 in Goa. Superstars are clapping, cameras are flashing, and Ranveer Singh jumps on stage full of energy. He spots Rishab Shetty in the audience and decides to give him a loud shout-out. Everyone thinks it’s going to be fun. But in the next 30 seconds, the mood changes completely. Ranveer starts mimicking the sacred Daiva possession scene from Kantara: Chapter 1 and labels the holy Chamundi Daiva a “female ghost”. The crowd laughs at first. Rishab smiles awkwardly. Then the video hits the internet — and all hell breaks loose.
That one moment turned into a huge controversy. People felt Ranveer mocked something deeply sacred to the coastal Karnataka culture. Within hours, #BoycottRanveer and #RespectDaiva started trending.
What Exactly Happened on Stage?
On the night of 29 November 2025, Ranveer was hosting a part of the IFFI closing ceremony. He told the audience how much he loved Kantara in theatres. Then he looked straight at Rishab Shetty and said, “I saw Kantara Chapter 1 in cinemas, and Rishab, you gave an amazing performance, particularly when the female spirit entered your body. that shot was amazing!”
After saying this, he did an exaggerated imitation of the Daiva dance right there on stage, complete with loud screams and dramatic gestures. He even asked the crowd, “Do you want to see me in Kantara 3?” Many laughed, but many others felt a pinch in their hearts.
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Rishab Tried to Stop Him — Twice
Reports say the trouble had already started backstage. When Ranveer went down to greet guests like Rajinikanth and Rishab, he got super excited and began the same mimicry in front of Rishab. Rishab politely asked him to stop. However, when Ranveer returned to the stage, he did the act again — this time in front of thousands and on live cameras. Some clips even show Rishab looking uncomfortable while the audience laughed.
Why People Got So Angry
In Tulu and Kannada culture, Daivas are not ghosts. They are divine spirits and forest deities that people worship with deep respect. The possession scene in Kantara is not just acting — it is based on real Bhoota Kola rituals that happen in villages even today. Calling a Daiva a “female ghost” and joking about it felt like insulting someone’s God. Plus, Ranveer did the act while wearing shoes, which many found extra disrespectful.
Social media exploded.
- “Boycott Dhurandhar” started trending.
- One user wrote, “This is why people hate Bollywood arrogance.”
- Another said, “We don’t want Ranveer anywhere near Kantara 3.”
A Hindu Group Filed a Police Complaint
On Monday, 1 December, the Hindu Janajagruti Samiti filed an official police complaint against Ranveer Singh for hurting religious sentiments. They asked him to give a public apology and promise never to repeat such acts. They also requested everyone to protest peacefully.
Ranveer’s Apology the Next Morning
By Tuesday morning, 2 December 2025, Ranveer understood the damage. He posted a note on his Instagram Stories:
“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.
I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”
The apology went viral within minutes. Some people accepted it and said everyone makes mistakes. Others felt it came only because of the police complaint and boycott threats.
Rishab Shetty Keeps Quiet So Far
Till now, Rishab Shetty has not said a single word publicly about the incident. He neither criticised Ranveer nor defended him. Fans are waiting to hear from the Kantara actor-director himself.
The Bigger Question Everyone Is Asking
This whole episode has started a new conversation: How much freedom do celebrities have celebrities when they joke about someone else’s culture on a big stage? When does appreciation cross the line and become mockery? Many feel Bollywood stars sometimes forget that India is not just one culture — every state, every community has its own sacred beliefs.
Meanwhile, Ranveer’s big film Dhurandhar is releasing this Friday (5 December 2025). Everyone is watching whether the controversy will affect the box-office or people will move on after the apology.
One thing is clear — a 30-second joke reminded all of us that even superstars need to think twice before touching something sacred to millions.
FAQs
- What exactly did Ranveer Singh do wrong?
He mimicked the sacred Daiva possession scene from Kantara and called the holy Chamundi Daiva a “female ghost”. - When and where did this happen?
At the closing ceremony of IFFI 2025 in Goa on 29 November 2025. - Did Rishab Shetty get angry on stage?
No, he smiled at first but reports say he had already politely asked Ranveer to stop backstage. - Has any legal action been taken?
Yes, Hindu Janajagruti Samiti filed a police complaint on 1 December for hurting religious sentiments. - What did Ranveer say in his apology?
He said his only intention was to praise Rishab’s acting and he deeply respects every culture. He apologised if he hurt anyone. - Has Rishab Shetty responded yet?
No, Rishab Shetty has not made any public statement till 2 December 2025.