John is about to Disappear....

By Subhash K Jha

On 1 June John starts shooting for Nagesh Kukunoor's Aashaayen.

"After three months in England I'll again disappear for two months from Mumbai. This time in South India. We'll wrap up in one schedule. That's how I'll work from now on. One film at a time."

John has no girl starring opposite him in Aashaayen. "The plot revolves around me. Isn't that nice for a change? I hope audiences won't get bored watching me. I'm totally excited about working with Nagesh."

After Aaashayen John intends to take a break. "Everything is going well. Even when I'm out of Mumbai shooting, my endorsements and my other interests are looked after by a very efficient staff and friends.

I'm surrounded by people who know my mind and act as I'd if I was in their place. I'm not unhappy being out of town…except for the weird rumours that are allowed to float in Mumbai when I'm absent.

I'm such a chilled-out guy, happy to be in my space. I make such an effort not to get into others' space. I just do my work quietly. And still I get into these controversies."

John Abraham who has just wrapped up No Smoking describes Anurag Kashyap as a "volcano about to erupt".

"I've just seen the film and I must say I am very proud of it. Anurag is a frigging genius. I'm so confident about this film. This is the kind of cinema I always wanted to do. This is a very special film.

You know, John Abraham is about being different. And I want to work with directors who will present me differently. Anurag is someone I'd like to work with again and again."

Is John cheesing off big production houses by turning down big assignments like Jhoom Baraabar Jhoom?

"I wouldn't like to comment on that. But I'd like to say I'm really really grateful to Aditya chopra for giving me Dhoom which turned around my career. I know Adi personally. He's a very good man. He understands the audiences completely.

And I totally respect him for that. I don't think he has a problem with me. And I certainly don't have any problems with him. You know, I know him from school where he was a senior. He's a genuinely nice guy.

As for big production houses being unhappy with me, what about UTV? They've a lot of faith in me. Isn't UTV big? I think Metro is a lovely film. I'd love to work with Anurag Basu."