Bengaluru erupted in controversy as Karnataka Police registered an FIR against Bollywood superstar Ranveer Singh. The actor stands accused of offending religious sentiments during his speech at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). The incident has sparked widespread outrage across the nation, with social media buzzing with reactions from fans and critics alike.
The complaint was filed at Bengaluru’s High Grounds police station by lawyer Prashant Methal. He alleges that Singh mocked Chavundi Daiva, a revered guardian deity in Karnataka’s coastal regions, and traditional deity worship practices. Despite requests to avoid a particular scene from his film ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’, Singh went ahead and performed it on stage, reportedly referring to the deity as a ‘ghost’.
This provocative act, according to the complainant, was deliberate and malicious, aimed at insulting the faith of millions of Hindu devotees. Chavundi Daiva symbolizes divine feminine power and is deeply worshipped in local traditions. Calling it a ghost is seen as a grave insult to Hindu customs and beliefs.
The FIR invokes three sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita: one for disrupting public peace and social harmony, another for deliberately insulting religious beliefs, and the third for using words or gestures intended to wound religious feelings. Police have launched a formal investigation into the matter.
Prashant Methal, who claims Chavundi Daiva as his family deity, emphasized the personal hurt caused by Singh’s actions. ‘This isn’t just about one deity; it’s an attack on our cultural heritage,’ he stated. The controversy highlights the thin line celebrities tread between artistic expression and religious sensitivity in India’s diverse society.
As the probe unfolds, Ranveer Singh’s team has yet to issue an official response. The incident raises broader questions about accountability for public figures at cultural events. Will this lead to stricter guidelines for film promotions, or is it a case of overzealous offense-taking? Only time will tell, but for now, the nation watches closely.