Ranveer Singh Faces Backlash for Mimicking Sacred Daiva Ritual at IFFI 2025; Kantara Team Displeased

December 2, 2025 Published by rajeshe092eb6a68

A major controversy erupted at the closing ceremony of IFFI 2025 in Goa after actor Ranveer Singh’s on-stage tribute to Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 went unexpectedly wrong. While attempting to recreate a dramatic moment from the film, Ranveer referred to the revered Daiva as “a female ghost” and performed a possession-like act — a move that quickly triggered widespread criticism across social media.

Sources present at the event reported that Rishab Shetty, the creator and lead actor of Kantara, had explicitly requested Ranveer not to imitate the Daiva rituals. Ranveer, who became visibly excited upon spotting Rishab among the attendees, reportedly reenacted the Daiva stance in front of him, prompting Rishab to politely discourage him. Despite this, Ranveer went ahead with the mimicry on stage later in the evening.

The biggest point of contention was Ranveer’s description of the Daiva as a ghost, a characterization that deeply offended fans and cultural practitioners. For communities in coastal Karnataka, Daivaradhane is a sacred spiritual tradition — not a performative act or a theatrical prop. Many felt the actor’s attempt undermined the sanctity of centuries-old ritual practices.

The video clip of the incident, now viral, has intensified the backlash. Social media users have accused Ranveer of being “insensitive,” “ignorant,” and “disrespectful.” Some even demanded that he should not be associated with any future Kantara installments. In contrast, many praised Rishab Shetty’s composed reaction, noting that he chose to handle the awkward situation without escalating it publicly.

Notably, the Kantara team had issued a public appeal weeks earlier, urging fans and performers not to imitate Daiva rituals, stressing that the tradition must not be recreated casually or for entertainment purposes.

As of now, Ranveer Singh has not released an official statement addressing the controversy. The incident has sparked a broader national debate on where to draw the line between artistic expression and cultural insensitivity — especially when sacred traditions are involved.