Film industry insiders are shocked at reports that Vijay Raaz has been detained in Dubai for reportedly carrying marijuana and say they never associated him with drugs.
Many are worried about how Raaz - who rose to reasonable fame with Ram Gopal Varma's 'Jungle' and then became famous as the wedding contractor in Mira Nair's 'Monsoon Wedding'- will find a way out of the problem.
He was detained on Sunday when he landed in Dubai to act in a Vikram Bhatt film. Says close friend and associate Saurabh Shukla who directed Raaz in 'Mudda': "I can't believe Vijay has been accused of such a thing. His wife must be devastated. His career had begun to look up. They recently bought a house and were so happy together.
"As far as I know he has never consumed any drug of any sort. Just how they found marijuana on his person is a mystery to me.
"Vijay Raaz and I started our acting career in the same theatre group Saakshi in Delhi. He then moved to the National School of Drama (NSD) in Delhi. He's a good actor and a fine human being. I can't believe he's got into such trouble!"
It isn't very clear right now what Raaz, who recently played the lead in Rajat Kapoor's 'Raghu Romeo', intends to do to clear himself.
{{/usCountry}}It isn't very clear right now what Raaz, who recently played the lead in Rajat Kapoor's 'Raghu Romeo', intends to do to clear himself.
{{/usCountry}}He seems to be the latest in Bollywood's relationship with hard drugs. The first star who made history by coming out of the drug closet and then coming clean is Sanjay Dutt. He went to a drug rehabilitation centre and started his life and career afresh.
Then there was Fardeen Khan who was detained for allegedly possessing cocaine in 2001.
It isn't known which way Raaz is heading. Kamal Haasan who directed Raaz in his new film 'Mumbai Express' is shocked.
"I can't claim to know Vijay Raaz well. But whatever I know of him during 'Mumbai Express' was extremely positive. He's a good actor and a pleasant person. Not once did I feel he was on any drug. Acting seemed to be his big high. That he should be caught on the wrong foot in a place like Dubai is very unfortunate.
"(But) Whether it's you, me or Vijay Raaz...the law must take its course."