The Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ (FWICE) decision to impose a non-cooperation directive on Ranveer Singh has triggered sharp criticism from within the industry, with acclaimed film editor Shweta Venkat accusing the body of “selective outrage.”
Venkat, whose editing credits include ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, ‘Newton’, ‘Haseen Dillruba’, and ‘Kalank’, questioned why the federation acted swiftly in the Don 3 dispute while a collective appeal signed by 242 editors has allegedly remained unaddressed for nearly three years .
‘Where was this efficiency?’
Speaking to SCREEN, Venkat revealed that editors across the industry have been trying since 2023 to initiate discussions regarding pay scales, pending dues, and unhealthy working conditions. “We needed a dialogue with the producers,” she said, adding that several editors met FWICE and were assured that discussions would take place .
A formal letter signed by 242 editors detailing these grievances was submitted to the federation, but according to Venkat, there has been no follow-up communication or meaningful response since that meeting .
Taking to Instagram Stories, the editor sarcastically referred to FWICE’s quick action against Ranveer as “cute.” She wrote, “When film editors had come to you for help setting up a dialogue with producers, where was this efficiency? It has been 3 years. Or maybe we weren’t cool enough. Basically producer ya actor bano” .
Why FWICE banned Ranveer Singh
The controversy stems from Ranveer Singh’s sudden exit from Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don 3’. Producer Farhan Akhtar reportedly approached FWICE regarding the matter, after which the federation issued a directive barring its members and workers from collaborating with the actor until the dispute is resolved .
Excel Entertainment has reportedly demanded Rs 45 crore in damages to cover pre-production expenses, including hotel bookings and overseas travel arrangements for a 200-member crew .
FWICE claimed that multiple notices were sent to Singh over time, but he did not appear before the federation. Singh’s representatives later argued that FWICE had no jurisdiction over the matter, prompting the organisation to take stricter action .
Ranveer maintains dignified silence
Following the ban announcement, Singh’s spokesperson issued a statement saying the actor “holds the highest regard for the film fraternity” and everyone associated with the Don franchise. The statement noted that Singh has “consciously chosen to maintain silence, believing that professional discussions and personal equations are best handled with dignity, maturity and mutual respect” .
Sanjay Gupta joins criticism
Filmmaker Sanjay Gupta also criticised FWICE’s move, highlighting how such bans affect daily wage workers more than major stars. “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,” he wrote on X .
Selective scrutiny debate intensifies
The incident has reignited discussions about double standards in Bollywood, with observers pointing out that legacy stars like Hrithik Roshan and Aamir Khan have walked out of major projects in the past without facing institutional backlash .
As Venkat noted, her Instagram post ended with the biting observation: “Basically producer ya actor bano” — implying that unless you hold a powerful position as either a producer or an actor, your grievances are unlikely to receive the same urgency .
