Shiney Ahuja's chat transcript

Transcript of INDIATIMES LIVE CHAT with Actor, Shiney Ahuja at 3pm on Thursday, June 29, 2006 in Mumbai

" I choose my films on the basis of script and my role, irrespective of the genre."

Shiney Ahuja
Actor

Shine-Away> You were amazing in Hazoroon Khwaishein Aisi . Same in Gangster (you were the only reason I went to watch the movie). But why 'blink and you miss me' Fannah ?
Shiney Ahuja> Thanks for the compliment. The reason I did a guest appearance for Fannah was not only that it was a Yash Raj banner film, moreover because my character's name is Suraj Ahuja, who is a Major in the army posted in Kashmir. (My dad's name is also Suraj Ahuja, who was a Major in the army and was posted in Kashmir). I wanted to dedicate the role to my dad.

Kjnkjnk> You have done a great job in 'Gangster'. Keep up the good work. Do you consciously choose roles which are off beat?
Shiney Ahuja> 'Gangster' was a successful, mainstream, Bhatt production film. I choose my films on the basis of script and my role, irrespective of the genre.

Ajha> Is, Shiney your real name or just a nom de plume?
Shiney Ahuja> Yes Shiney is my real name. It has always been in my passport since I was born. The whole industry has been trying to change it but I shall not let that happen. This name is given to me by my parents with lots of love.

Kjnkjnk> Are you doing the Hollywood project 'The Forest'. I have read that you are playing a central character in it. Please tell us more about it?
Shiney Ahuja> I had committed to 'Gangster' prior 'The Forest'. But the dates clashed and since my first commitment was Gangster I stuck by it. I am not doing 'The Forest'.

Joop> You are working with Tanuja Chandra for a new movie and you are casted opposite Sushmita Sen. How has been the experience working with two strong headed women. Did you ever feel dominated by them?
Shiney Ahuja> It has been a really good experience being directed by a woman since they get a side out of you that you are constantly trying to conceive. They (women directors) make you feel that it is alright to cry, like it is to laugh. Sushmita is a very warm person and an extremely wonderful co-star.

Creative4life> Any more powerful characters, coming up?
Shiney Ahuja> Yes, but they will be out by early next year. This year you will have to suffice with some sweet, warm, lighter films. Hey I also need a break!

Ajha> Did you have any formal training in acting?
Shiney Ahuja> I attended a lot of workshops with National School of drama and Barry John.

Ch1223> Among the roles that you've played so far which is your favourite character and why?
Shiney Ahuja> It would be 'Vikram' in Hazoroon Khwaishein Aisi . Apart from being a difficult role 'Vikram' was several people inside one person.

Dsfgsdg> In media de say that 'there is no news like bad news'. Any kind of publicity is good. Do you agree? Since your movie 'Sins' created quite a flutter. Do you agree with the above statement?
Shiney Ahuja> 'Sins' is an old story. Done and forgotten just like any other sin should be. (Laughs) I don't agree with the above stated statement.

Ajha> Do you wish to run around trees now that you have done a bit of experimentation?
Shiney Ahuja> If running around trees means doing main stream commercial romantic films with songs then sure I would. But I will still choose my scripts and roles carefully.

Anju> Please tell me your favorite actress; please don't choose from the list of old actress like Madhubala or Madhuri Dixit. Please tell any one from this genre.
Shiney Ahuja> Some of my favorites are Rani Mukherjee, Raima Sen and Preity Zinta.

Sourov> Hi Shiney! I want to make a career in films but don't know where and how to start. Can you guide me?
Shiney Ahuja> Just remember at the end of the day the only guide is you yourself. This is not a profession where you need a degree and you get a job. You have to make your own path.

Pooja981> Do you have email id and can you share your birth date with us.
Shiney Ahuja> My birthday falls on 15 May. Since I don't get time to go online, I don't have an email id.

Shine-Away> You've done tough roles that you've executed almost flawlessly. How were you able to perform at this level so early in your career?
Shiney Ahuja> Thanks a lot. I keep questioning myself the same thing all the time. And sometimes I get scared when I see my own shots, wondering will I be able to do it again?

Ch1223> What goes into enhancing the performance from the one that is given in the script?
Shiney Ahuja> I try to build the character and visualize the story at the back of my mind. Starting with the character's childhood to building imaginary relationships and the emotional experiences similar to what the character goes through in his life. I let the present moment while I am performing take over.

Anju> You resemble Jude Law. Has anybody told you this?
Shiney Ahuja> No one told me this before and if it's a compliment, thank you .

Shine-On> Do you think this is the best time to be a part of Bollywood with the range of movies that are coming out? Do you think you would have been given an opportunity a few years ago to be a lead actor?
Shiney Ahuja> Yes it's a good time because it's the 'multiplex era' so there is opportunities for many. Yes I would have been given the opportunity anytime in the history.

Sign off Message> Enjoy Life, love your family, be yourself, respect your parents, live and let live and rock on. Love Shiney Ahuja.