Speaking on the matter this Friday, February 13, 2026, Hrithik Roshan expressed his surprise at how quickly the rumors had spiraled. In a statement shared with the media, he made it clear that while he has a long-standing friendship with director Farhan Akhtar, there were no talks regarding him stepping into the shoes of the iconic underworld boss.
“What started off as just a rumour has now taken a life of its own, and it’s important to set the record straight,” Roshan stated. “I would like to categorically clarify that I was never approached for Don 3 at any given time. I request the media to steer clear of any such unverified reports.”
The clarification comes at a crucial time for the franchise, which has been mired in controversy following Ranveer Singh’s departure.
The Roots of the Rumor Mill
The speculation didn’t appear out of thin air. It was fueled by a combination of factors that made the casting switch seem plausible to many as Ranveer Singh’s Exit: Following the massive success of his film Dhurandhar, reports emerged that Singh had walked out of Don 3 due to creative differences and delays in the production schedule.
A Contentious Legal Rift: Excel Entertainment, led by Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani, reportedly sought ₹40 crore in damages from Singh for pre-production losses. During mediation meetings with the Producers Guild of India, Singh’s camp allegedly claimed that the makers had explored the possibility of bringing Hrithik Roshan on board behind his back.
The Cameo Connection: Fans remembered Hrithik’s slick cameo in Don 2 (2011), leading many to believe a full-circle moment was in the works.
Why Ranveer Left the Project
The “Don” mantle, previously held by legends Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan, was passed to Ranveer Singh in 2023. However, the partnership reportedly soured over “unprofessionalism.”
Sources close to Singh suggest the actor was unhappy with the lack of a “bound script.” On the flip side, Farhan Akhtar has maintained that the script was shared and approved at every stage. This deadlock eventually led to Singh focusing on the upcoming sequel, Dhurandhar: The Revenge, leaving Don 3 in a state of casting limbo.
While Don 3 remains without a leading man, both actors have packed schedules. Hrithik Roshan is currently deep into the pre-production of the highly anticipated Krrish 4, which he is also slated to direct. Ranveer Singh, meanwhile, is riding the wave of his recent box-office dominance and preparing for his next major action venture.
As for Farhan Akhtar, the filmmaker is reportedly shifting his focus toward his Hollywood debut and the long-delayed road-trip film, Jee Le Zara. Whether Don 3 will find a new lead or return to a familiar face remains the biggest question in Indian cinema today. To know such latest updates tuned tellyboosters.com Thank you!
