Controversy over the non-cooperation of the Federation of Western India Cine Workers (FWICE) against the now-retired actor Ranveer Singh has taken a new turn, with the President of the Association of Film and Television Artists (CINTAA). Poonam Dhillon questioning the way the decision was made.Speaking to ANI, Dhillon said that CINTAA was not consulted despite being a member of FWICE and expressed surprise at the actor. Upasana Singhits involvement in developments.
“Any decision of this magnitude should involve all stakeholders”
Responding to FWICE’s announcement of a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh, Dhillon said the move was backwards and insisted that such decisions should be taken collectively.“I was really surprised because we are affiliated with FWICE and any decision of this magnitude should involve all stakeholders. Unilateral decisions are never right,” he said.Dhillon welcomed FWICE’s subsequent decision to withdraw the directive, but noted that such actions could have ramifications beyond the actor at the center of the controversy.“It would not only affect Ranveer Singh. There are lighting men, technicians, spot boys, make-up artists, stuntmen, costume makers and many others whose livelihood depends on film shoots,” he added.
CINTAA asked FWICE for an explanation
Dhillon revealed that CINTAA formally objected to the way the decision was made and wrote to FWICE for clarification.He also disputed reports suggesting that CINTAA had appealed the removal of the directive.“They said that CINTAA appealed. I would like to show you our letter of appeal. We were not part of that process,” he said.According to Dhillon, CINTAA was neither consulted nor invited to participate in the pre-announcement discussions, despite being in regular communication with FWICE.“We were in contact with them until the day before yesterday. They also asked to use the premises of the CINTAA office for a press conference. However, we were not consulted on the matter, nor were we invited to participate in the discussions”, he stated.
Poonam Dhillon is shocked by Upasana Singh’s presence
Responding to questions about actor Upasana Singh’s presence at the FWICE press conference, Dhillon clarified that CINTAA officials had no prior knowledge of her participation.“Upasana ji may have attended in his individual way, but I did not know that he would go there. We had no official information. If he were to replace CINTAA, he would be nominated by the association and he would go with our consent,” said Dhillon.
“There is due process for everything”
The veteran actor stressed that conflicts within the entertainment industry should be handled through dialogue and established procedure rather than public confrontation.“When things can be resolved with respect and discussion, why make it public? There is a proper procedure for everything. If a matter cannot be resolved, legal remedies are available. I think the proper procedure was not followed in this case,” he said.Reiterating the importance of collective decision-making, Dhillon said no industry body — including CINTAA, FWICE or producers’ associations — should take unilateral decisions that could affect the wider film fraternity.“We are saddened that instead of solving the issue, it is getting more and more complicated. We always believe in involving all parties and finding a solution that will not cause loss to anyone,” he added.
FWICE withdraws directive following IMPPA intervention
On Wednesday, the FWICE announced that it had withdrawn the non-cooperation directive after the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA) intervened.In a statement, the federation said it now favors a “constructive and amicable solution” to the issues surrounding Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar’s Excel Entertainment’s Excel Entertainment’s Don 3.“During the subsequent discussions and debates, and after considering the intervention and appeal by the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), it was collectively felt that the matter should now move towards a constructive and amicable solution in the greater interest of maintaining harmony and unity in the entertainment industry,” FWICE said.The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh’s exit from Don 3 has come under fire amid the actor’s recent box office success with Dhurandhar and Dhurandhar: The Revenge releasing in 2025 and 2026 respectively.
