'Not A Ban, But A Choice': Ashoke Pandit Clarifies FWICE’s Stand On Ranveer Singh’s Don 3 Exit

The ongoing dispute over Don 3 escalated on May 25, 2026, when the FWICE officially issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh. The move follows producer Farhan Akhtar’s claim of a Rs 45 crore loss due to Singh’s last-minute exit from the film. Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit has since clarified that the directive effectively halts all union-affiliated work with the actor until he personally meets with the federation to resolve the financial and professional grievances.

In a conversation with ETimes, Ashoke Pandit said, "See, first of all, the entire conversation has become wrong. It's not a ban. See, we are not court; we can't ban people. So we have issued a non-cooperation. Non-cooperation means all our members who belong to 30 crafts, you know, they will not work with him. It's my choice whether I want to work with him or not."

He further added, "So we, as a trade union, have issued this thing to our members that as far as wherever he is there, you will not work till the time. This issue is not sorted out. Because we very strongly feel that this is a very wrong trend which will start. Producers will be doomed in the last moment if directors leave and if actors leave and, you know, for that matter, if anybody leaves. This will be a big loss, and then ultimately everybody is not Excel Entertainment that they can afford to lose crores. They will commit suicide"

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Ashoke Pandit on Ranveer Singh's response to invitations

He shared, "So we very strongly tried our best. We sent him invitations thrice. There was no response, and then finally he sent mail when he came to know that we are having a press conference, saying that this doesn't come under a jurisdiction. So with that said, fine, if you feel so strongly. Toh theek hai. Koi baat nahi. (Alright then. No problem) Doesn't matter. So that that is a basic thing, we will wait. We'll sit with the producer body. Will sit with different associations, and we'll see how things happen."

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Ashoke Pandit emphasised the need for a formal resolution, stating that the producers, the actor and the federation must meet to reach a compromise on the financial damages. He argued that whether the final settlement is Rs 45 crore or a lower figure like Rs 30 crore, a dialogue is essential to provide closure. Pandit likened the situation to a family dispute that must be settled reasonably so that all parties can eventually return to work.