John Abraham jolting back

Excerpts from the Interview:

How was the last year for you?

Well it has been a mix. The year started good and career wise it certainly went fine. There was so much appreciation pouring from all over for the work that I had done. And it was quite enjoying and cherishable. The year was very hectic for me and there were also tough situations. By the end my health gave away and I had to be hospitalized for a long time.

What are your expectations from this year?

I want this year to shape up better. Honestly I've been flooded with more than what I'm due. This year I would like to be more successful. Owing to my bad health I've been said to be cautious for the next 3-4 months. So I'm taking care of myself not to get relapse of typhoid. I'm keeping a check not to over work.

Has your illness affected your work?

When I fell ill, the shooting in Afghanistan was going on in full swing. But then I came to India. Owing to that we are eight days behind schedule for 'Kabul Express'. Almost I'm a month delayed for other projects. After I wrap up the shooting for this, I'll have to start with 'Babul'.

You're definitely looking charged and refreshed?

***image:2:rightleft*** It is better to keep working then to lurk in home in bed. I'm having some major releases and I've to be at my best for them. Recently I've been to Pune, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad for the premiere of Zinda.

Are you happy with the way the film is doing for itself?

I'm a bit confused on that front as I'm getting mixed response about it. Though the film has limitations and I thought that it would cater to a specific audience it is encouraging to see that the film is getting good reviews from all counters. I'm getting appreciated and there is lots of praises are pouring in. I think I've worked better and doing well in my career.

Recently you've also been appreciated for Deepa Mehta's 'Water'.

It's a very good film and is worth garnering the response that it is getting. The film is doing very good in Canada and the people there are taken aback with the situations highlighted in the film. In our nation the film hasn't released yet and neither many have watched it. I'm very happy with the recognition that I've got in the overseas. It's very hard to catch attention abroad. And I'm lucky enough that I've been bestowed.

Are you doing her next film?

I've nodded for the project but the dates are yet to be finalized. She is talking with Amitabh Bachchan for the other role.

So are you bagging international assignments?

I've been receiving offers. However I'm not making any hue and cry about it. I've been going through them but have considered none so far. Until next year I won't be able to sign any due to my tight schedule.

I'm doing Nikhil Advani's 'Salaam-e-Ishq' with Vidya Balan, Sriram Raghavan's comedy 'Happy Birthday' and another film with a new director Babar. Then there is one film under Yashraj Film. My next release will be 'Taxi 9211'.

What are the new endorsements you've bagged?

I only endorse products that suit my preference, sense and sensibility. Recently I signed as UN ambassador for drugs and crime. I'm handling the entire endorsement for Diet Pepsi in India.