Why Bollywood could not tempt Shaan

Actor's choice is born out of respect for late father's wishes

In a recent appearance on a local television show, veteran actor Shaan Shahid gave the lowdown on just how many Bollywood roles he had been offered in his heyday, and all the reasons he was never tempted to take them on. Shaan has never hidden the fact that he was in line for the Bollywood hits Ghajini or 7 Khoon Maaf, for example, but his reasons for turning them down had nothing to do with money, and everything to do with honouring his late father's wishes.

"Let me just say that I would never stop any hero or actor going to India," began the Aarth actor, indicating he was not judging anyone whose choices differed from his. "My reasons are personal, but the truth is that my father's ideology is very strong when it comes to Kashmir. I know he felt very strongly about the oppression and human rights issues happening in Kashmir."

He added, "As Riaz Shahid's son, I know that I wouldn't be doing justice to him if I took on a role in India. I will have to face him one day sooner or later in the next life, and I just couldn't do it. How would I face him?"

In addition to staying true to his father's wishes, Shaan had one other reason for rejecting the role of Ghajini in particular. According to the actor, he was being sought out for the role by Bollywood star Aamir Khan to play the villainous Ghajini purely because of his Pakistani nationality. Shaan remarked that playing the role of a villain in India was an aspect of acting he was not comfortable with.

"My issue was that this is a country that has such a large population," explained Shaan. "You can't find your own Ghajini from there? Why do you need a Pakistani Ghajni? If a producer wants to sign you on due to your nationality and not your acting ability, then you also need to understand that you also represent the people from this other persecuted region."

Bollywood action thriller Ghajini, starring Aamir and directed by AR Murugadoss, was released in 2008 and became the highest-grossing Bollywood film of the year. The film explores themes of revenge, love, and memory loss, blending intense action with emotional depth. Shaan, however, has no regrets about missing out.