Mixed reaction in Bollywood to Shiney's conviction for rape

The 38-year-old actor, who made his debut in 2003 in Sudhir Mishra's critically acclaimed 'Hazaaron Khwahishein Aisi', was yesterday sentenced to seven-year rigorous jail term by a court here for raping his maid in 2009. Shiney has pleaded innocence and will challenge the conviction.

"I was surprised with the verdict as even after the maid retracted her statement (denying rape charge), the court pronounced him guilty. I have interacted with him and he did not come across as a person of that brutal nature. I believe the fight for good is not easy," filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt told PTI here.

Bhatt, who produced the 2006 hit 'Gangster' featuring the actor, said the conviction was a blow to Shiney. "It is a dark dead end for him."

"Look at the brighter side of the conviction than listening to those who believe the legal system does injustice in such cases. Despite the victim retracting her statement, the court held him guilty," he said.

"The court might have some evidence to hold him guilty. I have heard he is going to appeal against the conviction I am sure the truth will come out," said actor-producer Farhan Akhtar.

"We have a legal system in our country; so if he is saying the truth then he will come out free. I feel bad for the family and his first child and wish a for lot of strength for them," Akhtar said.