Where Bollywood Comes Alive
Posts tagged rape
Thank you all-Shiney Ahuja’s wife
02 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in Interviews
Shiney’s wife Anupam speaks after the High Court granted him bail
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 28, 2011)
It is not easy being Anupam Ahuja – when the world is watching your husband fight serious rape charges, spend time behind bars and fight for bail. But Anupam has been resolutely and steadfastly stood by Shiney.
It has been testing times for you. How have you coped with all this?
With prayers, faith, support from our family and our friends’ and the society’s belief in us. They all have stood by us. It has been unwavering at every step.
What were your reactions when Shiney had to return to jail last month? Did it crush your hopes?
It was numbing. But, in the end, it only strengthened my resolve to continue walking on the path that is right – to stand by the truth – even though it was a tough task.
Any woman, in your place, would have been destroyed by the ordeal that you’ve been through. How have you survived with such dignity and grace?
Actually, it’s the other way round. From best wishes, to heartfelt prayers and text messages, the support has been tremendous.
What do you have to say about the lack of support from within the film industry?
But there were attempts to further pull down Shiney’s reputation. Even his producer Puja Bedi remarked against him. What do you have to say?
What is your next move? It’s too early to say what my next move would be. As of now, we feel so grateful to God and to every person who has stood by us and More >
We’re more transparent than Americans-Sharmila Tagore
02 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Sharmila Tagore is only the second person to chair the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for two full terms. A three-month extension enabled the I&B ministry to find a successor, giving Tagore the distinction of the longest tenure in that office. The legendary actress, who debuted 52 years ago in Satyajit Ray’s “Apur Sansar”, continues her film career with the just released “Life Goes On”. She spoke to Ratnottama Sengupta on her last day in office at the CBFC. Excerpts:
Ratnottama Sengupta (THE TIMES OF INDIA; April 3, 2011) What do you think you achieved as CBFC chief and what have you learnt? • I realized that we’re far more transparent than the Americans. We speak to the press whenever they want to discuss a decision; we’re not “all white”’ nor all of “a certain age”. Their debate is about “why X, not A”; ours is about “why UA, not U”. Except for “Ghajini” which fell through the net, we give ‘UA’ if there’s violence, item songs, expletives… Tell me honestly, is “Kaminey” watchable by a 12-year-old?
Sometimes a single dialogue tarnishes the dignity of women. One character in “Raajneeti” gave the impression that every woman sleeps around to get a ticket (in elections). Sometimes friendly relations with a country can’t be jeopardized. As an insider, I understand the compulsions of both the industry and the audience. I also know that some people take advantage of our openness and go to the press for publicity. Still, and More >
Arshad Warsi against jail term for Shiney Ahuja
12 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
The ‘Munnabhai’ actor blogged about his feelings, pointing out that Kasab is “still enjoying our hospitality”
Smrity Sharma | TNN (MUMBAI MIRROR.COM; March 31, 2011) Arshad Warsi (Pic: BCCL)
After actor Shiney Ahuja was sentenced to seven years in prison after being convicted of raping his 18-year old domestic help, back in the film industry some celebs are seeing the 7 year jail as a bit too harsh for the actor.
One of the filmwallahs to stand up for Shiney is Arshad Warsi. Lashing out at the judgment, Arshad blogged, “Murderers, terrorist and corrupt politicians are walking free and Shiney Ahuja gets 7 years imprisonment. Judiciary should stop targeting actors so blatantly.”
As the star started receiving flak from some about having a soft corner for ‘rapist’ Shiney, he clarified he stand, “I am NOT saying Shiney’s right but don’t forget that Kasab is still enjoying our hospitality.”
He further lamented on the fact about influential people getting away even after committing the gravest of crimes, “Do u know the number of rapes that happen in our country on a daily basis by influential and connected people? Those cases are not even registered.”
Victim retracts, but Shiney BEHIND BARS
22 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Fast-Track Court Sends Actor To Prison For Robbing Maid Of Honour
Rebecca Samervel | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; March 31, 2011) The Sewri fast track court on Wednesday convicted actor Shiney Ahuja on the charge of raping his maid in June 2009 and sentenced him to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment. Six months earlier the victim had backtracked and denied the allegation of rape. The court relied on her FIR, statements given to the magistrate, DNA tests and other medical evidence to hold Ahuja guilty. The judge also fined Ahuja Rs 3,000.
The court acquitted Ahuja of the offences of illegal confinement and criminal intimidation which he was charged with. Convicting Ahuja, Justice P M Chouhan said: “The conduct of the accused, medical report which supported the prosecution’s claim that the girl suffered a hymen tear and DNA evidence were relied upon. The accused is found guilty under section 376 (rape) of the IPC.” Public prosecutor K V Dighe said clinching factors in the case were a positive DNA test and strong medical evidence. “There were blood stains in his room. The quilt and curtains showed traces of semen. Ahuja’s hands had abrasions,” he added. Ahuja’s lawyer Shrikant Shivade had argued in court that there was no proof.
The actor, out on bail since October 2009, was in court with his wife. He was silent and sombre throughout as the judge delivered the guilty verdict. The actor hugged his mother who had accompanied him. His wife More >
Shiney’s film under threat
02 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Prithwish Ganguly (BOMBAY TIMES; March 25, 2011) The makers of the Preity Zinta- Shiney Ahuja starrer Har Pall saw a glimmer of hope when the maid accusing him of rape turned hostile in the court of law. They began gearing up for a quick release and called their actors to shoot the final three scenes left when suddenly they had to shut down the film again. Top industry sources reveal that the makers are under threat from a Mumbai political party that’s instructed them to not release a movie that has a ‘rapist’ in the lead.
An informer from the production confirms, “Even before the court could give its verdict, some members of this right wing aggressive party have decided that Shiney is guilty. We have got an intimation from them to not release the film. The party has threatened a nationwide protest, in which theatres and distributors will be targeted. Under such circumstances, the makers are not willing to take any chances, actors are scared to talk about the film and theatre owners are not willing to screen it.”
Movie Review: ANGEL by TARAN ADARSH
02 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in External Reviews
By Taran Adarsh, February 11, 2011 – 12:03 IST
Hindi films have often depicted rare illnesses/disorders/disabilities… GHAJINI [Anterograde Amnesia], PAA [Progeria], MY NAME IS KHAN [Asperger Syndrome], TAARE ZAMEEN PAR [Dyslexia], BLACK [Alzheimer's], KARTHIK CALLING KARTHIK [Schizophrenia], GUZAARISH [Paraplegia]. Now Ganesh Acharya’s ANGEL talks of Cerebral Palsy. Like his peers, Acharya isn’t merely highlighting a disability. ANGEL is primarily a love story… a hatke prem kahani in filmi lingo.
BY BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COMLove can happen anytime, anywhere, to anyone. It can happen to people who have arrived at the sunset of their life and also to those with serious disabilities. Though we talk about how love is the purest emotion, our society, very often, does not accept love when it doesn’t fit into our perception of love. To cite an example, love between an elder person and someone half his/her age or love between members of the same sex or between disabled individuals may make us uncomfortable. We get judgmental at times, thinking that we are right, while others — those who don’t act according to what we feel is right — are labeled as rebels, oddballs and misfits. ANGEL does that. It goes into the unconventional zone, depicting a love story between a social misfit and a woman suffering with Cerebral Palsy.
There’s talk that ANGEL is similar to GUZAARISH. It’s not. Nor is it similar to SADMA. In GUZAARISH, Hrithik was completely paralyzed below More >
Naseer vows to do a perfect Rajnikanth
02 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in Bollywood News
Playing a character modelled on the matinee idol in the Silk Smitha biopic, the actor will sport several wigs and flamboyant clothes but not the paunch
Subhash K Jha (MUMBAI MIRROR; February 10, 2011)
Think a paunchy, flamboyantly dressed, wig wearing 60-year-old South Indian matinee idol romancing co-stars half his age. And think Naseeruddin Shah. Does not quite match, does it?
Director Milan Luthria has managed to pull off a coup of sorts by getting the slim, silver-haired actor to play Rajnikanth in the upcoming Silk Smitha biopic The Dirty Picture. Naseer of course is approaching it with his characteristic humour.
“Yes my character is modelled on Rajnikanth,” he says. “I’ll wear flamboyant clothes and I’ll sport seven or eight wigs too. I’m really looking forward to it,” says Naseer with a glint in his eye.
As for the paunch, the fit and flexible Naseer is steering clear of that. “I’ve asked Milan to eliminate the paunch. We have so many South Indian matinee idols who do not have a paunch,” he points out.
“Dr Raj Kumar from Kannada cinema was extremely fit until a very ripe old age when he continued to be the hero.” Other than the girth, everything about Naseer’s character in the film starring Vidya Balan will be inspired by Rajnikanth.
Interestingly, Naseer admits he has not seen any Rajni film till date. “Milan is sending me a DVD of a film featuring Rajnikanth and Silk Smitha. I’m quite curious to see what it was all about. I am also More >
Movie Review: HOSTEL by TARAN ADARSH
12 years ago
by Fenil Seta
in External Reviews
By Taran Adarsh, January 21, 2011 – 11:56 IST
When you step out of school, you look forward to the life in college and of course, ‘freedom’. You are stepping into adulthood, learning to cope with life and enjoying the thought that you will be able to take your own decisions. With great difficulty you procure admission in a college and hope to nurture your dreams. But is it all that fun? Not really!
I was horrified when I read a news-report sometime back about a student being forced to bathe in his own urine by his seniors. I was aghast. I was disgusted. I was appalled. I genuinely felt that some socially responsible film-maker should make a hard-hitting film on ragging and create awareness on the evils of this form of abuse, which has caused several deaths in the last so many years. HOSTEL, directed by Manish Gupta, addresses the issue, although it’s not the first. MUNNABHAI M.B.B.S. and 3 IDIOTS also had a scene or two depicting the maltreatment. But the films should not be compared because this one is a full-fledged film on this subject.
BY BOLLYWOOD HUNGAMA.COMThe story of HOSTEL is inspired by true-life events, I am told. But the question is, does it serve as a wakeup call in the true sense? Does HOSTEL successfully bring to the fore the gravity of torture people experience in the name of ragging? Unfortunately, it doesn’t. Sure, it’s well thought of and well intentioned, but not well penned and well executed. The film starts off brilliantly, More >
Debutant director accuses Shiney of harassment
0First-time director Puja Jatinder Bedi alleges the actor misbehaved on the sets of Mary Magdalene
Bharti Dubey (MUMBAI MIRROR; April 06, 2011)When the whole industry was keeping Shiney Ahuja at arm’s length because of the rape charges, one director decided to give the man a chance.
But Puja Jatinder Bedi, set to release her directorial venture Mary Magdalene, said her gesture backfired on her.
She has alleged that the actor, jailed for seven years for the rape of his maid, was no shining example of good behaviour with women on the sets and even made a pass at her.
Bedi said he made her uncomfortable by insisting she accompany him to his room to discuss the film there. “He would call me in and send the rest of the unit out. He even tried to hug me a couple of times and I had to be firm in my refusal.”
Bedi said Shiney’s co-star Sayali Bhagat had also complained that he made inappropriate comments on her clothes and looks on the sets.
“For a scene in a coffee shop, he told me he needed to hold hands with her for a while to feel the energy and warmth,” said Bedi, who has earlier been the line producer for films such as Saathiya and Mangal Pandey.
Sayali confirmed the incident. She said, “He held my hand, took me to a corner and talked about how he did the scenes with Kangna and Shilpa.
My mother stayed with me through the shooting because of his suspicious behaviour. He misbehaved with others, including Puja.”
Bedi said, “The day a crucial scene More >