ShameOnYouRanveerSingh: The hashtag #ShameOnYouRanveerSingh has literally exploded over Twitter and shows no signs of slowing down. All this was set into motion by a moment at the closing ceremony of IFFI 2025, where the on-stage act of Ranveer Singh sparked massive criticism for “merely” insulting a sacred cultural tradition.
The reason for the controversy can be traced at the event when Ranveer attempted to recreate a sequence inspired by Kantara – Chapter 1. He attempted a very famous performance called “daiva,” which is mostly associated with Rishab Shetty. While trying to entertain the audience, he reportedly referred to the daiva as ‘female ghost’.
This did not go down well with the viewers, for the daivas are not a mere cinematic element; it is a deeply revered spiritual practice, tied to the long traditions that coastal Karnataka has kept for centuries.
Further igniting controversies, reports said that Rishab Shetty had advised Ranveer against emulating the daiva act, which makes the act all the more disrespectful in the eyes of many.
For many communities, the daiva ritual community is a synonym of cults and spiritual practices. So when a man like Ranveer comes off as descending from that oeuvres to terminology ghost, it is across the cultural and emotional boundary for them. In no time, the social network was filled with comments of criticism that claimed to refer to him as “insensitive,” “careless,” and so on.
Also Read: Was Ranveer Singh Disrespectful Toward Rishab Shetty and Kantara?
Additionally, several critics pointed out that these sacred ceremonies must not be exploited for recreation without its context and dignity, especially at a national stage like IFFI.
Even as it happens, just days before the release of Ranveer’s advanced film, Dhurandhar, discussions surrounding the actor have heightened. Many viewers believe, when media attention escalates, public figures should exercise a greater degree of caution about cultural sentiments.
Some fans back Ranveer that the performance was spontaneous and unaware of any harm it would cause, and the majority of views on the net have taken a completely opposite route. Now, the discussion covers whether the public needs an apology and how celebrities should handle culturally sensitive portrayals.