Bollywood’s live-wire Ranveer Singh is no stranger to headlines, but his recent appearance at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa has landed him in hot water. A playful imitation of the iconic Chaundi scene from Rishab Shetty’s blockbuster Kantara—complete with an off-the-cuff “female ghost” comment—has triggered a wave of backlash online, reigniting debates about artistic respect, humor boundaries, and celebrity behavior.

What Exactly Happened on Stage?

During a light-hearted segment at IFFI 2025, Ranveer was invited to showcase his energetic persona. Without missing a beat, the actor launched into an exaggerated reenactment of the mesmerizing Chaundi (also known as the Bhoota Kola) dance sequence from Kantara. He replicated the intense facial expressions, hand gestures, and trance-like movements that made the original scene a cultural phenomenon.

In the heat of the moment, Ranveer jokingly referred to the divine figure in the scene as a “female ghost” while laughing with the audience. The comment, intended as comic relief quickly went viral after clips flooded social media platforms.

Why Fans and Critics Are Upset

Kantara (2022) isn’t just another commercial hit; it’s a deeply rooted celebration of Karnataka’s coastal folklore, particularly the Bhoota Kola ritual where a performer embodies a deity (Daiva) to bless and protect the community. For many in Karnataka and devotees of this centuries-old tradition, the Chaundi scene is sacred—not something to be reduced to a “ghost” gag.

Social media erupted with strong reactions:

• “Ranveer turned a divine ritual into a comedy skit. This is cultural insensitivity at its peak,” wrote one user.
• “Disrespecting Bhoota Kola for cheap laughs? Not funny, Ranveer,” said another.
• Regional pride also surfaced, with several Kannada actors and influencers subtly expressing disappointment without directly naming the Bollywood star.

The Other Side: It Was Just Ranveer Being Ranveer

Defending the actor, many fans argued that Ranveer’s boundless energy and unfiltered humor are exactly why audiences love him. “He was clearly having fun on stage. Why so serious?” one supporter commented. Others pointed out that Ranveer has previously praised Kantara publicly and even called Rishab Shetty a “genius” in interviews, suggesting there was no malicious intent.

This isn’t the first time Ranveer’s over-the-top antics have divided opinion. From his nude photoshoot controversy to bold red-carpet looks, the Padmaavat star has built a career on pushing boundaries—sometimes at the cost of public backlash.

Larger Conversation: Humor vs. Cultural Reverence

The incident has opened a broader discussion about where to draw the line between playful tribute and mockery, especially when regional cinema and sacred traditions are involved. In an era where every celebrity moment is recorded and dissected online, stars like Ranveer walk a tightrope: stay safe and be labeled “boring,” or stay authentic and risk offending someone.

As of now, Ranveer Singh has not issued an official statement or apology regarding the controversy. Whether this storm blows over like many before it or prompts a more serious conversation about respecting regional cultures remains to be seen.

One thing is certain—Ranveer Singh continues to prove he’s impossible to ignore, for better or worse.

Read Also: Preity Zinta’s Heartwarming Virtual Thanksgiving: Celebrating Love and Gratitude Across Miles

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