The story, in which actor Ranveer Singh has been said to quit the upcoming film Don 3, has now shifted direction, and the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has said it has made no order banning this actor.
The clarification followed reports that FWICE had announced that it was barring Ranveer Singh as he had walked away from the project mere days before starts. However, the director and principal worker of the FWICE, Ashoke Pandit, rejected claims and said the federation only gave the boy a ‘non-cooperation order’.
Ashoke Pandit, speaking to ETimes, mentioned that FWICE does not have the right to ban any actor. He said the organisation had only told members of 30 crafts not to work with Ranveer Singh until the dispute is resolved. Pandit explained that the decision had been taken to protect producers from hefty losses on their artists’ part from cutting across projects on a whim.
Pandit also added that not all production houses are able to absorb major setbacks. Drawing on Excel Entertainment, he explained that while some banners are likely to survive such a loss to production costs, smaller producers are more in danger of ruin. And repeated instances of actors leaving projects midway through could create a ripple effect in the industry, he said.
FWICE had also tried to settle the case in a friendly manner, the filmmaker said. The federation sent three separate invitations asking Ranveer Singh to meet jointly with Farhan Akhtar, the filmmaker, and FWICE representatives. Pandit, however, said the actor didn’t reply until word emerged about the federation’s proposed press conference.
Ranveer Singh’s team also replied via an email saying the issue was not FWICE’s concern, Ashoke Pandit also revealed. Nevertheless, the federation says the discussions remain in progress, and the matter remains unresolved. Pandit implied that negotiations will still be pending over the already-reported Rs 45 crore compensation request issued by Farhan Akhtar and that both sides can eventually agree on a deal.
But Ranveer Singh’s team has already responded in a statement that the actor has opted to remain dignified and silent on the issue. As the controversy raged, the actor went to the venerated Chamundeshwari Temple in Mysuru earlier on Monday.
The debate has spawned heated discussions throughout film and among fans, particularly after speculation that Ranveer Singh could be involved in major franchise movies soon. But FWICE has now advised people not to sensationalise the issue, describing it as a “ban,” and saying more information on the matter will be released soon.
