John Abraham

Simply Irresistible John Abraham

He aspires to become truly global. His co-stars describe him as truly grounded and his fans find him totally irresistible. John Abraham exudes magnetism, attracting scores of fans everywhere he goes. When he landed at the Toronto Pearson International Airport hundreds of excited young fans were eagerly waiting to greet him. Describing the raving as “sweet,” John didn't disappoint anyone and readily signed autographs and agreed to photo requests. The crowds only got stronger during the course of his visit at the 30th Toronto International Film Festival. At the red carpet Opening Night Gala of Deepa Mehta's Water, John crossed over barricades to spend more time with his fans. He plays the role of Narayan, the Gandhian idealist in Water which also stars Seema Biswas, Lisa Ray and young Sarala.

John started his showbiz career with modeling and has steadily worked his way to fame with remarkable performances in films like Jism, Dhoom and Virrudh. Highly passionate about the Indian film industry and his work, he believes that the industry creates employment opportunities for many Indians. Also an active PETA supporter and many other social causes, John recently bared his body to support the cause of caged birds. Preeti Thandi connected with John Abraham for mybindi.com to talk about the Toronto Film
Festival experience, his fans, career and aspirations:

How has the festival experience been?

It has been an eye opener. It's been very interesting, something that is very global and something that I've been looking forward to. I haven't had the time to watch films. I've just been doing interviews.

How has the audience response for Water been?

Absolutely incredible, there's not one person who has said even a slightly negative thing about it. Everybody's been so positive and appreciative about the movie.

How did you prepare for the role?

I had to learn how to wear the dhoti, a kurta and also had a pair of Gandhi specs on. I learned how to play the flute for the movie. I learned Sanskrit shlokas and poems of Meghdoot by Kalidas in the movie.

Do you enjoy reading poetry?

I enjoy reading poetry sometimes but honestly I don't have so much time to dwell into it.

Do you have any favorite poets?

Not that I can think of. From school we've had so many… We've had Lord Byron but nothing really that comes to my mind.

How was it like working with Deepa Mehta?

It was a pleasure working with Deepa. She was a little girl on a playground. She was completely innocent and it was beautiful to watch her at work. There's a certain amount of innocence that we all lose in the process of work which I feel Deepa has not lost and that's what keeps her ahead of her contemporaries.

How was it like working with the other co-stars of Water?

It was very nice working with Lisa Ray, especially with Sarala the little kid and most importantly with Seema Biswas, who I think, is the most powerful actor I've worked with.

What about Waheeda Rehman, who plays your mother in the film?

Waheeda Rehman is superb and so beautiful. She's one of the most beautiful women India has ever produced and she's still so beautiful and lovely.

Your character of Narayan in Water seems very calm and poised despite his loss…

He's a very intense and a very internalized person. Deepa and I had a lot of discussions on that. Should he break down crying? Should he get aggressive and we decided to play the character the way he is in the movie and it works beautifully.

In contrast Narayan seems overtly distraught when he finds out about his father…

It is conveyed through the lines after he burns the funeral pyre and when he sits with Shakuntala and says, “its' all about religion, it's all about money in the name of religion”. The expression, the look is what Water is about. I don't think the character needs to be more distraught, I think the level of pain he feels inside was
enough.

Are you an idealist?
Yes pretty much.

What are you passionate about?

What drives me is when I ride a bike. Now I also get a kick out of an overseas audience really appreciating the kind of movies I am doing. The idea is to try and do more international films.

Did you also get a kick out of all female fans gathered at the airport to greet you?

Yeah, that was sweet. You also have a lot of patience with your fans. You spent all your time at the red carpet with your fans.
I believe that the end of the day you are walking the red carpet because of them. They are very responsible for what you are and the idea is not just saying that they are but also spending time with them. It is very important to give each one as much attention as possible. Sometimes it's very difficult but at least try.

What do you aspire to achieve?
Being completely global, being recognized globally.

What projects are you working on currently?

I am working on a lot of Indian projects. My next international movie I am doing will be shot in Afghanistan. It's called Kabul Express. It has a confluence of actors, I am shooting with a Pakistani actor, an Afghani actor and an American actress. It's interesting.

Are you getting any potential international opportunities?

I have agents meeting me. I've had people showing a lot of interest in me. For some odd reason they don't think that that I look completely Indian. I am being offered different kinds or of roles but its' something I need to be calm about. I'd rather play a wait and watch.

When are you getting married with Bipasha Basu?
Not in the next 5 years.

What attracts you about a woman?
The fact that she is unaware about her beauty. She's unaware about the fact that she is smart or attractive. The fact that she is very unassuming.

What does love mean to you?

I think it's a state of mind. It's a very transitionary word. It changes meaning under different situations. It is a very difficult thing to really explain.

What are you other interests besides acting?

I am a mountain person so I love climbing. I am a certified rock climber. I am into Taekwondo. I trained with the Police in Bombay for 3 years.

Did you want to be in police initially?

I just trained with them. I wanted to be an instructor. To put it very ideally I wanted to be the champion of the world. I am here to fight