Director threatened for casting Shiney Ahuja in Gulf-based film

Indian filmmaker Anees Bazmee has been troubled ever since he took on disgraced actor Shiney Ahuja in 'Welcome Back'.

After a long dry spell following his arrest, rape-accused actor Shiney Ahuja has finally landed a role. Right now he is busy shooting in Dubai.

Co-star Shruti Haasan allegedly wrote a letter to Bazmee expressing disgust and displeasure at the casting of Shiney in the film after he had been accused to raping his maid.

“Anees not only got an email about the casting of Shiney in 'Welcome Back' ahead of actors like Neil Nitin Mukesh expressing disappointment that an actor who has been accused of a grave crime like rape has been cast in the film, but there have been people from within and outside the film industry as well who have called and threatened him with dire consequences for casting Shiney in the movie,” says a source close to Bazmee.

Bazmee does not deny any threats. “I am convinced that the person I have cast in the film, Shiney Ahuja, has only been accused at the moment and nothing has been proved against him. He is in need of help and support, till the judgement in out. We cannot pronounce him guilty before the court finds him so. His family too has been going through a lot and it is good to see Shiney and his wife Anupam at the 'Welcome Back' shoot in Dubai,” he says.

Talking to media persons Shiney revealed that the cast has been very friendly with him and supportive.

On his way to Dubai, co-star Anil Kapoor and he were on the same flight. Anil hugged Shiney welcoming him warmly and asking him to work hard.

In Dubai, John Abraham, Naseeruddin Shah and Nana Patekar have also been friendly.

Shiney’s last two films 'Ghost' and 'Hijack' tanked at the box office and the rape case is still pending in the court with Shiney standing trial in the case and being out on bail at the moment.

Shiney Ahuja plays Naseeruddin Shah's son in 'Welcome Back' who has taken over the role from late actor Feroz Khan in the first part of the film.

Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.