Subhash K Jha (DNA; September 12, 2015)
The title of Anees Bazmee’s latest hit film Welcome Back could well be referring to Shiney Ahuja’s return to acting after his tryst with the law. Shiney can’t thank Anees enough for giving him a second lease of life in the movies. “Anees is large-hearted. He gave me a chance in such a big film at a time when not many filmmakers were willing to sign me. Aneesbhai made it very clear that my role was not a very lengthy one. But all my scenes were with the great Naseeruddin Shah and that was incentive enough for me to welcome the chance to get back to acting.”
The actor refutes all rumours of co-actors keeping a distance from him. “No such thing happened. Everyone was very welcoming and warm. I admit I was very apprehensive when I joined the team. I went on location after doing my prayers and meditation. Ready to encounter any eventuality. I was going through that phase when I felt everything I said could and would be held against me. I would measure every sentence before saying it. To put it mildly, it wasn’t easy for me.”
Shiney, who played the role of Don’s son Honey, sees Welcome Back as good resumption. “It’s a successful film. And success at this point in my life is very important.” He is now trying to find his bearing again in Bollywood. “I don’t socialise much. What’s there to say in parties when I am not doing any work? So far, I’ve not really gone out and met directors and producers, to let them know I’m keen on offers. I will now do that.”
He feels that he’s just starting out. “I feel I’m a newcomer all over again. It feels exactly the way it did when I made my debut in Hazaron Khwaishein Aisi. The film was a massive critical success. And I went around recommending the film to everyone. But not enough people saw the film on release. My journey with Welcome Back is just the opposite. The critics may not think that highly of it, but the audience loves it. There’s applause from the audience after every dialogue. It’s music to my ears.”
Shiney feels he is born anew. “I feel life has given me a second chance. If it weresn’t my wife Anupam and daughter and my family I wouldn’t have been able to endure what I went through. I am ready for my second innings,” he signs off.