Mumbai: In a country, where there are billion dollar industries manufacturing creams that intend to make you fair, Shiney Ahuja says that his fair
skin tone went against him. The actor says during his struggling years he used to get rejected because he was ‘too fair’ to be cast in an Indian’s role. ‘Fair’ game “When I started out my career in Bollywood, I was told I was too fair. And on top of that, I had green eyes. Everybody used to say that it will not be possible for me to get Indian roles. They said that instead, I would get the roles that Bob Cristo has played as a non-Indian,” says the actor. ‘Silver’ lining But as luck would have it, now Shiney has been cast as an American in a parallel role alongside Val Kilmer in the film Silver Cord. But how does he intend to get rid of his oh-so-Indian accent “America is a land of immigrants – so long as there is no pronounced difference, there is really no issue.” We ask him if the rumours of him doing one more film with Val Kilmer is true. “I am not aware. Though, of course, it would be a tremendous experience and honour to work with him again. The film is slated to begin sometime in the last quarter of this year. It will be shot entirely in the US – parts of it in Hollywood,” Shiney says. Role playThe film does have some inspirations as well though Shiney prefers not to go into the details. “The film is an action-thriller romance along the lines of Flatliners or Butterfly Effect. At this point, I cannot divulge any aspect of the film except to say that both Val (Kilmer) and I play a pivotal role in the movie.” ‘Pack’ a punchWith two more ‘interesting projects’ and one cameo coming up, Shiney is concentrating on getting a right physique. “Yes, I have been working out with some intense routines. My trainer pushes me very hard and, at this rate, I wonder if I am going to get a six or a 16-pack – since he never lets up! On a serious note though, it’s finally paying off and, I have to admit, it gives me a tremendous high!”
Camera Shy Nah!Though Shiney Ahuja doesn’t hate attending page three parties, he prefers attending charity events. “I have nothing against Page 3 parties. Meanwhile, though it may seem I am a total recluse, I do step out. I was at Shilpa Shetty’s event to support her cricket team. Other than that, I participated in the children cancer walkathon too.