Ranveer Singh Kantara Controversy: Rishab Shetty Asked Dhurandhar Star Not To Mimic Chavundi Daiva - Report

Ranveer

Singh has sparked major backlash after a video of him mocking Chavundi Deva and calling the lord 'Female Ghost' went viral on social media. Recently, Ranveer and Kantara director Rishab Shetty attended the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India in Goa, where the Bollywood star praised Rishab’s powerful performance in Kantara. However, Ranveer soon faced heavy backlash online after a video surfaced of him. Interestingly, reports suggest that Rishab had already advised the energetic actor not to imitate the deity before he went on stage.

Rishab Shetty asked Ranveer Singh not to imitate Chavundi Daiva on stage

According to a recent report, the controversy might have been avoided since Rishab Shetty had warned Ranveer in advance not to mimic the Daiva before his stage appearance. A source close to the event told Bangalore Times that Rishab Shetty had politely asked Ranveer Singh to stop his act at the International Film Festival of India. The source said, “Ranveer came down from the stage to greet the guests, including Rajinikanth and Rishab. The moment he saw Rishab, he got excited and began mimicking the Daiva, which Rishab asked him to stop, though politely.”ALSO READ:Dhurandhar: Ranveer Singh, Aditya Dhar Open Advance Bookings; Excited Fans 'Can't Wait'

When did Rishab allegedly ask not to mimic Chavundi Daiva

As per the report, the chat took place backstage before Ranveer Singh’s act. The actor had stepped off the stage to greet dignitaries, including Rajinikanth and Rishab Shetty, when he excitedly began imitating the Daiva sequence from Kantara. The source told the publication, “Ranveer came down from the stage to greet the guests, including Rajinikanth and Rishab. The moment he saw Rishab, he got excited and started mimicking the Daiva, which Rishab politely asked him to stop.”Despite this gentle request, Ranveer returned to the stage and repeated the act. The source added, “His intention wasn’t wrong, but calling the Daiva a ‘female ghost’ and performing the sequence while wearing shoes shocked many. Rishab remained calm and chose not to escalate the situation at such a high-profile event.”

Ranveer Singh's video goes viral

In the circulating video, Ranveer is heard saying, “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 then mimicked the sequence and even asked the audience if they wanted to see him in Kantara 3.

This upset many social media users, who urged the actor to be more sensitive toward culturally sacred subjects.

About Ranveer Singh and Kantara Chapter 1

Ranveer Singh will next be seen in Aditya Dhar’s multi-starrer Dhurandhar, set for release on December 25, 2025. Meanwhile, Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 was a massive hit, earning over ₹700 crore globally. Released on October 2, 2025, the film starred Rishab Shetty, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, and Gulshan Devaiah.