Key Points

Shabir Ahluwalia opened up about why he stepped back from Bollywood after his debut in Shootout at Lokhandwala. He emphasized that he only wanted roles that made a difference to the story and audience. Despite multiple offers, he refused projects that didn’t align with his creative vision. The actor is now focused on his TV show, blending passion and humor in a chaotic household setting.

Key Points: Shabir Ahluwalia Explains Why He Rejected Films After Shootout at Lokhandwala

  • Shabir rejected films lacking strong scripts despite offers
  • Prioritized impactful roles over money and fame
  • Wanted characters that drive the story forward
  • Currently starring in Sony SAB’s "Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil"
3 min read

Shabir Ahluwalia tells why he didn't do more movies despite 'many films' coming his way

TV star Shabir Ahluwalia reveals why he turned down Bollywood offers post-2008, prioritizing meaningful scripts over fame.

Shabir Ahluwalia tells why he didn't do more movies despite 'many films' coming his way
"I didn’t want to do movies just for the sake of doing it – Shabir Ahluwalia"

New Delhi, July 18

Popular television actor Shabir Ahluwalia made his film debut in 2007 with Apoorva Lakhia’s action thriller Shootout at Lokhandwala, and a year later, he appeared in Mission Istaanbul. However, he stopped signing films after 2008, as he says the kind of scripts he wanted to do never came his way.

Asked why he never did films post 2008 despite getting a lot of love for playing RC in Shootout at Lokhandwala, Shabir told IANS: “I believe in scripts. When those kinds of scripts didn’t come my way, I didn’t want to do movies. I didn’t want to do it for the sake of doing it.”

He did have a slew of movies coming his way.

“A lot of films came my way. But it’s not the subject that I wanted to do. It’s not the role that I wanted to play and I wouldn’t do it just for money, or just to be in a movie, or just to be in an ensemble.”

For Shabir, making a difference with his project is important.

“I want to do it because I want to make a difference to the project. I want to make a difference to the character. I want to... My character should take the story forward and it should be something that moves the audiences.”

He added: If I think I can’t do that in a movie or an OTT, I will not do it. I will do it in whichever medium, but I do it to entertain my fans.”

Shootout at Lokhandwala is based on the 1991 Lokhandwala Complex shootout, a real-life gun battle between gangsters and the Mumbai Police, it stars Amitabh Bachchan, Sanjay Dutt, Suniel Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Arbaaz Khan, Tusshar Kapoor, Rohit Roy, Aditya Lakhia, and Shabbir Ahluwalia.

Talking about Mission Istaanbul, the 2008 action thriller film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia. It stars Vivek Oberoi, Zayed Khan, and Shriya Saran. The film is based on an organisation Al Johara which bears a resemblance to Qatar-based news channel, which was criticized by the White House as being an outlet for terrorists.

Currently, Shabir is seen in Sony SAB's romantic-comedy, "Ufff… Yeh Love Hai Mushkil”, a passionate, fun love tale set against the backdrop of a crazy household.

The show tells the story of a determined young woman named Kairi raising her three siblings, who clashes with Yug Sinha, a lawyer sceptical of women and scarred by his past.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
But honestly, he missed out on building a solid film career. TV actors rarely get second chances in Bollywood. Should've taken some roles to stay relevant, no? 🤔
A
Ananya R
I love him in Ufff Yeh Love Hai! He's such a natural actor. TV or films, talent shines through. More power to artists who follow their heart ❤️
V
Vikram M
Shootout at Lokhandwala was a cult classic! Still remember his intense scenes with Sanjay Dutt. Wish we could see him in more such gritty roles. Bollywood needs actors like him.
K
Kavya N
His choice is respectable but I feel he could've tried OTT platforms earlier. So many TV actors are doing amazing web series these days. Better late than never though!
S
Sarah B
As someone new to Indian entertainment, I find this really interesting! In Hollywood, actors jump between TV and movies all the time. Is the divide stronger in Bollywood?

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