Shiney Ahuja was born on 15 May 1973 in Dehradun. His father was in the Indian army. His early schooling was at St. Xavier's School, Ranchi; later, he studied at The Army Public School, Dhaula Kuan, New Delhi. His initial plans were to join the armed forces. While studying at Hansraj College University of Delhi from 1992–1996, he was attracted to theater and joined the Barry Johns Acting School in Delhi. Sometime after 1996, he moved to Mumbai.
Before making his debut in films, he modeled and acted in commercials. He also appeared in a music video for the British-Asian band Stereo Nation.
He made his acting debut in the critically acclaimed Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi which debuted at various film festivals in 2004 and was released in theaters in 2005. In 2006, he was awarded Best Male Debut by Filmfare Awards, Screen Awards, IIFA Awards, Zee Cine Awards and Stardust Awards. He also played the lead role in Mahesh Bhatt's Gangster, a more popular movie. In 2006, he acted in the movie Woh Lamhe opposite Kangana Ranaut.
On personal side, Shiney Ahuja is married to Anupam Ahuja. They have a daughter named Arshiya, born in 2007.
Shiney Ahuja spoke to Subhash K Jha about the most important women
in his life his daughter and wife on Saturday evening, a day before
he was arrested
SHINEY Ahuja is appalled by all the tales of his cold wars with his leading ladies. "I don't know where they start and I don't care where they end.
For me my most important woman is - no, not my wife. My daughter Arshiya, who is all of one year and seven months. And my wife doesn't mind being secondary to this lady. She's now beginning to run and talk."
Arshiya "apne kaam ke saare baat kar leti hai", added the fond papa. "I've become completely domesticated. The evenings are completely devoted to my family.
The minute she wakes up in the morning we start playing. Shiney, who shared a long-distance marriage with his wife Anu for three years, now keeps his family close.
"After I became professionally stable, she gave up her job in the US to be with me. Now, I like my wife and daughter to be with me as much as possible."
I get written about for having fights with my leading ladies. My wife should be happy with that. She trusts me completely."
Shiney was always a good student. I am shocked at the reports of him raping a young girl. I can't believe them.
He had no criminal history in college and no womanising tendencies either. I think rape is just the maid's way of settling a score.
Dr SR Arora, principal, Hansraj College, Delhi, where Shiney studied
Shiney Ahuja was my senior in school. I never interacted with him during our school days, but I remember he was a looker even then and all the girls in our school used to flock around him.
I don't watch much television so missed out his advertisements too.
But I recognised him when I saw him in Gangster. I felt proud that such a good actor belonged to my school.
But today, I hope that the charges of rape against Shiney are proven false. It would hurt me to see the name of my school sullied.
Sanjay Kumar, former student, St Xavier's School, where Shiney studied before joining Hansraj Collge
Refreshingly bold and meaningful
The most complex of all these characters is Shiny Ahuja's Vikram. His desire to climb the social ladder is surpassed only by his fiery passion for Geeta. She is the only centrality to his other wise meaningless, high powered, and politically connected life. She makes him yearn for making himself successful, and that is what drives her away from him. His choices can be understood only in the context of the complex and unfulfilled relationship he shares with Geeta. His love is never requited in the true sense of the word. Nevertheless, he is the one who finally brings meaning back into Geeta's life.
Movie review
Shiney Ahuja is dynamic in his performance as Daya, the gangster. The actor is a powerhouse of talent, even though he does not have many dialogues in the film, his performance and facial expressions are breathtaking. Among the many magnetic scenes where Shiney excels, two which stand out and makes your heart ache is the scene where Shiney begs Simran for one chance and falls into her lap and the other one is his outburst and cry of pure, raw anguish and pain. Definitely an actor to watch out for.
Here are some pictures of
his childhood, personal, career and supporting public cause.
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