Showbiz gives tainted celebs a second chance
The advent of reality shows offers a platform for several prominent names who gained infamy through various cases, Monica Bedi and S. Sreesanth are two such examples.
Film-maker Hansal Mehta stood up in support of National Award-winning actress Shweta Basu Prasad, after she was recently caught involved in a prostitution racket, and offered her a role in his upcoming film - an act he dubs the "call of his conscious".
While several prominent celebrities, including Rani Mukerji who played a fiery cop fighting child trafficking in her recent film Mardaani, refused to comment on the issue, Mehta felt it was something he had to do even though his gesture was "too little too late" for the starlet.
"It was an individual choice because I was angered by the unnecessary gaze the actress was subjected to. I felt Shweta was actually the victim and was made a soft target," said Mehta who intends to wait for the law to take its course before casting Shweta in one of his upcoming films.
Showbiz has been kind to tainted celebrities who have been embroiled in legal tangles. Bollywood showed solidarity and made no qualms about lending support to Salman Khan who has been involved in several police cases over the years. Several film-makers are eagerly awaiting to start a film with Sanjay Dutt as soon as he completes his term in Pune's Yerwada Jail for possessing arms illegally.
"Life is different for powerful celebrities in showbiz, we all know that. However, it is the vicarious audience who offer eyeballs to various shows or films featuring big controversial celebrities. They might enjoy a little limelight but this doesn't necessarily guarantee a long run in Bollywood," said ad film-maker Prahlad Kakkar.
The advent of reality shows offers a platform for several prominent names who gained infamy through various cases, Monica Bedi and S. Sreesanth are two such examples.
MONICA BEDI
LEGAL TANGLE:Was known as gangster Abu Salem's moll.
After a jail term in 2007, she was seen on Bigg Boss 2, which helped open a floodgate of opportunities for her. She appeared in regional films and reality shows such as Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 3 and Desi Girl, besides TV series Saraswatichandra.
SHWETA PRASAD
LEGAL TANGLE:Was found involved in a high-profile prostitution racket.
Shweta, who won a National Award as a child artist for Makdee, is currently lodged in a rehabilitation centre after being 'caught in the act' at posh Banjara Hills hotel in Hyderabad.
SUBHASH KAPOOR
LEGAL TANGLE: Was slapped with molestation charges.
Starlet Geetika Tyagi accused the Jolly LLB director of molesting her and uploaded a video where Kapoor was seen confessing. Kapoor never publically reacted to the news. He is currently shooting Guddu Rangeela and awaiting Sanjay Dutt's release to shoot a new Munna Bhai.
S. SREESANTH
LEGAL TANGLE: Accused of allegedly spot-fixing matches in IPL season 6.
The BBCI banned the bowler from playing cricket but he found a second career in showbiz. He displayed his dancing skills on the recent season of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa and is now all set to try his luck as an actor and singer in southern films.
SHINEY AHUJA
LEGAL TANGLE: He faced a seven-year prison term for raping his maid but was released after the victim withdrew the case.
Actor Shiney Ahuja remained under public scrutiny during the trial, while the film fraternity offered him support but only in hushed voices. He is now, however, ready to make his comeback with Anees Bazmee's Welcome Back.
ANKIT TIWARI
LEGAL TANGLE: Was arrested on rape charges but released on bail a week later.
The singer who shot to fame with Sun Raha Hai Na Tu, was arrested after his ex-girlfriend slapped rape charges on him. However, he was back to singing, most recently Galiyaan for Ek Villain, soon after he got bail. He even performed at Wagah Border on Independence Day.