There's no hoopla surrounding his arrival into movietown but that doesn't stop John Abraham from sending the adrenaline of frenzied girls zooming. He saunters into the coffee shop, looking like a quintessential Mills & Boon hunk. Girls swoon as the man passes by flashing his dimples at everyone who catches his eye. Even in a crowd, he stands tall. There's definitely something appealing about him. After endorsing innumerable products as a successful model, John is now all set for July when his debut film with Rahul Rawail, Is Pyar Ko Kya Naam Doon will hit the theatres. Talking about his transition he says, "It's a progressive step. I've been getting acting offers right from the time I did Pankaj Udhas' music video Chupke Chupke but I waited for the right break. I liked what Rahul Rawail narrated to me, so I agreed. Also, I felt this was the right time for me to join films. As a model, I can continue only for maybe another three years. There's a limited span for everything." Most models have enjoyed the reputation of being non actors but John shrugs, "True, most models have proved they can't act but fortunately, Arjun Rampal has changed all that. Acting is waters I haven't waded in before. I'm raw and new but I'm not stiff in front of the camera.
"I don't want to waste time talking about my split with Rhea Sen. I'd rather talk about my mobike " |
I'm improving with each day. I can handle situations and scenes better now. I wouldn't say that I'm the best or the most talented guy around but I'm sure I can do a good job." There's no paranoia about doing the naach gaana either. "I wasn't a dancer before the film started. To get a feel, I rehearsed for 14 hours daily for two months." Quiz him about Rahul Rawail being a tyrant on the sets and he just grins, "I'd heard about Rahul being a taskmaster and reducing actors to tears on the sets. Fortunately, I didn't experience any of the trauma. He's hardworking but he's very good at his job. Our relationship has been very cordial. He's had his bouts of screaming when things didn't go right. Otherwise, there wasn't anything extraordinary." The few who've seen the rushes of the film are all praise for the newcomer. However John himself is not spending sleepless nights fretting about the fate of his debut vehicle. "The film may or may not do well. I'm experienced enough to take it in my stride. But I can definitely pull my collar up and say I've worked hard. Yes, given the opportunity, I'll do well. The only thing that can go against me is my name. Many may believe that because I'm a Catholic, my Hindi will be bad. On the contrary, I speak fluent Hindi. I love the language." Adds he, "I love being the underdog. Right now, I'm watching the show from the back row. It's good that there are no expectations from a model. Even if I'm okay in the film, it'll be better than what the audience hopes for. It's as simple as that. I'm working hard to make it." The positive buzz has helped in more ways than one. Film-makers of repute want to sign him before he becomes a star. Like a sensible guy, John's not letting the plum assignments slip away.
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"Given the right opportunities I will kick butt" |
Appparently, he's signed a film with Amitabh Bachchan. In another, he's replaced Arjun Rampal. "It's my dream to work with
Amitabh Bachchan. Arjun was to do the Cinevista film but it didn't work out. I have no problems with that. I liked the subject." Rubbing his stubble, he continues, "Arjun's a good actor. I'd love to work with him. I relate to the way he looks and acts." Talking about his modelling days, he recalls, "I've done my MBA. Modelling happened by chance after I won an inter-college modelling competition. Milind Soman, Madhu Sapre and Lascelle Simon were the judges. Milind even asked me to join his modelling school but I couldn't afford it. Later, at the insistence of my friends, I took part in the Galdrags contest and won. I came second in the International Manhunt contest. I have been a model for over two years and I've enjoyed every minute of it." "As a model, my name John Abraham worked. I commanded a good price too. I'm not doing everything and anything like I did earlier. I'd love to do good campaigns and niche shows. Out here, it's a different ball game. All I know is that to be successful, I need to work hard, be disciplined, professional, accessible and have the right attitude. Believe me, I have all these qualities. Given the right opportunity and good offers, I will kick some arse," he states confidently. God forbid, if he didn't make it as an actor, would his failure affect his modelling career too? He refuses, "Lots of models haveachieved supermodel status even after not being successful actors. Their failure as actors didn't affect them. If you're a good model, you remain one." We take a break from out chatter as a girl walks up to the table and reminds John about when they'd met earlier. He smiles vaguely, and promises to join her later. "I like to be nice to everyone because blessings are very important. I can't be cocky. Pardon me, for saying it but being arrogant is a filmi school of thought which I don't subscribe to."
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"I'm a harmless flirt. No one will believe it but women I've propositioned have turned me down " |
He has been in celebrity company right from his school days. "Aamir Khan and I are from the same school. I was in the 8th grade when QSQT released. When he visited our school, all the girls from my class nearly ran over me to meet him. I love the way he's conducted his career. Shah Rukh was a judge at the Gladrags contest. He came across as a great human being. I think it's nice to be nice." Hmmm... the number of coy looks coming his way now are a sure indication of his Casanova image. He deadpans, "I'm a nice and innocent guy. Like others, even I keep reading about my affairs. You know who Casanova was? A Frenchman who died a virgin. Believe me, I'm not a Casanova," he drawls. "I like falling in love and being in love."
He seems to have taken the love business too seriously. If the gossip columns are to be believed, he's juggling dates with four
girls! "I'm amazed with this fiction. Two of the four, Ruchika and Priya Arora, I've never met in my life. Though I wouldn't mind knowing them because they seem to be very interesting according to the reports," he chortles. About Raveena Tandon he admits, "She's a buddy. We do go out but always in a group. We share an unadultered friendship." A sheepish grin crosses his face at the mention of his sizzling vibes with co-star Akanksha. He coos, "We share very good on- screen chemistry. This may sound cliched but we're just good friends. I get along well with her mom too. Baseless rumours make it embarassing for me to face her family." He continues, "Honestly, I've learnt to take gossip in my stride. It comes with my celebrity status." He's tight-lipped about his ex-flame Rhea Sen. "I don't want to waste time talking about my split with her. I'd rather talk about my mobike." After a little more prodding, he relents, "I'd never say rude things about a woman I once loved. I can't even say if we parted as friends because I don't know. It's painful when relationships don't work out. I've always hoped they will. Life's going on. I've learnt in the relationships but not from them." Patting himself on the back, he insists he'd give himself full marks as a boyfriend. "I'm a total romantic. I treat my woman like a queen. She's special to me. I've been faithful in my relationships. Fidelity is very essential. It's going to be a long time before I fall in love again..." After a pause, he adds, "I believe in love because of my parents. There's is a love marriage. My dad's a South Indian and mom's Iranian. He saw her playing basketball and fell in love with her. After five years, they eloped. It was only after my birth that the families came together again. Seeing them so happy together, I know love still exists." Many women feel he's the answer to their prayers. Has he ever felt the need to proposition a woman? "I'm a harmless flirt. No one will believe it but women I've propositioned have turned me down," he chuckles. What about the women making advances? "I've had both men and women hitting on me. I've handled these situations very well. I'm a complete hetrosexual." For now, the most wanted man is waiting anxiously for the verdict on his acting abilities. "I want to make enough money to fulfill my mom's dream of her own home in Bandra. The day I manage that, I'll be the happiest man."
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