"I’ve kissed Abhishek, I’m very comfortable in that space": John Abrahm on his equation with male co-stars

John Abraham has never been one to chase headlines, but his latest interaction at the Screen Masterclass event has certainly caught attention. The actor spoke openly about his equation with male co-stars and how he views collaboration in an industry often fuelled by comparison. For John, it has always been about partnership, not rivalry.

Choosing Camaraderie Over Competition

At the event, John shared that he feels far more at ease working alongside his male colleagues. Having shared screen space with stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Bachchan, he explained that the secret lies in shifting your mindset. According to him, once you understand that you are there to enhance each other’s performances, insecurity fades away.

He even joked about kissing Abhishek Bachchan on screen, adding that such moments only reflect the comfort they share. John believes that when actors feel secure, it shows in their work. That ease, he said, creates better chemistry and stronger scenes. Rather than trying to outshine someone, he prefers to build something together.

"I’ve worked with Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, and Abhishek Bachchan. I’ve even kissed Abhishek! They see me as someone who complements their process, and I feel the same about them. I’m very comfortable in that space, and that energy shows on screen.”

- John Abraham

An Outsider Who Found His Own Path

John also looked back at his early days in the industry. Entering Bollywood in 2003, he recalled that there were very few outsiders who had managed to establish themselves before him. He mentioned Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar as rare examples at the time.

Over the years, John has faced criticism but chose to stay focused instead of reacting to gossip. He stressed that he has never planted stories or played media games. For him, integrity matters more than noise. He believes consistency and discipline have helped him survive in an industry known for fragile egos and fierce competition.

High-Stakes Roles and What Lies Ahead

On the work front, John continues to explore intense, real-world stories. The actor is reportedly planning Force 3, the next chapter in his popular franchise. He is also attached to a modern retelling of the Mahabharata titled Duryodhana, written by Arun Gopalan. Adding to that list, he will portray former Mumbai Police Commissioner Rakesh Maria in a biopic directed by Rohit Shetty.

With a steady mix of conviction and clarity, John Abraham seems clear about one thing: in his world, strength comes from standing together, not standing over someone else.