02 October,2009 06:59 AM IST | | Upala KBR
Filmmakers who have worked with Ahuja in the past, will work with him again, subject to him being cleared of all charges
Shiney Ahuja was released on bail yesterday after being in judicial custody for over three months for allegedly raping his maid. Producers and directors who have worked with the actor say they will give Shiney another chance to work in their films. Not surprisingly, some chose not to comment.
Sudhir Mishra (directed Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and Khoya Khoya Chand and produced Kal: Yesterday And Tomorrow): At this moment, Shiney should focus on fighting the case. I hope we will work together in the futureu00a0- it depends on the part. The trial should be in a manner fair to both parties. Let's see what the judgment is. Shiney shouldn't be pronounced guilty till the verdict comes. The court knows best.u00a0 We shouldn't pay too much attention on media reports and hang him before he's pronounced guilty. I used to know Shiney pretty well and have worked with him in a number of films. I have many aggressive women working on my unitu00a0- women who don't take shit. None of them have even complained about Shiney to me. People say he can influence things when he comes out. But as far as I know no power forced me to give him a part. He's a well-known actor and not a superstar.
Anurag Basu (directed Gangster and Life In Au2026 Metro): If Shiney is proven innocent, I wouldn't think twice about working with him. In fact, I am glad that his case is on the fast track court as the judgment will be faster. I definitely support him and I am sure that he will be proven innocent. I am saying this from my heartu00a0- but Shiney is the most decent guy that I worked with the film industry. I still can't believe what's happened. If he's proved guilty my faith in friendship and humanity will be destroyed.
Pritish Nandy (producer of Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi and currently producing Shiney's next Accident): I am the biggest beneficiary because with Shiney's release now my film Accident will get complete. I would love to finish the film and move on. I certainly see no reason why we can't work together in the future. I'm not a moral judge. Justice will be meted out by the court and if he's proved guilty the courts will punish him. If he's guilty, I might take a moral decision but till the courts decide, I don't want to take that decision. It's wrong to destroy someone's character till the court decides. Today, the whole nation has become a lynching mob taking a moral stand on everything.
Mahesh Bhatt (producer of Woh Lamhe, Gangster): I do not choose to talk on serious issues such as rape and trivialize them beyond imagination. These statements do more harm than good to the concerned parties. Injustice anywhere damages justice everywhere but spare me this question on something as serious as rape.
Kunal Shivdasani (directed Hijack): What Shiney does in his personal life is none of my business. If the script and role demands an actor of Shiney's caliber and if he fits into the role, of course, I will take him.
Harry Baweja (produced Karam): Shiney is a fine actor and a thorough professional. I have full faith in our judiciary system. May the truth prevail.
Hum Chup rahenge...
Yash Raj Films (producer, Sins) Kunal Kohli (director, Fanaa) and Bhushan Kumar (producer, Bhool Bhulaiya) remained unavailable for comment.
