Source The Hindu
MYSURU: In compliance with the Karnataka High Court’s directive, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh made a low-profile visit to the historic Sri Chamundeshwari Temple atop Chamundi Hills in Mysuru on Tuesday morning to offer prayers and extend a formal apology to the deity.
The visit marks a major step toward resolving a months-long legal battle and public controversy that began late last year.
Seeking Forgiveness Under Wraps
Arriving at the temple around 7:30 AM, the actor chose to maintain a highly private profile. According to temple authorities, Ranveer arrived dressed in simple attire and blended in with regular devotees. He wore a face mask while standing in the general queue, keeping his identity hidden until he reached the garbhagudi (sanctum sanctorum).
“No one knew he had come because he was wearing a mask,” a temple priest told reporters. “Only when he came inside the temple and removed the mask did we realize he was the actor. He performed the archane (floral offering ritual), prayed in silence for about ten minutes, and sat briefly on the temple floor before accepting prasada and departing.”
The Origin of the Controversy
The legal trouble dates back to November 30, 2025, during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. In an attempt to celebrate filmmaker Rishab Shetty’s critically acclaimed film Kantara, Ranveer performed an exaggerated stage mimicry of the sacred Daiva (spirit worship) act. Public backlash intensified further when the actor mistakenly referred to the revered Daivas as “ghosts” or “demons.”
While Ranveer later clarified on social media that his imitation was strictly an “actor-to-actor” nod of deep admiration for Shetty’s performance, the act deeply upset cultural and religious groups. Following a formal complaint by a Bengaluru-based lawyer alleging hurt religious sentiments, a criminal case was registered against the actor.
High Court Mandates the Spiritual Visit
Seeking to quash the FIR, Ranveer moved the Karnataka High Court, offering an unconditional apology. In April 2026, the actor’s legal counsel filed a revised affidavit reiterating his sincere regrets.
While reviewing the case, Justice Nagaprasanna noted the actor’s willingness to make amends but observed that the affidavit’s phrasing—promising a temple visit “in due course”—was too ambiguous given his complex shooting schedule. The High Court subsequently accepted the apology, effectively closing the criminal proceedings on the condition that Ranveer complete his pilgrimage to Goddess Chamundeshwari within a strict four-week timeline.
A Tumultuous Week for the Actor
Ranveer’s quiet spiritual journey to Karnataka coincides with heavy turbulence on his professional front. Just a day prior to his temple visit, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issued a strict non-cooperation directive against him. The shadow ban followed his sudden exit from Farhan Akhtar’s highly anticipated directorial venture Don 3, a move that reportedly resulted in staggering losses for the production house.
Addressing the industry standoff through a spokesperson, Ranveer chose to maintain a dignified silence, stating that he continues to hold “deep respect and goodwill” for the franchise and prefers to let his upcoming commitments speak for themselves.
