Since FWICE banned Ranveer Singh on Monday over the ‘Don 3’ dispute with Farhan Akhtar, discussions around favouritism in Bollywood have been picking up pace. Now, film editor Shweta Venkat, known for her work on ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ (2012), ‘Newton’ (2017), ‘Haseen Dillruba’ (2021), and ‘Kalank’, has voiced her criticism, accusing FWICE of exercising selective outrage in the matter.
Shweta Venkat exposes FWICE’s double standards
In her conversation with SCREEN, Shweta drew attention to a glaring inconsistency, FWICE’s failure to act on a collective complaint filed by 242 editors back in 2023, which highlighted concerns related to pay slabs, pending dues, and working conditions. Yet, when Excel Entertainment’s Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani approached the federation over the Don 3 dispute, it moved swiftly to impose a ban on Ranveer. Shweta noted that the editors had sought a dialogue with the producers’ body, but the matter had gone nowhere since. “We needed a dialogue with the producers. There was also a letter sent to them, signed by 242 editors working in the industry, outlining the issues. But there has been no communication or revert post that meeting,” she said.
Shweta takes her frustration to social media
She also took her frustration to social media, where she did not hold back. Describing FWICE’s ban on Ranveer as “cute,” she questioned the federation’s selective efficiency, writing, “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 (become either a producer or an actor).“
FWICE bans Ranveer Singh over ‘Don 3’ exit
Following a prolonged dispute over Singh’s sudden departure from ‘Don 3’, producer Farhan took the matter to FWICE. On Monday, the federation moved swiftly, banning the actor and prohibiting all its members and workers from working with him going forward. In response to FWICE’s directive, Ranveer’s official spokesperson released a statement. “Ranveer Singh holds the highest regard for the film fraternity and for everyone associated with the Don franchise. Throughout the recent developments surrounding Don 3, he has consciously chosen to maintain silence, believing that professional discussions and personal equations are best handled with dignity, maturity and mutual respect. While several narratives and speculations have surfaced over time, Ranveer has never considered it necessary to respond publicly or contribute to conjecture. His focus remains firmly on his work and the commitments ahead,” the statement read.
Ranveer’s spokesperson issues second statement
Subsequently, Ranveer’s spokesperson released a further statement on the matter. “Ranveer Singh holds the highest regard for the film fraternity and for everyone associated with the Don franchise. Throughout the recent developments surrounding Don 3, he has consciously chosen to maintain silence, believing that professional discussions and personal equations are best handled with dignity, maturity and mutual respect. While several narratives and speculations have surfaced over time, Ranveer has never considered it necessary to respond publicly or contribute to conjecture. His focus remains firmly on his work and the commitments ahead,” it read.
