Actor Shiney Ahuja, who stayed away from the limelight after being convicted in a rape case and sentenced to seven-year in prison, has reportedly moved to the Philippines. Before his conviction, Ahuja was regarded as a promising talent in the Hindi film industry, having starred in several successful films alongside leading names. He is best known for his performances in Gangster, Woh Lamhe, Life in a… Metro, and Bhool Bhulaiyaa alongside Akshay Kumar.
Where is Shiney now?
According to reports, Ahuja has now settled in the Philippines, where he runs a garment business. A recent picture of the actor has also surfaced online, drawing attention to his low-profile life abroad.
After his case, Shiney had briefly attempted to revive his career in the movies. He featured in the 2015 film Welcome Returns alongside John Abraham. However, the film failed to impress and Ahuja left his cinema career.
Shiney Ahuja’s film career and downfall
After completing his education, Ahuja began his career in advertising, featuring in more than 40 commercials and a popular Stereo Nation music video. His appearance in a Pepsi ad caught the attention of filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, who cast him in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2005). The film received critical acclaim, and Ahuja’s performance earned praise from both audiences and critics. He followed it up with hits like Gangster (2006), Woh Lamhe (2006), Life in a… Metro (2007), and Bhool Bhulaiyaa (2007), quickly becoming one of Bollywood’s most promising actors.
However, his career came to a halt in 2009 when he was accused of raping his 19-year-old domestic help—a case that shocked the industry. Ahuja was arrested and spent months in jail before being released on bail. In 2010, the victim turned hostile, denying the assault, but the court ruled that her change in testimony appeared to be under pressure. On March 30, 2011, Ahuja was convicted based on forensic and initial evidence and sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. He was later granted bail by the Bombay High Court with travel restrictions.
Ahuja was legally convicted by a trial court for rape and intimidation, based on forensic and circumstantial evidence. Despite the complainant’s recantation, the conviction stood. The legal process remains active due to his appeal; however, his career has been severely impacted.