Will visit Chamundi Hills and apologise: Ranveer Singh to Karnataka high court over 'Kantara' mimicry row

BENGALURU: Ranveer Singh has agreed to file an affidavit apologising and undertake a visit to Chamundi Hill, the Karnataka High Court was told on Tuesday during the hearing of his plea seeking to quash an FIR over alleged remarks on a divine character linked to Kantara Chapter 1.The controversy stems from comments made at a Filmfare Awards event in Goa last year, where the actor allegedly referred to ‘Chavundi Daiva’—a revered deity in coastal Karnataka—as a ghost. Following a complaint by a lawyer claiming hurt religious sentiments, a case was registered against him. Hearing the matter, a bench led by Justice M. Nagaprasanna noted the submission by senior advocate Sajan Poovayya, who said the actor would issue a formal apology and visit the temple. The court observed that the remarks were inappropriate and emphasised the responsibility that public figures carry.“What Ranveer did is not right… There must be a sense of remorse. Actors have a strong influence on people,” the court said.However, the complainant’s counsel argued that the apology appeared insincere and insisted that the actor should apologise in person, even suggesting a temple visit with an oral apology.The court indicated that a sincere apology along with corrective steps could help resolve the issue, and adjourned the matter to April 10 for further hearing.(With agency inputs)