You hurt workers, not stars: Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta criticises FWICE ban on Ranveer Singh

Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta has questioned the Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ (FWICE) decision to impose a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh following the actor’s abrupt exit from Don 3. Reacting to the controversy on X, Gupta argued that such decisions hurt film workers more than stars themselves.

“When an A List Hero shoots there are more than 300 workers working on sets. Ban him and you are not stopping him but depriving the workers of their livelihood. What sense does it even make???” Gupta wrote on Monday. His remarks came shortly after FWICE publicly announced its action against Ranveer during a press conference.

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Why did FWICE ban Ranveer Singh?

The controversy began after Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani reportedly approached FWICE over Ranveer’s sudden departure from the film shortly before shooting was due to begin. According to the federation, Excel Entertainment alleged that the actor’s exit caused losses of nearly Rs 45 crore in pre-production expenses.

FWICE also claimed that Ranveer had signed a three-film contract with the banner. The body later issued multiple notices to the actor seeking his response. However, according to FWICE President Ashoke Pandit, Ranveer replied only after the federation announced its press conference, stating that FWICE was not the “appropriate forum” to address contractual disputes.

The federation has now effectively barred Ranveer from collaborating with its members until the matter is resolved. FWICE also backed the producers’ demand for reimbursement of the alleged financial losses.

What did Ranveer Singh say about the controversy?

Following the federation’s decision, Ranveer issued an official statement. The actor said he had deliberately remained silent throughout the dispute out of respect for everyone involved.

“Ranveer Singh holds the highest regard for the film fraternity and for 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,” the statement read.

Reports also suggested that the dispute had reached the Producers Guild of India, where senior producers reportedly attempted to mediate between Ranveer and Excel Entertainment.

Why has Don 3 become such a major talking point?

Don 3 was announced in August 2023 with a teaser introducing Ranveer as the new Don, a role previously played by Amitabh Bachchan and later by Shah Rukh Khan. The project generated significant buzz, making Ranveer’s exit one of the industry’s most discussed developments in recent months.

In its official statement, FWICE defended its stance by saying the industry functions like “one extended family” and criticised last-minute exits that could disrupt large-scale productions.