The controversy surrounding Ranveer Singh’s reported exit from ‘Don 3’ continues to intensify, and now author-columnist Shobhaa De has weighed in on the matter. Reacting strongly to the Federation of Western India Cine Employees’ (FWICE) non-cooperation directive against the actor, De criticised the growing culture of “control” and “power politics” within the entertainment industry. In a social media video, she compared the entire controversy to the ongoing Delhi Gymkhana Club dispute and referred to Ranveer Singh as the “Delhi Gymkhana of Bollywood.”Speaking about the situation in the video shared on her Instagram handle, Shobhaa De questioned the motives behind the public fallout and suggested that the issue had moved far beyond a professional disagreement. “I’ve been following the Ranveer Singh thing. I’ve been following the Delhi Gymkhana thing. There’s not that much of a difference,” she said.Explaining her comparison further, she added, “It’s about power, it’s about control, it’s about banning, it’s about taking away, it’s about putting people in their place, it’s about teaching lessons to people or institutions.” According to her, such actions create an atmosphere of intimidation rather than resolution.
Shobhaa De’s take on Ranveer Singh’s silence on the matter
Shobhaa De also commented on Ranveer Singh’s handling of the controversy, saying the actor had strategically chosen silence while allowing public opinion to speak on his behalf. “Ranveer Singh is sensible, clever, well-advised. He’s holding his silence. He’s keeping quiet, letting his fans and followers fight his battles for him,” she remarked.At the same time, she mocked the functioning of the Delhi Gymkhana Club, describing it as “full of stuffed old shirts, sitting and sipping their gin and tonics.”
Questions raised over FWICE’s role
The columnist further questioned FWICE’s involvement in the matter and criticised the organisation for allegedly overstepping its role. “I don’t think they’re all that important, but suddenly they have assumed the kind of importance to say, ‘Oh, we won’t allow this man, this superstar, the most successful actor in India, to get to the studios and to his work,’” she said.Shobhaa argued that disputes between actors and producers should be handled legally or privately instead of turning into public industry battles.De also pointed out that the larger fallout of such controversies often impacts technicians and workers connected to film productions. “If it’s a question that had to be resolved between Excel, Farhan Akhtar and Ranveer Singh, they could have either hired lawyers or gone to court,” she stated.She further added that unnecessary industry-level bans could hurt the livelihoods of workers who have no role in the conflict. “There should be no political ideology when it comes to entertainment and when it comes to the careers of not just one star, but an entire sub-industry of technicians and others who are really badly hit,” she explained.
Shobhaa De calls Ranveer Singh ‘an iconic movie star’
Shobhaa De concluded by praising Ranveer Singh’s stardom and credited the success of ‘Dhurandhar’ to both the actor and filmmaker Aditya Dhar. “He’s a phenomenon,” she said while adding that the current controversy appears bigger than just a dispute involving one actor. According to her, Ranveer’s decision to stay quiet throughout the row may have actually strengthened his public image.“What Ranveer has successfully done by keeping quiet is enhance his own brand appeal and also his popularity. So, who’s going to win this round? Let’s wait and see,” she concluded. While sharing the clip online, Shobhaa De also wrote, “Ranveer Singh is the Delhi Gymkhana of Bollywood… same same but different… Exclusivity instead of inclusivity? Stop behaving like Trump!!! Threats and intimidation???? Won’t work.”
Who is Shobhaa De?
Shobhaa De, born as Shobha Rajadhyaksha, is a renowned Indian novelist, columnist, and former model known for her fearless writing style and sharp social commentary. Popularly dubbed the “Jackie Collins of India,” she has earned recognition for portraying the glamorous yet complex world of urban elites, relationships, and high society with honesty and boldness.
