By Subhash K. Jha, IANS

In an exceptional move, "Shiva" star Mohit Ahlawat is suing a newspaper that wrote he is on steroids.

He protests angrily, "I've never in my life touched steroids. It's a very dangerous accusation. I'm very health conscious."

"I remember how agitated I used to get when senior actors with good bodies were said to be on steroids. I work hard on my body. I don't need steroids," Mohit told IANS.

Incensed by what he sees as an attempt to defame him just before his new comeback vehicle "Shiva" is released, Mohit has decided to take legal action against the newspaper.

"My father is a retired lawyer. I've spoken to my dad and his colleagues. They all advised me to sue the paper. I'm doing so, right now."

Mohit is convinced jealous rivals are behind this move to malign him.

"Some time ago there were other defamatory stories against me. I know for fact that a K (he names a junior star son) had spread those rumours. I wouldn't be surprised if he's behind this latest attempt to bring me down just when 'Shiva' is about to be released."

What gets Mohit's goat is the obvious under-mining of facts in the story.

"They've written that I was asked to leave my previous gym because my fitness instructor found me to be on steroids, when in fact, I left my earlier gym five years ago to join my current gym because a friend invited me.

"And my fitness instructor, Pramod Dadlani, came with me from the old to the new gym. He has been with me for eight years."

Visibly upset, Mohit said: "In 'Shiva' I play this honest incorruptible cop who wants to change the system. Stories to hurt my image won't hurt my film. But they embarrass me. I'm the kind of guy who keeps to himself. I don't speak up unless I'm pushed to the wall.

"Earlier it was written that I was fighting with my co-star Nisha Kothari on the sets when we barely exchanged a hello and bye on the sets. People can't bear the fact that Ramu (Ram Gopal Verma) is supporting me so openly. This steroids accusation is the limit. I don't think I should take this lying down."