Ahuja's new role 'will help rape trial'

Shiney Ahuja is to play a repentant hitman in a role especially written to salvage his reputation.

The actor was given bail last month after being accused of raping his maid in June.

According to director Sudhir Mishra, Ahuja's part will not endanger his case.

Mishra told The Times of India: "Hitman is the story of an assassin who looks back on his violent life the day that he thinks he will die.

"My writer Vinitesh is putting together the character in a way that it doesn't clash with Shiney's interests.

"We want the law to take its course, but at the same time, we want Shiney to feel he is part of the mainstream."