Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh made his first public appearance early on Tuesday, just hours after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) announced a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) against him over his reported withdrawal from ‘Don 3’.

Singh, who has been at the centre of an escalating dispute linked to the high-profile action franchise, arrived at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in the early hours, marking his first public outing since the controversy intensified.

The actor, last seen in ‘Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge’, kept a low profile as he made his way into the airport terminal, a moment captured by paparazzi videos circulating online.

Singh spotted at Mumbai airport

Singh appeared alone and dressed in a simple kurta-pyjama paired with a Nehru jacket. Wearing a face mask and sunglasses, he exited his vehicle and walked briskly towards the terminal, surrounded by security personnel. Although photographers attempted to capture him, he did not turn towards the cameras and maintained a discreet demeanour throughout.

FWICE issues Non-Cooperation Directive

Singh’s airport appearance came shortly after FWICE released a statement announcing action against him. The directive read, "Considering the conduct displayed towards the Federation and the stakeholders associated with the project, the office bearers of FWICE have resolved to issue a Non-Cooperation Directive (NCD) against Mr. Ranveer Singh."

The order followed complaints submitted by filmmakers Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, who alleged losses during the pre-production phase of ‘Don 3’ after Singh reportedly exited the project at the last minute.

At a press conference, FWICE honorary general secretary Ashok Dubey criticised the actor’s decision, stating, "We will not work with Ranveer Singh after today whether it is cameraman, spot boy, lightmen or anyone else from our side. This non-cooperation will continue till the dispute is cleared… You leave a film which many people have worked on for three years."

Excel Entertainment, the studio backing ‘Don 3’, has also sought compensation of approximately ₹45 crore for expenses incurred before Singh’s departure.

Ranveer Singh breaks silence through spokesperson

Shortly after the directive was issued, Singh released an official response via his spokesperson. The statement said, "Ranveer Singh holds the highest regard for the film fraternity and for everyone associated with the Don franchise. Throughout the recent developments surrounding Don 3, he has consciously chosen to maintain silence, believing that professional discussions and personal equations are best handled with dignity, maturity and mutual respect."

It further added, “While several narratives and speculations have surfaced over time, Ranveer has never considered it necessary to respond publicly or contribute to conjecture. His focus remains firmly on his work and the commitments ahead."

According to reports, Singh has also maintained that the matter involves “contractual” issues that will require “adjudication before the appropriate legal forum.”

FWICE signals openness to dialogue

Despite issuing the boycott, FWICE said it is willing to engage with the actor to resolve the dispute. The federation stated, "FWICE remains open to meeting with Mr Ranveer Singh to hear his side of the matter and to take the issue forward towards arriving at an amicable and final resolution in the interest of both parties."