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Bollywood union issues non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh
One of India's largest film workers' unions has urged its members to refuse collaboration with Bollywood star Ranveer Singh following his abrupt withdrawal from the highly anticipated Don 3. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) accused the actor of leaving the project after producers had already spent nearly $4.7 million on pre-production.
Dispute over last-minute exit
FWICE president BN Tiwari stated that the union repeatedly requested Singh to clarify his decision but received no response. The union's move, described as a "non-cooperation directive," stops short of a formal ban but sends a strong message to the industry. "A superstar is not above the rules," Tiwari said.
The controversy erupted after filmmaker Farhan Akhtar filed a complaint with FWICE, alleging Singh pulled out of Don 3 just three weeks before filming was set to begin. Union official Ashoke Pandit claimed the withdrawal disrupted overseas schedules and incurred significant financial losses.
Singh's team responds, but silence persists
While Singh has not directly addressed the dispute, reports suggest his representatives questioned FWICE's authority to compel him to appear before the union. A statement attributed to his team, published by Indian media, expressed "the highest regard" for the industry and the Don franchise but offered no explanation for his exit.
The BBC has sought comment from Singh's representatives but has not received a response.
Industry reactions and past controversies
This is not the first time FWICE has targeted a major star. In 2025, the union issued a similar directive against actor-singer Diljit Dosanjh for working with Pakistani artists amid political tensions. However, such actions against A-list actors remain rare.
Online reactions to the dispute have been polarized. Some fans defended Singh, arguing that last-minute exits are not uncommon in Bollywood. Others criticized him for allegedly prioritizing personal decisions over professional commitments, calling the move "unprofessional."
Singh has faced public backlash before. In 2025, he apologized after mimicking a ritual scene from the Kannada film Kantara, which critics deemed culturally insensitive. Earlier, in 2015, he was embroiled in controversy over a comedy roast that sparked debates on obscenity and free speech.
The Don franchise's legacy
Originally launched in 1978 with Amitabh Bachchan in the lead role, the Don series follows a cunning underworld kingpin. Farhan Akhtar later rebooted the franchise with Shah Rukh Khan. Don 3, announced in 2023, was expected to continue the saga with Singh as the new lead.
What's next?
The dispute raises questions about accountability in Bollywood, where high-budget productions often hinge on star power. Industry observers are watching closely to see if Singh will engage with FWICE or if the standoff will escalate further.
