Bollywood star Ranveer Singh has offered an unconditional apology to the Karnataka High Court following a controversy sparked by his mimicry of a sacred deity from the film Kantara: Chapter 1.
During a hearing on Tuesday, Singh’s legal counsel informed the court that the actor would file a formal affidavit of apology and personally visit the Chamundi Hills in Mysuru to offer prayers and seek forgiveness from the deity.
The backlash stems from an incident at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa last year. While praising director-actor Rishab Shetty’s performance, Singh allegedly mimicked the “Daiva” (spirit deity) possession sequence and referred to the revered Chamundi Daiva as a “female ghost.” The remarks were condemned as “insensitive” and “disrespectful” by devotees and cultural organizations, leading to an FIR against the actor for hurting religious sentiments.
Why Chamundi Hills is So Famous
The decision to visit Chamundi Hills is significant due to the site’s deep spiritual and historical roots in Karnataka:
- The Legend of Victory: Standing at over 3,300 feet, the hills are named after Goddess Chamundeshwari (a fierce form of Durga), who is believed to have slain the buffalo-headed demon king Mahishasura at this very location.
- The Protector of Mysuru: The Goddess is the presiding deity of Mysuru and was the “Kuladevi” (guardian deity) of the Wadiyar dynasty, the erstwhile royal family of the region.
- Iconic Landmarks: The site features the 12th-century Chamundeshwari Temple with its towering seven-tier Gopuram and a massive 16-foot monolithic Nandi (bull) statue, which is one of the largest in India.
- Spiritual Pilgrimage: Devotees often undertake a physical penance by climbing the 1,000 ancient stone steps leading to the summit, a tradition that signifies devotion and humility.
The Karnataka High Court has adjourned the matter to April 10, emphasizing that public figures carry a responsibility to respect cultural traditions. This legal hurdle comes even as Singh enjoys massive box-office success with his latest release, Dhurandhar 2.