Actress and MP Kangana Ranaut said that rising star value brings an increase in enemies following a non-cooperation directive against actor Ranveer Singh [1].
The comments highlight the ongoing tension between high-profile Bollywood stars and industry labor unions. Such directives can significantly disrupt production schedules and professional relationships within the Indian film industry.
Ranaut spoke during the trailer launch of her upcoming film [2]. Her remarks were a response to the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) issuing a shadow ban against Singh [1]. The FWICE directive, which was issued last month, stems from a dispute regarding the film Don 3 [1].
Ranaut addressed the situation by linking professional success to personal conflict. She said, "when your star value rises, so do your enemies" [3]. She further said in Hindi, "Jab haisiyat badhti hai to dushman bhi badhte hain" [1].
According to reports, Ranaut believes that Singh should consider his current status in light of the industry backlash [2]. She said that "success brings enemies" [4].
The FWICE non-cooperation directive effectively instructs members not to work with the actor until the dispute surrounding Don 3 is resolved [1]. While the specific details of the contractual or professional row remain a point of contention, the directive represents a formal stand by the union against one of the industry's most prominent figures [1].
Ranaut's intervention comes at a time when she frequently comments on the internal dynamics and perceived injustices of the Bollywood ecosystem [2]. Her perspective suggests that the current friction facing Singh is an inevitable byproduct of his fame, a cycle she has often described in her own career history [2].
“"when your star value rises, so do your enemies"”
The clash between the FWICE and Ranveer Singh illustrates the power struggle between collective labor unions and individual 'superstars' in Bollywood. When a union issues a non-cooperation directive, it leverages the entire workforce to pressure a talent into compliance, potentially stalling major productions like Don 3. Ranaut's framing of the event as a result of 'stardom' rather than a labor dispute shifts the narrative from professional misconduct to the personal price of fame.
