‘Don 3’ Row: Did Salman Khan Step In To Help Resolve Ranveer Singh-Farhan Akhtar Dispute? Here’s What We Know
Following a major industry dispute triggered by Ranveer Singh’s abrupt exit from 'Don 3', Bollywood megastar Salman Khan has reportedly stepped in as a mediator to defuse mounting tensions between the actor and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar.
A major industry dispute has erupted in Bollywood following actor Ranveer Singh’s abrupt exit from the highly anticipated film Don 3. The sudden departure has resulted in a reported pre-production loss of INR 40 crore to INR 45 crore for Excel Entertainment, prompting the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) to issue a non-cooperation directive against the actor. Amidst the escalating tension, megastar Salman Khan has reportedly stepped in as a mediator to defuse the situation between Singh and filmmaker Farhan Akhtar before it impacts future projects. ‘Don 3’ Row: CINTAA President Poonam Dhillon Questions Ranveer Singh for Not Seeking Film Body’s Help in Farhan Akhtar Dispute.
How Is Salman Khan Involved in Ranveer Singh, Farhan Akhtar’s ‘Don 3’ Row?
As the standoff between the actor and the production house threatens to create a wider industry rift, Salman Khan has taken it upon himself to act as a peacemaker. According to industry sources, Khan shares a deep personal and professional rapport with both sides of the dispute.
A source close to the development told Bollywood Hungama that Khan initiated contact with both stakeholders to prevent further damage. "Salman Khan is fond of Ranveer Singh, and is equally fond of the Akhtars too. He picked up the call on both the stakeholders, and has asked them to resolve their issues without hurting the future of their respective projects," the source stated.
Khan reportedly emphasized that disagreements over filmmaking are a natural part of the business, urging both parties to settle the matter privately. "He explained to Farhan about creative differences being a common thing in the industry for decades, and he also had a long chat with Ranveer, understanding his stance. He is playing the cupid to ensure that no one feels sabotaged," the source added.
The Root of the ‘Don 3’ Dispute
The controversy began when Ranveer Singh officially withdrew from Don 3, a project he had been attached to since its high-profile announcement as a franchise reboot in August 2023. Reports indicate the actor walked out just weeks before the shooting schedule was set to commence. Sources close to Singh suggest his exit was driven by creative dissatisfaction and the absence of a finalized, locked script.
Conversely, Excel Entertainment, headed by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, maintains that the script was consistently shared in stages and approved by the actor. The production house filed a formal complaint after incurring massive expenses during the extended pre-production phase.
FWICE Intervention
Following the complaint by Excel Entertainment, the matter escalated to FWICE, which issued an industry-wide non-cooperation directive against Singh. The directive instructs its four lakh affiliated cine workers, including technicians, lightmen, and spot boys, not to participate in projects involving the actor until the matter is resolved. Will Ranveer Singh’s ‘Don 3’ Row Affect His Upcoming Film ‘Pralay’? Here’s What We Know.
While legal experts note that trade unions lack the statutory authority to enforce binding bans on independent actors, the directive presents a logistical challenge for upcoming productions. Singh’s representatives have since issued a statement expressing continuous respect and goodwill toward the Don franchise, opting to handle the situation with professional restraint as private discussions continue.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2026 10:25 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
