I have slept for six hours in the past three days and haven't eaten since last night. Can I have some soup while talking to you?" He grins.
Dressed in a white vest and jeans, John Abraham looks completely at home. He has just returned from a promotional trip for his film Taxi No 9 2 11. His laptops and other gadgets are lying across the bed and his suitcase lies half-unpacked in the middle of the room. I am with one of India's most desirable men. In his bedroom!
What is the film about, I ask. "I play the character of Jay Mittal, heir to a business family," says the actor. "It is a 24-hour story. I have to reach court to claim my heritage of Rs 300 crore. There is a deadline and I need Raghu's (Nana Patekar) cab to get me there while Raghu needs every rich sucker he can get as a passenger."
The thing his co-stars have been talking about is John dancing. "I told the choreographer he would tear his hair trying to make Nana and me dance. He took up the challenge but, by the first afternoon, he was really frustrated. Neither Nana nor I are great dancers. Nana eventually took on part of the choreography, telling me how to dance. Sameera is an outstanding dancer. I had to perform with her in the song Ek Nazar and it was like the North and South poles dancing together. I have 25 left feet. But we managed. When you see the final song, you won't notice what we went through on the sets."
I had more questions for him. Bowl of soup in hand, he replied…
How did you meet Bipasha? And what do you think about being a most envied man?
We met during our modelling days, when we were both with other people.
Later, we signed for our first film together called Aitbaar, which was to release before Jism. That is how we started seeing each other. She is a very mature, open-minded individual. These days, as we travel a lot, we get little time together. I think it's the level of maturity that keeps our relationship going. As for being 'the most envied man,' I take it as a compliment.
What are your forthcoming projects?
I am currently working on two movies -- Babul and Kabul Express. I wish I could work on one movie at a time. Unfortunately, Babul has been postponed due to Mr Bachchan's illness.
I will be doing Salaam e Ishq that starts on March 1 and has a one-month schedule. Then, I continue shooting only for Babul until it is complete. After that comes Sri Ram Raghavan's film Happy Birthday, followed by a film with Anurag Kashyap.
Are you and Bipasha doing any movies together?
We have not been offered anything substantial so far.
How do you unwind?
I unwind when I work. When I am not working, I am wound up. Work for me is my recreation.
How do you prepare for a difficult shot?
I isolate myself. I give myself some time. I switch off and concentrate on what I am supposed to do and follow the director's brief.
Do you provide creative inputs?
I am an actor -- a medium for my director. I put my inputs into the shot. I don't normally tell the directors about these inputs. If they feel it is okay, we go on with it.
Are you going to start a newspaper?
I have been misquoted.
What kind of brands you promote and why?
I promote brands I really believe in. Brands have to have a clear connection with my personality, or I don't endorse them. I like to be known by the brands I endorse as much as the other way around.
I was approached by two other bike brands, but the reason I chose Yamaha is a personal one. My first bike was a Yamaha. I borrowed money to buy it and I have wonderful memories of that bike. My relationship with Yamaha goes beyond endorsement.
How important is fitness? How do you take care of yourself with such erratic schedules?
Fitness is a tripod stand. It has three legs. Good food, good sleep and good routine. Without that, you are not really up to speed.
Indian Idol 15
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