Ranveer Singh has found himself at the centre of one of Bollywood’s biggest controversies in recent times. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees has issued a non-cooperation directive against him over his exit from Don 3, effectively banning him from working with over five lakh industry members.
Amid the controversy, another question has grabbed attention, what exactly is FWICE, how powerful is it, and can its decision really impact an actor’s Bollywood career? Here is everything you need to know.
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What is FWICE and what does it do?
FWICE stands for the Federation of Western India Cine Employees. Founded in 1956 it is one of the most powerful entertainment industry trade unions in India, based in Mumbai. It serves as the parent organisation for over 32 distinct craft associations and protects the rights and livelihoods of over five lakh members including junior artists, technicians, makeup artists, lightmen, spot boys and set workers. It also steps in to mediate professional conflicts between producers, actors and directors.
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What exactly is the non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh?
The non-cooperation directive means that FWICE members will not work on any project involving Ranveer Singh until the issue is solved. This includes cameramen, spot boys, lightmen and many other workers linked to film shoots. Since FWICE represents over five lakh workers, it could make shooting films with Ranveer difficult.
FWICE said it sent Ranveer Singh three notices asking him to appear and explain his side, but he did not respond. According to the federation, the actor only sent an email after the matter became public, saying FWICE did not have authority over the dispute.
What is the Don 3 controversy and how did it start?
In 2023 it was officially announced that Ranveer Singh would play the lead role in Don 3 directed by Farhan Akhtar and produced by Excel Entertainment. However Ranveer reportedly exited the project just before shooting was expected to begin. Farhan Akhtar and his partner Ritesh Sidhwani filed a complaint with industry bodies claiming more than Rs 45 crore had already been spent on pre-production. The matter was eventually referred to FWICE which issued a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer on May 25.