Ashoke Pandit Criticizes Ram Gopal Varma Over Unpaid Dues and Disrespectful Remarks
'Ram Gopal Varma Owes Rs 1 Crore to Technicians': Ashoke Pandit slams the filmmaker for disrespectful comments about FWICE amidst Ranveer Singh's 'Don 3' row
The Times Of IndiaImage: The Times Of India
The ongoing controversy surrounding *Don 3* escalated as Ashoke Pandit, Chief Advisor of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), condemned filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma for disrespectful comments and demanded a public apology. Pandit revealed Varma owes over ₹1 crore to technicians since 2017.
- 01Ashoke Pandit criticized Ram Gopal Varma for using abusive language towards FWICE.
- 02Varma allegedly owes more than ₹1 crore to technicians, with a payment promise dating back to March 2019.
- 03FWICE recently lifted its non-cooperation directive against Ranveer Singh after a legal notice.
- 04Varma's comments questioned FWICE's authority and role in the industry.
- 05The controversy is part of the larger *Don 3* dispute involving Ranveer Singh and FWICE.
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The controversy surrounding *Don 3* intensified on June 3 when Ashoke Pandit, Chief Advisor of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), held a press conference in Mumbai to address recent comments made by filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. Pandit demanded a public apology from Varma for his disrespectful remarks about the federation, stating that Varma owes over ₹1 crore to technicians since 2017. He highlighted that Varma had previously requested support from FWICE to defer his payments, promising to settle by March 2019, but has yet to fulfill that commitment. Varma's comments came after FWICE lifted its non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh following a legal notice from him. In his social media posts, Varma challenged FWICE's authority, labeling it an outdated union system and claiming it lacked the legitimacy to impose bans. This exchange has further complicated the ongoing tensions between FWICE and those opposing its actions, adding another layer to the *Don 3* controversy.
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The ongoing dispute may affect the working relationships and contractual agreements within the Indian film industry.
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