In brief
The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced a boycott of Ranveer Singh, demanding he meet with the union after the actor’s sudden withdrawal from Don 3, a franchise long associated with Bollywood stardom. The decision followed accusations by filmmaker Farhan Akhtar of an unprofessional exit that cost producers an estimated ₹450 million. While the move does not ban Singh outright, it has attracted widespread attention given Don 3’s popularity and Singh’s high profile. The union’s directive, issued as a “non‑cooperation” order, echoes earlier actions against prominent artists, including Diljit Dosanjh, reflecting FWICE’s willingness to enforce industry standards. Amid mixed online reactions—ranging from accusations of unfair targeting to claims he must face the financial fallout—Singh has yet to comment, with the BBC awaiting a response from his team. The incident follows a string of controversies surrounding Singh, from a cultural‑respect dispute in 2025 to a radioactive apology for a mimicry incident, underscoring the star’s precarious public standing. The boycott underscores the balance between star power and contractual obligations in India’s film industry.
[ "Fans of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh were shocked after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), a major film‑workers' union, urged its members to avoid working with him.FWICE cited the actor’s alleged premature exit from the upcoming film Don 3, after producers had already spent about 450 million rupees ($4.7 million; £3.4 million) on pre‑production.The union repeatedly asked Singh to explain his position, but he refused.Singh has not commented on the dispute, and the BBC is awaiting a response from his team. He allegedly faced scrutiny from FWICE over whether the union could compel him to testify.FWICE president BN Tiwari issued a non‑cooperation directive until Singh meets with the union. The actor was described as not bigger than the rules by the union. The move does not ban the star but has drawn attention.Don was originally created by Amitabh Bachchan in 1978, rebooted by Farhan Akhtar with Shah Rukh Khan, and was announced in 2023 with Singh taking over as the new lead. The franchise is notable for its action‑serious under‑world narrative.The controversy reignited debate over Singh’s reputation; among his hits are Padmaavat and Gully Boy, and he just starred in Dhurandhar, a two‑part spy thriller.Farhan Akhtar filed a complaint with FWICE claiming Singh withdrew three weeks before shooting was due to begin, after producers had spent heavily on overseas schedules. FWICE asked members to boycott the actor until he agreed to meet the union. In response, the union said it sent a message that superstar status does not equal exemption from contract.Singh has not spoken directly; his spokesperson claimed he maintains a highest regard for the industry and the Don franchise, but he selected silence. The BBC noted no confirmed statement from Singh.FWICE has previously used similar directives against high‑profile actors, such as Diljit Dosanjh for cross‑border collaboration during military tensions.Social media reactions are divided: Some question whether Singh is being unfairly targeted, noting he is not the first star to exit a film, while others support the producers, arguing large productions are vulnerable to costly disruptions. Critics label him as unprofessional.This is not Singhs first controversial moment. In 2025, he faced backlash for mimicking a ritual from the Kannada film Kantara during a film festival, causing a cultural‑respect debate, and earlier in 2015, he was involved in a controversial comedy roast that sparked police complaints.The incident illustrates the ongoing tension between celebrity antics and industry norms in India’s Bollywood ecosystem." ]
