Kantara mimicry row: Ranveer Singh agrees to file revised apology in Karnataka HC after consulting complainant

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh told the Karnataka High Court on Friday that he is willing to file a revised affidavit of apology for his mimicry of Chamundi Devi's depiction in the film Kantara..This will allay any concerns that his earlier apology was not genuine, he told the Court.The submission was made before Justice M Nagaprasanna on Singh's behalf by Senior Advocate Sajan Poovayya. Poovayya today told the Court that the actor has filed an affidavit expressing remorse for his comments, and clarifying that he was unaware that he was hurting the sentiments of Chamundi Devi's followers when he made the controversial remarks. "I have filed an affidavit of apology. And I have undertaken in that affidavit that I will visit the temple as well. (The affidavit states) on the date of the incident, even for a moment, I did not realise I offended the worshippers of the Daiva. I also want to clarify, I was raised in a Sindhi household in Mumbai and I was not aware of the sensitivities. I, through this affidavit, once again convey my deepest regret, and unconditional apology. I will be visiting the temple of the deity in due course to offer my prayers and express my devotion," Poovayya said, quoting Ranveer Singh's apology affidavit..The complainant, Prashanth Methal, however, said that the affidavit did not reflect genuine remorse. "Rishab Shetty (actor-director of Kantara) clearly told him (Singh) not to do it. There is no geniune remorse. Let them file a proper affidavit," Methal argued. Poovayya, in turn, agreed to sit with Methal to work out the language of the apology affidavit and file a revised version before the Court. Justice Nagaprasanna took note of the submission and adjourned the case till April 23. .The case concerns a speech made by Singh at the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. In his speech, Singh praised actor Rishab Shetty and referred to his performance in Kantara: Chapter 1. While appreciating Shetty’s acting, Singh referred to Chamundi deity as a “female ghost” and mimicked Shetty’s performance, following which controversy erupted on social media.Subsequently, Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate at Bengaluru passed an order to conduct an investigation under Section 175(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023 (magistrate investigation).Pursuant to the order, the High Grounds Police Station registered an FIR naming Singh for offences under Sections 196 (religious enmity), 299 (religious insult) and 302 (public mischief) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Singh moved the Court contending that his remarks were taken out of context and that there was no intention to hurt any religion or community.He added that he also issued an unconditional apology on social media, clarifying that his comments were meant only to appreciate Shetty’s performance and that he respects all cultures and traditions.It was further contended that the essential ingredients of the alleged offences were not made out in this case, since there was no malicious intent on Singh's part or incitement to violence or attempt to create disharmony between communities.Senior Advocate Sajjan Poovaiya, for Ranveer Singh, was instructed by Ameet Naik and Madhu Gadodia from Naik Naik & Co. .Follow Bar and Bench channel on WhatsAppDownload the Bar and Bench Mobile app for instant access to the latest legal news.