‘Daiva is sacred, not a stage act’: Rishab Shetty takes sharp dig at Ranveer Singh after IFFI row

‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ continues to roar at the box office and beyond, cementing Rishab Shetty’s status as both a powerful performer and a filmmaker deeply rooted in cultural storytelling. However, just as the film’s legacy grows, an unexpected controversy has pulled its sacred core into the spotlight.

At the recent International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa, actor Ranveer Singh landed in hot water after seemingly mimicking the Daiva ritual from Kantara during an on-stage moment.

The act—where Singh reportedly stuck his tongue out, referred to the form as a “female ghost,” and joked about wanting to be cast in a future Kantara installment—did not sit well with fans, cultural custodians, or followers of the ritual. Now, Rishab Shetty has weighed in.

Speaking at an event in Chennai, Rishab—who was present at IFFI when the incident unfolded—addressed the issue without naming Ranveer directly but made his stance crystal clear.

“That makes me uncomfortable. While much of the film is cinema and performance, the daiva element is sensitive and sacred,” Rishab said, as quoted by Hindustan Times. “Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or mock it. It is emotionally deeply connected to us.”

The actor-director stressed that Kantara was created under the guidance of village elders and cultural custodians to ensure authenticity and respect. For him, Daiva is not just a cinematic spectacle—it is lived faith.

This isn’t the first time Rishab has drawn a firm line. He has earlier urged audiences not to imitate Daiva rituals in theatres, on stage, or even as costumes, warning that reverence must not turn into performance.

Following backlash, Ranveer Singh issued a public apology on Instagram, clarifying that he intended to praise Rishab’s performance, not offend sentiments.

“If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise,” Ranveer wrote, adding that he deeply respects India’s cultures and traditions.

While Ranveer moves on to his upcoming film 'Dhurandhar', the episode has reignited a larger conversation in the film industry—where does admiration end, and cultural appropriation begin? For Rishab Shetty, the answer is clear: some stories demand silence, respect, and restraint.