The long-running controversy surrounding ‘Don 3’ resurfaced after Farhan Akhtar made a seemingly pointed remark while recalling a major casting hurdle he faced during the making of ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. The actor-filmmaker was discussing how Saif Ali Khan nearly walked away from the project shortly before filming began when he made a comment that appeared to reference Ranveer Singh’s exit from ‘Don 3’.Farhan’s remark immediately caught attention, particularly because the dispute surrounding Ranveer and the makers of ‘Don 3’ remains unresolved.
Farhan Akhtar recalls Saif Ali Khan nearly leaving Dil Chahta Hai
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter India, Farhan looked back at the difficulties he faced when Saif considered leaving ‘Dil Chahta Hai’. According to the filmmaker, Saif was dealing with scheduling complications and eventually decided that he would not be able to continue with the project despite attempts to persuade him otherwise.Recalling his reaction at the time, Farhan said, “For me, it was just like my head was destroyed because when we met him, when we got into it, there was nobody else who could’ve played that part. It was just impossible. That was a true heartbreak for me.”The situation became even more stressful because Saif’s decision came relatively close to the start of production. Farhan revealed that the actor’s exit happened roughly a month before the cameras were scheduled to roll.
Farhan Akhtar’s comment draws attention to ‘Don 3’
While discussing the timing of Saif’s departure, Farhan made a remark that appeared to connect with the recent ‘Don 3’ controversy.“It was a month away from filming, which seems to be a pattern nowadays,” he said.The interviewer reacted with laughter, seemingly recognising the reference. Farhan then smiled and added, “But, not just with me… aisa bhi hota hai (this happens).”The comment has been interpreted as a subtle dig at Ranveer, who was attached to headline ‘Don 3’ before reportedly stepping away from the project shortly before production was scheduled to begin.
What happened between Ranveer and Don 3 makers
Farhan was originally set to direct Ranveer in the third instalment of the popular franchise, with Excel Entertainment backing the project. The situation changed after Ranveer reportedly decided to exit the film close to its planned production schedule.The disagreement subsequently turned into a financial dispute. While Ranveer was reportedly willing to return the signing amount, the makers allegedly sought compensation of Rs 45 crore, citing losses connected to the project’s pre-production work.The controversy later expanded beyond the actor and production house when the Federation of Western India Cine Employees announced a non-cooperation directive against Ranveer over his reported decision to leave the project.
FWICE later clarified Ranveer Singh was not banned
The situation became more complicated when FWICE’s action triggered further discussion within the industry. The organisation subsequently withdrew the directive and clarified that Ranveer had not been banned from working in the film industry.Reports later claimed that Ranveer had sent a legal notice to the organisation in connection with the dispute.Throughout the controversy, Ranveer has largely refrained from publicly discussing the matter. His spokesperson had previously maintained that the actor holds deep respect for the film fraternity and everyone involved with ‘Don 3’.Meanwhile, Farhan’s latest remark has once again brought attention to the unresolved controversy, even though he did not directly name Ranveer while discussing the timing of Saif’s departure from ‘Dil Chahta Hai’.