John Abraham Reflects on Being Bollywood's Most Criticized Outsider
Bollywood actor John Abraham has never been one to mince words. In a candid recent interview, the star opened up about his unique journey as an industry outsider and the substantial criticism he claims to have endured since making his debut back in 2003.
"I Have Probably Been Criticized the Most"
John Abraham made a bold statement about his career trajectory, asserting that he has faced more scrutiny than any of his contemporaries. "I have probably been criticized the most in this industry, from the time I started," he revealed. "When I came in 2003, there were no outsiders. Before that, only Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar had entered the film industry without family connections. The amount of criticism I have gone through, nobody else has faced that in my time."
The actor explained his approach to handling this persistent scrutiny with a simple philosophy. "For me, it was straightforward. I was like a horse with blinkers. I could only see what was in front of me and didn't have unrealistic expectations. I have never employed a publicist. I don't go out of my way to plant stories in the media; doing so could make me vulnerable, but I believe people recognize my integrity and understand where I come from."
Collaboration Over Competition with Male Co-Stars
When discussing his relationships with contemporaries who enjoyed stronger industry positioning, John emphasized his preference for collaboration rather than rivalry. "The most effective approach is to train your mind to understand that you are not competing but complementing. I get along exceptionally well with my male co-stars," he shared.
John Abraham has worked with numerous leading stars throughout his career, including Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, and Abhishek Bachchan. He even humorously noted, "I have even kissed Abhishek. They perceive me as someone who complements their creative process, and I view them the same way. I am not competitive in that arena; I feel very comfortable around my male colleagues, and that positive dynamic translates beautifully on screen."
Over the years, John has consistently chosen partnership over rivalry when sharing screen space with fellow stars—a mindset he believes enhances his performances and contributes to better cinematic results.
Looking Ahead: Comedy, Sequels, and Major Projects
Beyond reflecting on his past experiences, John Abraham also discussed his future plans and upcoming projects. The actor expressed particular interest in exploring comedic roles, stating he is actively seeking quality comedy scripts. He also revealed his enthusiasm for a potential sequel to his cult film No Smoking, saying he would love to return for No Smoking 2 if the project materializes.
On the professional front, John Abraham has several significant projects in development:
- Revival of the Force franchise is reportedly underway
- He will portray Duryodhana in Arun Gopalan's modern adaptation of the Mahabharata
- Reports suggest a potential collaboration with director Rohit Shetty on a biopic based on former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria
These projects demonstrate John's continued commitment to diverse and challenging roles across different genres, from action franchises to mythological adaptations and biographical dramas.
