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After his much-talked-about comeback in The B***ds of Bollywood, Rajat Bedi opened up about how he had to leave the film industry and move abroad to pursue a career in real estate due to a lack of opportunities in Hindi cinema. He’s not alone — several actors who once tasted success in showbiz had to switch paths, either because work dried up or controversies cut their careers short. One such name is Shiney Ahuja. Once compared to contemporaries like John Abraham, Kay Kay Menon, and Kangana Ranaut, Shiney’s film career ended after he was jailed for a heinous crime. Here’s a look back at his rise, fall, and what went wrong.
Born to an Indian Army colonel and a homemaker mother, Shiney Ahuja was born and brought up in Delhi. He studied engineering in Bengaluru but decided to pursue theatre after meeting theatre director Barry John. The actor then started featuring in commercials and soon became a known face in the advertising world. He appeared in campaigns for several top brands like Cadbury and Citibank. His boyish charm caught the attention of filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, who noticed him in a Pepsi commercial — and that’s what kickstarted his Bollywood journey.
Sudhir cast him in the lead role in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, which was a dream debut for any newcomer. He starred alongside Kay Kay Menon, Chitrangada Singh, and Saurabh Shukla in the film. Shiney delivered not one but four films in his debut year, a feat almost unheard of in recent times.
Shiney gained widespread recognition after starring in Anurag Basu’s Gangster, which also marked Kangana Ranaut’s debut in the film industry. The film was critically acclaimed and a box office success. From there, Shiney’s graph only went upward. He went on to feature in hits like Woh Lamhe, Life In A… Metro, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, solidifying his place among the most promising actors of that decade.
In 2009, Shiney’s career came to a sudden halt after he was arrested on charges of raping, detaining, and threatening his 19-year-old domestic worker. Months later, he was granted bail on the condition that he would not leave Delhi. Although the complainant later withdrew her statement, in 2011, a fast-track court in Mumbai found Ahuja guilty of rape and sentenced him to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. The conviction was based on the medical report, DNA evidence, and the victim’s initial statement. Shiney appealed the order at the Bombay High Court, and his appeal was accepted — he was subsequently granted bail.
Shiney tried to revive his Bollywood career and starred in Anees Bazmee’s 2015 film Welcome Back. Though the multi-starrer was a hit, it did little to resurrect his career. The film turned out to be his last appearance in the Hindi film industry. Interestingly, his case went on to inspire the writing of the critically acclaimed legal drama Section 375, which starred Richa Chadha and Akshaye Khanna.
In 2023, the Bombay High Court permitted Shiney Ahuja to renew his passport for a period of ten years. Recently, a post went viral on X (formerly Twitter), hinting that Ahuja had settled in the US and was running a garment business there. He turned 50 this year and is reportedly living in the Philippines.
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