The dazzling lights of Bollywood often fade, leaving fans wondering where their favorite stars have disappeared to. While some transition to different roles within the Indian film industry, others seek a completely different life, often far from the glitz and glamour of Mumbai. Recently, news has surfaced about one such former Bollywood star, Shiney Ahuja, who has traded the silver screen for a quieter existence abroad.
Shiney Ahuja, who once shared screen space with Bollywood giants like Akshay Kumar and Shilpa Shetty, is now reportedly managing a garment business in the Philippines. This marks a stark contrast to his earlier life, where he enjoyed a meteoric rise in the Hindi film industry with hits like Gangster and Bhool Bhulaiyaa.
Born into an army family in Delhi, Ahuja's early life was rooted in discipline and academics. Before entering the film industry, he was a sought-after face in advertising, appearing in over 40 commercials and a music video. His Pepsi advertisement proved to be a turning point, catching the eye of filmmaker Sudhir Mishra, who cast him in Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi (2005). The film earned Ahuja critical acclaim and established him as a serious performer. He followed this with a string of successful films, solidifying his position as one of Bollywood's most promising newcomers.
However, Ahuja's promising career was abruptly halted in 2009 when he was accused of raping his domestic worker. Although he maintained his innocence and the complainant later withdrew her statement, the damage was done. In 2011, Ahuja was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison. Despite a brief return attempt in 2015, the industry had moved on, and his career never recovered.
Now, years later, Shiney Ahuja lives a quiet life away from the spotlight, managing a garment business in the Philippines. His story serves as a dramatic example of the fleeting nature of fame in Bollywood.
Ahuja's story is not unique. Several other Bollywood personalities have chosen to settle outside India for various reasons. Some, like Preity Zinta, Mihika Varma, and Celina Jaitly, moved abroad after marrying partners based overseas. Zinta, known for her dimpled smile and successful career in the 2000s, bid farewell to Bollywood after marrying Gene Goodenough and settling in Los Angeles. Mihika Varma, famed for her role in Yeh Hai Mohabbetein, married an NRI businessman and settled in the USA. Celina Jaitly, who appeared in films like Janasheen and Thank You, married Peter Haag and now lives in Dubai.
Other actors, such as Meenakshi Seshadri and Jugal Hansraj, also chose to leave the industry and move abroad. Seshadri, a star in the 80s, married investment banker Harish Mysore and now teaches Indian classical dance in Texas. Hansraj, known for his role in Masoom, moved to the USA after marrying Jasmine Dhillon, an NRI investment banker, and resides in New York. Even Priyanka Chopra juggles her life between India and the USA, especially since marrying Nick Jonas and buying a $20 million mansion in Los Angeles.
These stars have found various paths outside of Bollywood, whether it be running businesses, focusing on family life, or pursuing other passions. Their decisions highlight the diverse priorities and aspirations that exist beyond the arc lights of the film industry.
