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From AIB Roast To Don 3 Fallout: Five Times Ranveer Singh Landed In Major Controversies

From the AIB Roast controversy to the Don 3 fallout, Ranveer Singh's career has repeatedly been overshadowed by legal trouble, backlash and public outrage.

Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh
Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh (Photo: IANS)
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By ETV Bharat Entertainment Team

Published : May 27, 2026 at 1:01 PM IST

4 Min Read
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Hyderabad: Ranveer Singh is one of Bollywood's biggest stars. Since his debut in Band Baaja Baaraat in 2010, he has built a strong filmography with movies like Bajirao Mastani, Padmaavat, Gully Boy and now Dhurandhar. Known for his energy, fashion choices and outspoken personality, Ranveer has always stayed in the spotlight.

But along with blockbuster success came a long list of controversies. From offensive comments and legal complaints to cultural backlash and industry disputes, the actor has often found himself at the centre of public outrage.

The latest controversy around his reported exit from Don 3 has once again put him under intense scrutiny. Here's a look at five times Ranveer Singh made headlines for the wrong reasons.

1. The Don 3 Fallout and FWICE Non-Cooperation Directive

Ranveer Singh's reported exit from Don 3 has become one of the biggest controversies of his career. The film was officially announced in 2023 by Excel Entertainment, with Ranveer stepping into the iconic role previously played by Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan.

However, reports later claimed that the actor walked out of the project due to creative differences with the makers. The issue reportedly escalated after producer-director Farhan Akhtar approached the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association (IFTDA), alleging that Ranveer exited just weeks before the shoot was scheduled to begin.

According to reports shared during FWICE proceedings, Excel Entertainment had already spent nearly Rs 45 crore on pre-production work. The production team allegedly sought compensation of around Rs 40 crore for losses caused by the sudden exit. FWICE then issued three notices to Ranveer Singh, asking him to appear before the federation and respond to the complaint. When the actor reportedly failed to respond, FWICE issued a non-cooperation directive against him.

FWICE Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit later clarified that it was not technically a "ban". However, members associated with the federation were asked not to work on Ranveer Singh's future projects. Ranveer's spokesperson later released a statement saying the actor preferred to maintain silence and believed professional matters should be handled with "dignity and mutual respect".

2. The AIB Knockout Roast Controversy

Back in 2015, Ranveer Singh became part of one of Bollywood's most controversial comedy events - the AIB Knockout Roast. The show featured Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor as roast guests, while Karan Johar hosted the event. Filled with explicit jokes, abusive language and sexual humour, the video quickly went viral after being uploaded online.

The AIB Knockout Roast Controversy
The AIB Knockout Roast Controversy (Photo: IANS)

While many viewers defended it as edgy comedy, several political groups and activists strongly objected to the content. FIRs were filed against the participants over allegations of obscenity and vulgarity. The controversy became national news and triggered wider debates around freedom of speech, comedy and censorship in India.

3. Nude Photoshoot That Triggered FIRs

In 2022, Ranveer Singh shocked the internet after posing nude for an international magazine photoshoot inspired by Hollywood actor Burt Reynolds' iconic 1972 cover shoot. The pictures immediately went viral on social media. While some praised the actor for challenging stereotypes around masculinity, others criticised the shoot heavily.

Nude Photoshoot That Triggered FIRs
Nude Photoshoot That Triggered FIRs (Photo: IANS)

Multiple complaints were filed against him in Mumbai. An FIR was registered under sections related to obscenity, insulting modesty and provisions of the Information Technology Act. Another complaint claimed the photos hurt the dignity of women and children. Ranveer later recorded his statement with Mumbai Police and reportedly told authorities that one of the circulated images had been morphed online.

4. The Kantara Daiva Controversy

Ranveer Singh faced severe backlash in 2025 during the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa. While speaking on stage, the actor attempted to imitate a sequence from Kantara: Chapter 1 in the presence of actor-director Rishab Shetty. The scene was linked to the sacred Daiva tradition followed by the Tulu community in coastal Karnataka.

The Kantara Daiva Controversy
The Kantara Daiva Controversy (Photo: IANS)

During the imitation, Ranveer allegedly referred to the deity as a "female ghost", which angered many members of the Kannadiga and Tulu communities. The clip quickly spread online and complaints were filed against him. Religious groups demanded an apology, accusing the actor of insulting a sacred tradition.

Ranveer later apologised publicly on Instagram and clarified that his intention was only to appreciate Rishab Shetty's performance. The matter eventually reached the Karnataka High Court, where the actor sought relief in the FIR case.

5. Inappropriate Remarks on Koffee With Karan

One of Ranveer Singh's earliest controversies resurfaced years later because of social media. During a 2011 episode of Koffee With Karan featuring Anushka Sharma, Ranveer made comments that many viewers found inappropriate and sexist. Anushka immediately appeared uncomfortable and responded on camera, asking him not to speak to her like that.

Inappropriate Remarks on Koffee With Karan
Inappropriate Remarks on Koffee With Karan (Photo: IANS)

The clip resurfaced in 2019 during discussions around sexism and problematic celebrity behaviour on chat shows. Many social media users criticised Ranveer for casual misogyny and disrespectful remarks toward co-stars.

Despite the backlash over the years, Ranveer Singh continues to remain one of Bollywood's most bankable stars.

Read More

  1. Ranveer Singh, Don 3 Exit, And Rs 45 Cr Controversy: A Deep Dive Into Everything That Has Happened Before FWICE Boycott
  2. Manoj Bajpayee Weighs In On Ranveer Singh - Don 3 Controversy And FWICE Ban: 'Hope Matter Is Sorted Soon'
  3. Amid Don 3 Row And FWICE Ban, Ranveer Singh Visits Chamundeshwari Temple In Kantara Case