A downpour on Saturday cooled the temperatures at the busy Jubilee Hills checkpost area but at the Reebok showroom, the heat is on. John Abraham walks in with a big smile and there is frenzied activity. In a casual grey tee and cargos, he walks around, meeting his fans and accommodating their requests including a photograph with two little girls.
Hyderabad has been John’s home for weeks now due to the shooting of his new movie Rocky Handsome . The Force- director Nishikant Kamat is back at the helm and John is thrilled to be recreating the magic. “ Rocky … is Force to the power of 10,” he exults. “Nishi is one of the sensible and award-winning directors. Rocky was one of the successful films and when it was aired on television, the movie earned more success. We are sure of repeating the magic,” he says.
He has learnt to work his way in Bollywood and says he trusts his instincts while choosing films to act or produce. “Ours is a young production house and I tell every one that the content is the only thing that matters. We believe in content-based cinema. Be it Vicky Donor or Madras Café … the stories were different,” says. His sports biopic 1911 by his production house has generated quite a buzz with John experimenting with his looks and will be seen in a leaner avatar. Shoojit Sircar directs this period drama and John hopes the movie will create a new record. “It is a great film. It is the kind of film which puts India on the world map,” he says. His production house is launching eight films partnering with Shoojit Sircar. “Some of which I will act and some Shoojit will direct,” he says.
Exploring his box office journey, he says, he now deals with criticism on social media by ignoring it. “Social media has created an unnecessary evil. Men shrouded by social media constantly spread negativity. I respect critics but for comments on social media; you do better by just ignoring it,” he says.
He is happy at the trend of celebrities getting together to promote sports, “Cricket is a primary sport and actors taking up teams - be it hockey or soccer is just complementing it,” he says. John co-owns North East United FC, the Guwahati franchise of the upcoming Indian Super League. “I called Abhishek to wish him luck for the kabaddi league. Unfortunately I couldn’t be there,” he sighs.
He has learnt to balance his interests with his personal and professional life. “I was a middle class guy without any support. If I could make it, any one can. Follow your dreams,” he concludes.
