In a significant development, Bengaluru city police have officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) against prominent Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh on Wednesday. The legal action stems from allegations that Singh hurt religious sentiments through his imitation of Rishab Shetty's iconic Daiva act from the critically acclaimed film Kantara.
Legal Proceedings Initiated Following Court Approval
The case registration followed a systematic legal process initiated by city-based advocate Prashanth Methal. Methal had previously approached the jurisdictional court seeking permission to file a criminal case against Singh on identical charges of offending religious sentiments. After receiving the court's formal approval on Wednesday, Methal submitted a certified copy of the judicial order to the High Grounds police station in Bengaluru, prompting immediate action from law enforcement authorities.
Controversial Performance at International Film Festival
According to detailed allegations in the complaint, the controversial incident occurred in November last year during the prestigious closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) held in Goa. While publicly praising actor-director Rishab Shetty's powerful performance in Kantara Chapter 1, Singh allegedly recreated the film's climactic sequence on stage, complete with gestures and expressions associated with the sacred Daiva ritual depicted in the movie.
Notably, Rishab Shetty himself was present in the audience during Singh's performance, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding controversy. The Daiva tradition holds deep cultural and religious significance in certain communities, particularly in coastal Karnataka regions where Kantara's narrative is rooted.
Widespread Backlash and Subsequent Apology
The actor's on-stage imitation triggered immediate and substantial backlash across digital platforms, with numerous social media users, cultural commentators, and community representatives criticizing the act as insensitive and disrespectful toward established religious traditions. Many expressed concern that such performances by public figures could trivialize sacred cultural practices.
Facing mounting criticism, Ranveer Singh eventually issued a public apology for his actions, acknowledging the unintended offense caused to those who hold the depicted traditions in reverence. However, this apology did not prevent the formal legal proceedings that have now materialized into a registered police case.
Broader Implications for Cultural Sensitivity
This case highlights several important considerations regarding cultural representation and religious sensitivity in India's entertainment industry:
- The fine line between artistic expression and religious respect in public performances
- The legal ramifications of allegedly hurting religious sentiments under Indian law
- The responsibility of public figures when engaging with culturally significant content
- The intersection of traditional practices and contemporary entertainment media
The Bengaluru police's decision to register the FIR marks a formal escalation of what began as social media criticism, transforming it into a matter of legal scrutiny. As the case progresses through the judicial system, it will likely spark further discussions about cultural appropriation, artistic freedom, and religious sensitivity in India's diverse social fabric.
