Ashoke Pandit Claims Ram Gopal Varma Owes Over Rs 1 Crore To Technicians

During a press conference held in Mumbai on June 3, 2026, the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) Chief Advisor Ashoke Pandit strongly criticized filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma. Pandit alleged that the director owes more than Rs 1 crore to technicians and demanded a public apology from him for making disrespectful comments about the federation.

The press conference was called amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the upcoming film *Don 3* and actor Ranveer Singh. The film workers' body addressed the media after withdrawing its non-cooperation directive against Singh. The withdrawal of the directive followed a legal notice issued by the actor to the federation.

During the media interaction in Mumbai, the discussion turned to Varma's recent remarks against the federation. Pandit defended the organization's reputation, stating that FWICE is not a bully but a serious federation. He alleged that Varma had used abusive language when referring to the workers' union.

Pandit then disclosed details of a long-standing financial dispute involving the filmmaker and film technicians. According to the chief advisor, the case has been going on since 2017, with Varma allegedly owing a significant sum to the workers.

"We would like to tell the world today: RGV owes more than a crore to the technicians," Pandit said during the press conference.

Pandit further claimed that Varma had previously reached out to the federation to request more time to settle the debt. He stated that the director wrote a letter to the federation asking for support and an extension to make the payment.

In the letter, Varma reportedly stated that he would clear the dues by March 2019. However, Pandit stated that the filmmaker has still not paid the amount. The federation is now demanding a public apology from Varma for his abusive words against the body.