Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru

Bengaluru, Mar 25: Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh on Tuesday tendered an unconditional apology before the Karnataka High Court over his controversial remarks on the depiction of Chamundi Devi in the film Kantara.

Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya, appearing for Singh, told the court that the actor would file an affidavit of apology and visit the Chamundi temple at Mysuru’s Chamundi Hills.

Justice M Nagaprasanna observed that Singh’s remarks were inappropriate. “What Ranveer has done is not right. It is not supported,” the judge said, while posting the matter for further hearing on April 10.

The controversy stems from Singh’s speech at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), where he praised actor Rishab Shetty for his performance in Kantara: Chapter 1. During the speech, Singh referred to the Chamundi deity as a “female ghost” while mimicking a scene, triggering outrage on social media.

Following the incident, an Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate in Bengaluru ordered an investigation under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023. Based on this, an FIR was registered at High Grounds Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including charges related to promoting religious enmity, insulting religious beliefs and public mischief.

Singh approached the High Court stating that his remarks were taken out of context and that he had no intention to hurt religious sentiments. He also submitted that he had issued an unconditional apology earlier on social media and respects all cultures and traditions.

The complainant, represented by advocate Siji Malayil, argued that the apology shared online lacked sincerity and sought a direct oral apology from the actor.

The court will take up the matter again on April 10.