Rishab Shetty avoids naming Ranveer Singh as he says mimicry of Daivas makes him ‘uncomfortable’: ‘It’s sensitive, sacred’

Ranveer Singh had landed in hot water after he mimicked Daivas from Rishab Shetty's movie Kantara Chapter 1.

Rishab Shetty shares opinion on people mimicking Daivas. (Photo: Instagram/Rishab Shetty)

Actor and director Rishab Shetty is no stranger to controversy, but recently, he found himself on the other side of the ordeal. The internet went into a frenzy when actor Ranveer Singh mimicked the Daivas while on stage at this year’s IFFI in Goa. While the actor was trying to refer to Rishab’s film, Kantara Chapter 1, the action was perceived as offensive and insensitive. Now, Rishab has addressed the issue, but without naming Ranveer Singh.

While attending the Behindwoods event in Chennai, Rishab said that because Kantara tackled a lot of religious aspects, he had consulted many elders and only proceeded with the project after getting their blessings. He also admitted that these kinds of actions make him feel uncomfortable. He insisted that some things are “cinema”, but some parts of that cinema are “sacred, sensitive.”

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He said, “That makes me uncomfortable. While much of the film is cinema and performance, the daiva element is sensitive and sacred. Wherever I go, I request people not to perform it on stage or mock it. It is emotionally deeply connected to us.” During a previous interaction with India Today, Rishab had talked about people dressing up as Daivas to go and watch Kantara and had told them to refrain from such actions.

“It’s very unfortunate, because that was never our intention behind making this film. It really hurts us. Through you, I would like to request people – please don’t do such things. This is cinema for us. We do it for the cinematic experience and for the story’s emotional arc. But the concept of Daiva that we have brought into the film – that is not cinema for us,” said Rishab.

After landing in trouble, Ranveer apologised for the episode. He took to Instagram stories and wrote, “My intention was to highlight Rishab’s incredible performance in the film. Actor to actor, I know how much it would take to perform that particular scene in the way that he did, for which he has my utmost admiration. I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition, and belief in our country. If I’ve hurt anyone’s sentiments, I sincerely apologise.”

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