Ashoke Pandit: ‘We saw WhatsApp chats between Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani before announcing non-cooperation’ |

The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh‘s reported exit from Don 3 continues to spark debate within the film industry. In a recent interview, the President of the Indian Film and Television Directors’ Association (IFTDA) and the Chief Advisor for the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) Ashoke Pandit shed light on the federation’s decision-making process and claimed that extensive documentation was examined before non-cooperation was announced.

‘Excel told us Rs 45 crore had already been spent’

According to Pandit, the issue began when the makers of Don 3 approached the federation with a formal complaint.“A producer and director came to us and filed a complaint saying they were making Don 3 and that around Rs 45 crore had already been invested in the project. They brought all the documents, expense sheets and details of the signing amounts,” he told Hindi Rush.He pointed out that such expenditure is not unusual for a large-scale production.“If you’re making a Rs 300-crore film, Rs 45 crore in pre-production expenses is normal. The unit was supposed to leave for shooting within three weeks and suddenly there was a walkout.”

‘We sent three letters but got no response’

Pandit said FWICE followed due process before arriving at any decision.“As a rule, whenever a complaint comes to us, we hear both sides. We wrote to the other side because we wanted to know their version as well. We sent one letter, then another and then a third reminder. We did not receive any response.”According to him, the only communication that eventually arrived questioned the federation’s jurisdiction over the matter.“We were told that this was not our jurisdiction and that we should not get involved.”

‘Styling was done, tickets were booked’

Pandit claimed the federation examined substantial evidence before taking action.“We saw WhatsApp chats between Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani. Styling had been completed, costumes had been finalised, tickets had been booked, hotels were arranged and the unit was scheduled to leave within three weeks.”He added that such preparations indicated that the project had progressed significantly.“A producer doesn’t spend that kind of money without commitments in place.”

‘We never banned Ranveer Singh’

Pandit also addressed reports that the federation had banned the actor.“The media got it wrong. We never used the word ‘ban’. Neither I nor anyone from the federation said that. We are not a court and we do not have the power to ban anybody.”He explained that FWICE had only announced non-cooperation.“What we said was that our workers and technicians would not work on projects featuring Ranveer Singh. Non-cooperation and a ban are two completely different things.”

‘If you leave a film, losses should be reimbursed’

Pandit maintained that the federation’s concern was accountability rather than personalities.“Ranveer may have had ten genuine reasons for leaving the film. We are not questioning that. But if a producer has spent crores because of your commitment, then those losses should be reimbursed.”Drawing a comparison with other professions, he said, “No industry can function if someone gets money spent and then suddenly says they’re no longer interested.”

‘The issue is bigger than one actor’

According to Pandit, FWICE’s concern extends beyond Don 3.“Today it’s an actor. Tomorrow it could be a director, writer or cinematographer. If people begin leaving projects at the last moment, the entire system will suffer.”He added that the federation is now working with producer bodies to create a standard operating procedure for the industry.“We want an SOP for everyone — actors, directors, technicians and assistants. Commitments have to mean something.”Pandit concluded by reiterating that the federation has no personal issue with Ranveer Singh.“We are accountable to producers, technicians, workers and actors alike. This is about discipline and trust, not about targeting any individual.”