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Thursday 28 May 2026

Bollywood star faces boycott over blockbuster withdrawal

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A major union for film workers in India has asked members not to work with Indian star Ranveer Singh following his withdrawal from a movie. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees alleges that producers had already spent the equivalent of £3.4m when Singh pulled out of Don 3, the latest instalment in a popular action franchise, three weeks before shooting was due to start. Singh is one of Bollywood’s best-paid actors, having starred in two of the five biggest films in the history of Indian cinema. Although non-cooperation directives have previously been issued by the FWICE, he is a high-profile target. Singh has not explained his withdrawal, but a spokesperson said he had the “highest regard” for the film industry.

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