Well-known names from Bollywood - Salman Khan, Arshad Warsi and Farhan Akhtar - have spoken up for Shiney Ahuja after he was setenced to seven years in jail for rape.

"Seven years? Seven years is a lot! I have been locked up myself, so I know what happens, " said shocked Salman, who himself has had brief stints in jail. The 45-year-old was embroiled in a hit-and-run case as well as in a black buck shooting case

"I hope he (Shiney) is innocent, and if anyone is trying to frame him, that person should come out in the open. Seven-year jail term is too long, especially if someone has lied about it, " added Salman.

A court here Wednesday sentenced Shiney after he was found guilty of raping his maid in 2009. The actor broke down when judge P.M. Chauhan of the Sewri fast track sessions court delivered the judgement.

The verdict came despite the maid turning hostile during the trial.

Arsahd Warsi feels the judiciary should not target actors "blatantly".

"Murderers, terrorist n corrupt politicians r walking free n Shiney Ahuja gets 7yrs..., " Arshad posted on his Twitter account.

"I am NOT saying he's right but don't forget that Kassab (sic) is still enjoying our hospitality. Do you know the no. of rapes that happen in our country on a daily basis by influential and connected ppl... Those cases r not even registered.

"My point is all criminals should be punished equally, it's not fair to make an example of an actor only because it makes news, " added Arshad.

Producer-director Farhan Akhtar wishes that Shiney has the strength to face the court verdict.

"He has pleaded against the decision. If he can prove it wrong, he will come out. At the end of the day, we have a legal system in the country, " Farhan told reporters at a promotional event of his film "Game" at Novotel Hotel here Thursday.

"If you do something wrong, you have to go through punishment. I wish him all the strength. Hopefully, it would be proved that he is innocent, " he added.

Shiney was arrested June 15, 2009 after medical tests on the maid confirmed sexual assault.

The 20-year-old maid had in June 2009 lodged a police complaint alleging she was raped by Shiney, 37, while she was at work at his residence, following which the actor was arrested.

In August 2009, the case was moved to a fast track court. Shiney was granted bail in October 2009 citing lack of evidence.

After more than a year, the maid in September 2010 told the court that the rape never took place. The medical examination in June 2009, however, confirmed rape.

She also stated before the judge that she made the serious charge against Shiney because of pressure from a woman who introduced her to the actor.

Shiney's lawyer Shrikant Shivade said that relying mostly on the police complaint filed against the actor, the court did not accept the maid's version that she was not raped as the judge felt that she gave false evidence.

In a 109-page chargesheet, Shiney was accused of rape, criminal intimidation and holding his maid hostage.

In his defence, Ahuja had argued that he was being framed.