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Except for Ranbir, now Shah Rukh in ‘Don 3’

Khabor Wala Desk

Published: 30th January 2026, 4:45 AM

Except for Ranbir, now Shah Rukh in ‘Don 3’

Speculation surrounding the much-anticipated Bollywood sequel Don 3 has taken a dramatic turn. For months, fans eagerly anticipated seeing Ranbir Kapoor, one of the industry’s most celebrated actors, in the film. Early reports had suggested that he would be a major part of the project. However, following the release of his recent film Dhurandhar, it has now emerged that Ranbir Kapoor has stepped away from Don 3.

The actor’s sudden exit has sparked widespread debate across both Bollywood circles and social media platforms. Questions have quickly arisen among fans: if Ranbir is no longer part of the project, who will headline the film? Rumours have begun circulating that Shah Rukh Khan, often referred to as the “King of Bollywood,” may once again reprise a leading role under the direction of Farhan Akhtar.

According to a close industry source, the film’s director Farhan Akhtar has yet to finalise the casting for Don 3. The source reveals that Farhan is taking his time to ensure the casting is perfect, as he believes that choosing the right lead is crucial to the success of the sequel. “Farhan wants absolute certainty before finalising any actor for Don 3,” the source says, “which is why the project is currently on hold.”

In the meantime, Farhan Akhtar is shifting his focus to another highly anticipated project, Zee Le Zara. This film, which was announced several years ago, is expected to feature a stellar ensemble including Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, and Alia Bhatt. The director reportedly feels that the current pause on Don 3 provides an ideal opportunity to push forward with Zee Le Zara, a project he considers very special.

The following table summarises the current status of Farhan Akhtar’s major projects:

Film Title Lead Actor(s) Status Notes
Don 3 Unconfirmed (Ranbir exited) On hold Shah Rukh Khan rumoured; casting decision pending
Zee Le Zara Priyanka Chopra, Katrina Kaif, Alia Bhatt Pre-production / upcoming Announced years ago; project now gaining momentum

Industry insiders stress that Don 3’s delay is a strategic move rather than a setback. With Farhan Akhtar prioritising careful casting, the film aims to live up to the high expectations associated with the Don franchise. Meanwhile, audiences can look forward to the colourful ensemble of Zee Le Zara, which promises a fresh and exciting cinematic experience in the director’s unique style.

As of now, the Bollywood community waits eagerly for official announcements regarding the final cast of Don 3, while keeping an eye on Farhan Akhtar’s next moves in the industry.

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