Actor Jisshu Sengupta has weighed in on the ongoing friction in Bollywood following Ranveer Singh’s abrupt exit from Farhan Akhtar’s Don 3. Speaking exclusively to NDTV, Sengupta called for a more discreet approach to handling internal conflicts, emphasizing that the film industry functions like a massive, tight-knit family.
The commentary comes just as the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) formally withdrew its controversial “non-cooperation directive” against Ranveer Singh, which was initially sparked by the massive financial impact of his sudden departure.
“Why Make It Public?”
Sengupta, who has built a prolific career spanning Bengali, Hindi, and Telugu cinema, was vocal about his disapproval of public union bans and public mudslinging.
“A hundred films go on the floor every day, which may be a small film or a big film. And if I am skilful, if I have the talent, I will get work. If I’m not, I won’t get work. This profession is so black and white in that sense. Banning someone is not right… because it’s an individual space.”
Reflecting on the interpersonal nature of the fraternity, he added:
“It’s like a family. It’s a big family. And we spend more time in this family than our own family, that home. You sit across the table and sort it out. Why would I make it public? It is my family. We will sort it out among ourselves.”
Sengupta firmly declined to choose sides, noting that outsiders simply do not have the full context. “We don’t know any side of the story. We just know this was the problem. And now it’s sorted again. Commenting on that is also not right. So I will not comment on that person,” he explained.
Context: The Ranveer Singh vs. FWICE Standoff
The controversy erupted when Ranveer Singh reportedly pulled out of Don 3 mere days before principal photography was scheduled to begin.
| Conflict Dynamic | The Producer & Union Stance | The Actor’s Defense |
| Financial Stakes | Excel Entertainment had reportedly spent ₹40–45 crore in extensive pre-production, script readings, and specialized action workshops. | Ranveer’s camp cited deep creative and foundational concerns regarding the script and direction. |
| The Union Action | FWICE issued a non-cooperation order, stating his last-minute exit left thousands of daily-wage technicians, spot boys, and craft workers abruptly unemployed. | Ranveer slapped FWICE with a formal legal notice, arguing the workers’ body had zero legal jurisdiction over a purely contractual dispute between an actor and a producer. |
The Resolution: Following intense mediation by the Cine and TV Artists Association (CINTAA) and the Indian Motion Picture Producers’ Association (IMPAPA), FWICE officially retracted the directive to foster an amicable environment for dialogue.
Sengupta’s Latest Release: Brown
Away from the trade disputes, Jisshu Sengupta is currently celebrating the release of his highly anticipated neo-noir crime thriller series, Brown, which premiered today on ZEE5.
Directed by Abhinay Deo (Delhi Belly), the series marks the major streaming comeback of Karisma Kapoor, who plays Rita Brown—a deeply traumatized, alcoholic cop investigating the brutal murder of a high-profile teenager in a moody, rain-soaked Kolkata.
Sengupta plays a crucial, layered role as a psychiatrist entangled in the murder case, whose clinical insights help untangle the dense web of corruption and hidden trauma at the heart of the investigation. The psychological thriller also features powerhouse performances from veteran actors Soni Razdan and Helen.
