The controversy surrounding the Federation of Western India Cine Employees' (FWICE) now-withdrawn non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh has escalated, with Cine and TV Artistes' Association (CINTAA) President Poonam Dhillon questioning the unilateral manner in which the decision was taken. Speaking to ANI, Dhillon stated that CINTAA, an affiliate body of FWICE, was not consulted, and she expressed surprise over actor Upasana Singh's involvement in the developments.
Dhillon Stresses Need for Collective Decision-Making
Reacting to FWICE's earlier announcement of a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh, Dhillon said she was taken aback by the move and emphasized that such decisions should involve all concerned parties. “I was really surprised because we are affiliates of FWICE and any decision of this magnitude should involve all concerned parties. Unilateral decisions are never right,” she said.
Dhillon welcomed FWICE's subsequent withdrawal of the directive but pointed out that such actions could have repercussions far beyond the actor at the center of the controversy. “It would not have affected only Ranveer Singh. There are lightmen, technicians, spot boys, make-up artists, stuntmen, costume makers, and many others whose livelihood depends on film shoots,” she added.
CINTAA Seeks Explanation from FWICE
Dhillon revealed that CINTAA formally objected to the decision-making process and wrote to FWICE seeking clarification. She also questioned reports suggesting that CINTAA had appealed for the withdrawal of the directive. “They said CINTAA had appealed. I would like them to show our letter of appeal. We were not part of that process,” she said.
According to Dhillon, CINTAA was neither consulted nor invited to participate in discussions leading up to the announcement, despite being in regular communication with FWICE. “We were in touch with them till a day before. They even requested the use of CINTAA's office premises for a press conference. Yet we were not consulted on the issue, nor invited to be part of the discussions,” she stated.
Poonam Dhillon Surprised by Upasana Singh’s Presence
Addressing questions about actor Upasana Singh's presence at FWICE's press conference, Dhillon clarified that CINTAA office-bearers had no prior knowledge of her participation. “Upasana ji may have attended in her individual capacity, but it was not in my knowledge that she was going there. We had no official information. If she were representing CINTAA, she would have been designated by the association and attended with our authorization,” Dhillon said.
Dhillon Advocates for Due Process and Dialogue
The veteran actor stressed that disputes within the entertainment industry should be handled through dialogue and established procedures rather than public confrontations. “When things can be resolved with respect and discussion, why make them public? There is a due process for everything. If a matter cannot be resolved, there are legal remedies available. I feel due process was not followed in this case,” she said.
Reiterating the importance of collective decision-making, Dhillon stated that no industry body—including CINTAA, FWICE, or producers' associations—should take unilateral decisions that could impact the wider film fraternity. “We are saddened that instead of resolving the matter, it is becoming more complicated. We always believe in involving all parties and finding a solution that causes no loss to anyone,” she added.
FWICE Withdraws Directive After IMPPA Intervention
On Wednesday, FWICE announced that it had withdrawn its non-cooperation directive following the intervention of the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA). In a statement, the federation said it now favors a “constructive and amicable resolution” to the ongoing issues involving Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar's Excel Entertainment over Don 3. “Over the course of subsequent discussions and deliberations, and after taking into consideration the intervention and appeal made by Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association (IMPPA), it was collectively felt that the matter should now move towards a constructive and amicable resolution in the larger interest of maintaining harmony and unity within the entertainment industry,” FWICE said.
The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh's reported exit from Don 3 has remained in the spotlight amid the actor's recent box-office success, with back-to-back releases Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge in 2025 and 2026, respectively.
