Ranveer Singh offers sincere apologies for imitating Rishab Shetty's Kantara scene: ‘He has my utmost admiration’

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh offered a “sincere apology” to Kannada actor Rishab Shetty for mimicking the scene from Kantara: A Legend Chapter-1, saying his intention wasn't to “hurt anyone's sentiments”.

Both actors were present at the closing ceremony of the 56th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa on 28 November.

Ranveer Singh stuck his tongue out as he imitated the scene from Kantara. As the clip surfaced on social media, the actor was trolled by many users for his distasteful behaviour.

Rishab Shetty has my ‘utmost admiration’

In a statement on his Instagram story, Ranveer Singh said he has always deeply respected every culture and tradition. Singh also praised Shetty for his performance in the film.

“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,” he wrote in an Instagram story.

“I have always deeply respected every culture, tradition and belief in our country. If I've hurt anyone's sentiments, I sincerely apologise,” he added.

About Kantara Chapter 1

Directed by Rishab Shetty, who also featured in the film, Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 was released in October and served as a prequel to the 2022 film Kantara.

Set in pre-colonial Karnataka during the reign of the Kadambas from Banavasi, Kantara: Chapter 1 depicts the conflict between the tribals of the Kantara forest and a tyrannical king.

The film stars Rishab Shetty, Sapthami Gowda, Gulshan Devaiah, Rukmini Vasanth, Jayaram, PD Satish Chandra and Prakash Thuminad.

Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar to release on 5 December

Ranveer Singh will next feature in Dhurandhar, which is set to release in theatres on Friday, 5 December. The film is directed by Aditya Dhar and features Sanjay Dutt, Akshaye Khanna, and Singh alongside each other.