Ranveer Singh Banned By Film Workers' Body After Don 3 Exit, Actor's Team Issues Statement

The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has announced a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh after his reported last-minute exit from Don 3, a project that had been in development for nearly three years.

Filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani had earlier filed a complaint against Singh with the Indian Film & Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA), which subsequently referred the matter to FWICE for further action.

The third instalment of the Don franchise, envisioned as a reboot with a new lead actor, had not yet gone on floors. According to the producers, over Rs 45 crore had already been invested in the film’s pre-production.

“We will not work with Ranveer Singh after today, whether it is cameraman, spot boy, lightmen or anyone else from our side. This non-cooperation will continue till the dispute is cleared. An artist becomes an artist because of the people, because of the members who work with us, the technicians, those who watch the movies. You leave a film which many people have worked on for three years,” FWICE honorary general secretary Ashok Dubey said during a press conference on Monday.

“We wrote a letter to you but there was no reply so no member from FWICE will work with you,” he added.

In response, Singh’s official spokesperson said the actor continues to hold immense respect for the film fraternity and everyone associated with the Don franchise.

“Throughout the recent developments surrounding Don 3, he has consciously chosen to maintain silence, believing that professional discussions and personal equations are best handled with dignity, maturity and mutual respect.

“While several narratives and speculations have surfaced over time, Ranveer has never considered it necessary to respond publicly or contribute to conjecture. His focus remains firmly on his work and the commitments ahead.

“He continues to hold deep respect and goodwill for all those involved and sincerely wishes the franchise continued success. Choosing restraint and grace in moments like these has always been a conscious decision on his part, and he will continue to maintain the same stance,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

FWICE, formed in 1956, is the primary trade union and umbrella body representing film and television workers in India. Apart from protecting workers’ interests, the organisation also mediates disputes involving artists, technicians and production houses.

“The Federation works for the betterment of its workers. But if injustice is done to a producer, the federation will back the producer. So we have decided that a message should go to the industry that a superstar is not bigger than rules or the system,” FWICE president B N Tiwari said.

FWICE chief advisor Ashoke Pandit alleged that Singh exited the project just three weeks before filming was scheduled to begin.

“The filmmakers have suffered a huge loss… They made their presentation before the FWICE. The Federation sent letters and reminders to Ranveer Singh to come and share his side. He chose not to reply to three notices.

“We had a meeting of all the office bearers and decided to issue a non-cooperation directive. It means any FWICE member — working in 38 craft — will not work in projects where Singh is involved. Shootings will not be able to happen,” Pandit told PTI.

Pandit further claimed that Singh sent an email to FWICE shortly after the media briefing was announced.

“He stated ‘Your federation does not fall into the jurisdiction of this entire issue, so the body has no reason to get involved into this dispute’,” Pandit added.

Don 3 was expected to mark Akhtar’s return to direction after Don 2, which starred Shah Rukh Khan. The original Don, written by Javed Akhtar and Salim Khan, featured Amitabh Bachchan and Zeenat Aman in lead roles.

Reports suggest Singh exited the film citing script-related changes as the reason. Akhtar and Sidhwani have alleged that despite the actor delivering one of his biggest hits with Dhurandhar, he repeatedly delayed Don 3 before eventually walking away from the project in December last year.