Shiney: I am media's soft target
Being politically correct has never exactly been Shiney Ahuja's forte. For instance, in an earlier interview he has confessed that he did 'some films for sentimental reasons'. When we ask him to name them, he takes a long pause and says, "Khoya Khoya Chand [READ REVIEW: KKC is sincere but confusing] and Metro."
He then continues, "I wouldn't have done Metro because of its ensemble cast. Big Brother hadn't happened. And Shilpa wasn't as big a star. But Anurag told me that he wanted me to do it. And that was that."
That's Shiney Ahuja for you – outspoken and candid almost to the point of being mistaken for arrogant.
And yes, he insists that he isn't as 'intense' as he is made out to be. Why, he cracks a joke at the end of our conversation…or at least tries to. Excerpts:
Why is it that we see so little of Shiney Ahuja?
The release fate of a film is never in my hands. Besides, I work only on those films whose scripts I like. And I don't socialise because I like spending time with my family. This year, I have two films releasing – Hijack and Har Pall. Last year was a 'thank you' year where the only conscious choice was Bhool Bhulaiyaa."
In an earlier interview you have said that you've done enough films for sentimental reasons and you needed to take some 'hard career decisions'. Which films were you talking about?
Khoya Khoya Chand and Metro. Sudhir Mishra gave me my first break so I did Khoya Khoya Chand. I wouldn't have done Metro primarily because of its ensemble cast. Big Brother hadn't happened. And Shilpa wasn't as big a star. But Anurag told me that he wanted me to do it. And that was that. I owed it to him.
MUST READ: Just why is Shiney wearing a cap? | NEXT PAGE: 'I am NOT arrogant'
