“Rishab Shetty Opens Up: ‘I Feel Uncomfortable’ Following Ranveer Singh’s Daiva Controversy”

Weeks after Ranveer Singh apologised for mimicking daivas at an event, Kantara director-actor Rishab Shetty has said.

That such acts make him “uncomfortable.” Speaking at a recent event, Shetty explained that Daivas are sacred, and performing or mocking them without proper understanding is disrespectful. “That makes me uncomfortable. While films are meant for performance, the daiva element is sacred and sensitive. Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or mock it. It’s deeply connected to us emotionally,” he said.

Though Shetty did not directly name anyone, his remarks follow Ranveer Singh’s controversial imitation of the Chaundi moment from Kantara at IFFI. During the session, Singh referred to the character as a “female ghost,” crossed his eyes, stuck out his tongue, and added a “primordial scream,” while Shetty laughed beside him. Singh also joked, “Anybody here want to see me in Kantara 3? Tell this guy,” pointing at Shetty.

The clip quickly went viral, sparking disappointment among fans. Singh later apologised, saying: “I intended to highlight Rishab’s incredible performance. Actor to actor, I know the effort it takes to perform that scene as he did. I have always respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”

The Cultural Significance of the Chaundi Scene
In Kantara, Chaundi appears as Guliga Daiva’s fierce and protective sister in one of the film’s most spiritually charged sequences. The scene blends ritual movements, trance-like energy, and coastal folklore, making it highly significant in Tulu and Bhoota Kola traditions. Chaundi represents divine wrath and ancestral spirit, which is why many view any mockery as deeply disrespectful.