Rishabh Shetty breaks his silence on Ranveer Singh's controversial ad, revealing what the actor did before the release of 'Dhruva'.

Weeks after Ranveer Singh apologized for mimicking the deities at an event, Kantara director-actor Rishab Shetty has now reacted to the incident. He said that he feels "uncomfortable" when someone tries to imitate their culture and traditions.

Rishab Shetty felt hurt.

Rishab Shetty recently attended an event where he explained that the deities are sacred and, therefore, people should not mock them by trying to imitate them without proper guidance. He said, "It makes me feel uncomfortable. While most of the film is about cinema and performance, the part involving the deities is sensitive and sacred. Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or make fun of it. It is deeply connected to us emotionally."

Ranveer Singh's actions

Although Shetty didn't name anyone, his statement is clearly aimed at the incident involving Ranveer Singh's imitation. His statement comes days after the controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh mimicking the popular Chandi moment from Kantara during a session at IFFI. Singh called the character a female ghost, crossed his eyes, stuck out his tongue, and mimicked the character. Rishab Shetty was seen laughing beside him. Ranveer also jokingly said, "Does anyone here want to see me in Kantara 3? Tell this man."

The star actor was criticized.

The clip quickly went viral, leading to disappointment among netizens. Following the criticism, Ranveer Singh also apologized, saying, "My intention was to highlight Rishab's brilliant performance in the film. As an actor, I know how much effort must have gone into performing that scene the way he did, for which I have immense admiration for him. I have always had the utmost respect for every culture, tradition, and belief of our country. If I have hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologize."

This scene from the film is culturally sensitive.

In Kantara, Chaamundi appears in one of the film's most intense and spiritually charged scenes, depicted as the fierce and protective sister of Guliga Daiva. This scene blends ritualistic movements, trance-like energy, and coastal folklore, making it highly significant within the Tulu and Bhuta Kola traditions. Her presence embodies divine wrath and ancestral spirits, which is why many viewers consider any mockery of this portrayal to be disrespectful.