Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, May 30: A photograph of Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh with Arsenal and England midfielder Declan Rice has gone viral on social media, drawing attention amid ongoing speculation surrounding the actor's reported exit from the upcoming film Don 3.
The picture, reportedly taken in Budapest, shows the actor and footballer posing together. Ranveer later shared the image on his Instagram Stories, adding the popular song Tere Jaisa Yaar Kahan, Kahan Aisa Yaarana in the background.
While details of Ranveer's visit to Budapest remain unclear, the actor was also seen interacting with fans during his stay. A couple who met him shared selfies and photographs from the encounter on social media.
The viral image surfaced days after the Federation of Western India Cine Employees issued a non-cooperation directive against the actor over reports of his alleged last-minute withdrawal from Don 3.
According to reports, FWICE claimed that the film's pre-production losses amounted to nearly Rs 45 crore. The organisation has also approached producer bodies, including the Indian Motion Picture Producers' Association and the Producers Guild of India, seeking industry-wide intervention.
Amid the controversy, Ranveer's spokesperson recently issued a statement saying the actor holds "deep respect" for the film fraternity and everyone associated with the Don franchise.
The statement noted that Ranveer had consciously chosen to remain silent on the matter, believing that professional discussions and personal relationships should be handled with dignity and mutual respect.
“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,” the spokesperson said.
The statement further added that the actor continues to hold goodwill towards all those associated with the franchise and wishes it success, while choosing to deal with the controversy with restraint and grace.
Meanwhile, Ranveer recently visited the Chamundeshwari Temple to offer prayers following directions issued by the Karnataka High Court in connection with the Kantara mimicry case.
The controversy stemmed from an act performed by Ranveer during the closing ceremony of the International Film Festival of India last year, where he recreated a scene depicting the possession sequence from the film Kantara starring and directed by Rishab Shetty.
Following objections, the actor submitted a revised affidavit along with an unconditional apology. He had earlier clarified that his intention was to acknowledge and appreciate Rishab Shetty's performance in the film.
The temple visit came a day after FWICE announced its non-cooperation directive, adding to a week of developments surrounding the actor both on and off screen.