Once bigger than Ranbir, Ranveer; this actor lost it all after rape case, was jailed even as victim backtracked, now...

In the mid-2000s, even as the three Khans and Akshay Kumar dominated the box office, a new crop of young actors was emerging. Most of these young stars were from outside the film industry and trying to make a place for themselves in Bollywood. Among these was thing young promising actor who not only won awards but also gave hits. However, just when it seemed to be going his way, a rape case shattered his career.

The actor who faced rape allegations from his domestic help

Shiney Ahuja began his acting career with Sudhir Mishra’s critically-acclaimed Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, for which he won the Filmfare Award for Best Debut in 2006. This was followed by some other critically-acclaimed performances in Gangster and Woh Lamhe. Courtesy his appearances in Life in a Metro and Bhool Bhulaiyaa, by 2007, he was considered the brightest prospect among the young actors of the time, ahead of even Ranbir Kapoor and Farhan Akhtar, who had just debuted.

In June 2009, Shiney’s 19-year-old domestic help accused him of rape, following which he was charged and arrested. The police said that Shiney had allegedly not just raped her but threatened her as well. The actor’s wife and family stood by him even as the case reached the judiciary.

Shiney Ahuja with Kangana Ranaut in Gangster

Shiney Ahuja’s rape case and its conclusion

During the hearings, the victim recanted the statement and said she was never raped. However, the prosecution showed that there was evidence of rape. The court dismissed the victim’ reversal saying she was most likely coerced to take back the statement. In 2011, Shiney was sentenced to seven years in prison. He filed an appeal in the High Court and was granted bail.

Shiney Ahuja’s career after the case

During the time that Shiney fought the case, only his pending films – Dheeme Dheeme and Ghost – released. The actor did not sign a new film until 2015 when he played a supporting role in the John Abraham-starrer Welcome Back. However, this was to be the actor’s final screen role. He has not worked in another film since.

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