Veteran columnist and social commentator Shobhaa De has waded into the ongoing Don 3 controversy, alleging that reports of Ranveer Singh being 'banned' from the film are part of a deliberate conspiracy against director Aditya Dhar and the production banner Dhurandhar.
Taking to Instagram, De commended Singh for his dignified response to the dispute with producer Farhan Akhtar over the third installment of the popular franchise. The controversy erupted after speculation surfaced about the actor's involvement in the project, with conflicting reports about his status in the film.
De's intervention adds a new dimension to the debate that has captivated Bollywood watchers across India. The Don franchise, which began with Shah Rukh Khan in the lead role in 2006, has been a subject of intense speculation regarding its latest iteration under Dhar's direction.
The columnist's pointed reference to an 'ugly conspiracy' suggests deeper industry politics at play, though she did not elaborate on specific individuals or entities involved. Singh, known for his energetic performances in films like Gully Boy and Padmaavat, has maintained a measured silence on the matter, earning praise from industry veterans like De for his restraint and professionalism during what appears to be a complex contractual dispute.