Rishabh Shetty doesn’t mind people copying Daivas: I feel uncomfortable
Following criticism of Ranveer Singh’s performance during the International Film Festival of India in Goa earlier this month, actor Rishabh Shetty expressed uneasiness about him mimicking Daiva rituals on stage. Singh issued an apology after it sparked debate about cultural sensitivity in cinematic productions.
Actor-director Rishabh Shetty has expressed his discomfort over the public copying of Daiva rituals following an incident involving Ranveer Singh at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa earlier this month. The incident, which occurred during a public conversation, sparked widespread debate about cultural representation and sensitivity in Indian cinema. Days after the controversy surfaced, Shetty shared his perspective for the first time at a Behindwoods event in Chennai.
In IFFI, Ranveer Singh imitated Daiva on stage While interacting with Rishabh Shetty, such an act was repeated despite Shetty allegedly asking him not to do so. Given the sanctity of the Daiva element, which holds significant cultural and spiritual value in parts of Karnataka, this imitation was criticized by some as disrespectful. Shetty, whose film Kantara Filmmakers centering around these customs must walk a fine line when it comes to bringing sensitive traditions to the screen.
Rishabh Shetty addressed people’s tendency to copy cinematic depictions of sacred traditions, saying, ‘It makes me uncomfortable. While much of the film is cinema and performance, the divine element is sensitive and sacred. Wherever I go, I request people not to present it on stage or make fun of it. It is deeply connected to us emotionally.
Shetty further explained about the efforts made during its construction Kantara To ensure authenticity and respect for local practices. He also noted the risk that such conventions would become confined to pop culture once cinema reached a wider audience. ‘Rishabh also said that it is important for the audience to understand the emotional depth and significance attached to these rituals.
After criticism, Ranveer Singh had issued a public apology On Instagram. He wrote, “My intention was to highlight Rishabh’s incredible performance in the film. From actor to actor, I know how much time it would take to pull off that particular scene the way he did, for which he has my utmost admiration.”
Singh further said, “I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief of our country. If I have hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologize.”
Meanwhile Rishabh’s Kantara (2022) and Kantara: Chapter 1 (2025) ranks among the highest-grossing Kannada films KGF: Chapter 2,
