This actor won every Best Debut award for first film, gave multiple hits, but controversial rape case ended career at 34

In 2005, when Sudhir Mishra’s Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi released, it was not a huge film by any stretch of imagination. The political drama did moderate business at the box office but earned universal critical acclaim, winning awards at various international film festivals as well as in India. It also launched the careers of its three leads – Kay Kay Menon, Chitrangda Singh, and Shiney Ahuja.

Shiney Ahuja’s stellar career beginnings

Of the three, Shiney shone the brightest. For his performance as a morally ambiguous businessman in 70s’ India, Shiney won the Best Debut Award at Filmfare, IIFA, Zee Cine, and Screen – all the major Bollywood awards. He followed this up with a supporting role in Karam before leading two huge hits – Gangster and Woh Lamhe, both in 2006. The following year was his best as he starred in two commercially successful films – Bhool Bhulaiyaa and Life In a Metro before 2008 saw his first big flop in Hijack.

Shiney Ahuja’s arrest and conviction in rape case

However, just when things were looking up for Shiney, it all came crashing down. In 2009, the actor was arrested by the Mumbai Police after his domestic help accused him of illegal confinement and rape. A court case followed where the alleged victim recanted her story. However, the Bombay High Court opined that the victim had changed her statement under pressure and sentenced Shiney to prison in 2011. The actor appealed and the legal battle dragged on.

Shiney Ahuja’s attempts at comeback and current life

In 2012, Shiney attempted a return to Bollywood with the film Ghost, which also starred Sayali Bhagat. The film was critically panned and did not succeed at the box office. Three years later, he played a supporting role in Welcome Back, which also starred John Abraham, Anil Kapoor, and Nana Patekar among others. The film was a huge hit but marked Shiney’s final on screen appearance. The actor lives in Mumbai with his family but has not worked in a film or show in eight years.