Bollywood shocked by Shiney Ahuja's rape charges, stand by him

"I am shocked. The Shiney I know and have worked with is a very down-to-earth and highly professional person. He is a very quiet person, keeps to himself and has never misbehaved with any woman. I have not been able to react because the Shiney I know can't do such a thing," said Bollywood director Anurag Basu (of Life in a Metro and Gangster fame).

"I am sure that he will get the clean chit. He is being framed. As far as I know he is not this type of person. I don't see any reason for him to commit this crime. Why will he do this to a maid? This has got to be conspiracy to malign him. I wish what I believe is true," he added.

"The Shiney Ahuja that I know cannot do such an act and I refuse to believe this story. Shiney has worked for two films of mine and I never received any complaint against him by anyone. However, the final judgment given by the court will be respected," said Bollywood director Sudhir Mishra (of Hazaaron Khwaishein Aisi, Dharavi and Chameli fame).

"I have known him since long and after hearing this I am in shock and can't comment. All I can say is that industry will incur loss as there are many movies lined up with him. I think we should wait for the final verdict to come," said Bollywood director Vinod Pande (of Sins fame), ho gave Ahuja his first break in Bollywood.

Meanwhile, Ahuja's wife Anupam, who is married to the actor for over 10 years, said she would continue to stand by her husband and believe that he is innocent unless the law convicts him.

Ahuja, Anupam said, is being victimized as he is an "introvert and a shy man."