Actor Ranbir Kapoor has apologised for his remarks at a Dussehra celebration in Kolkata after videos of his speech attracted widespread attention on social media. Speaking at an event in Chennai on Wednesday, the actor acknowledged that he had misspoken and clarified the message he intended to deliver about the victory of good over evil. 

Kapoor, who plays Lord Rama in the upcoming two-part epic ‘Ramayana’, addressed the controversy during his appearance in Chennai, where he was accompanied by his co-star Sai Pallavi. He also made a light-hearted reference to his film ‘Rockstar’ while explaining his choice of words.

Ranbir Kapoor clarifies remarks at Kolkata event

The controversy began during a Dussehra programme held on Tuesday at Central Park in Salt Lake, Kolkata. Organised by Salt Lake Sanskritik Sansad, the celebration was based on the theme ‘Ram Er Ayodhya – Ram Ki Ayodhya’.

Speaking to the gathering, Kapoor discussed the significance of good triumphing over evil, saying, “Burai kitni bhi takatvar kyun na ho, aakhir mei ant sachai aur achai ki hi hoti hai.”

The videos of his speech subsequently circulated on social media, drawing attention to the actor’s wording. Producer Namit Malhotra, director Nitesh Tiwari and actor Ravie Dubey were also present at the event.

Addressing the gathering in Chennai the following day, Kapoor apologised for the incident and explained what he had intended to say.

“I would like to take this opportunity to apologise for the incident that happened yesterday. I was at the Dussehra event, and I had a slip of tongue. What I meant to say is, ‘Burai chahe kitni bhi takatvar kyun na ho, aakhir mei jeet achai aur sachai ki hoti hai’,” he said.

The actor then quoted a line from the music of ‘Rockstar’, his film featuring music composed by AR Rahman, adding a humorous note to his clarification.

“Jo bhi kehna chahun, barbad karein alfaz mere.”

What we know about Ranbir Kapoor’s ‘Ramayana’

Kapoor is set to portray Lord Rama in ‘Ramayana’, directed by Nitesh Tiwari and produced by Namit Malhotra’s Prime Focus Studios in collaboration with DNEG and Yash’s Monster Mind Creations. DNEG has won eight Academy Awards for its work in visual effects.

The film is planned as a two-part cinematic adaptation of the Indian epic. Kapoor will star alongside Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman and Ravi Dubey as Lakshman.

The first instalment is scheduled for a worldwide release on November 5, 2026, with the second part expected to arrive during Diwali 2027.

‘Ramayana’ will be released across India in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, with an IMAX presentation also planned. Sony Pictures will handle international distribution outside India, while Dharma Productions will distribute the film in the Hindi-speaking market.