John off to the Oscars.....

John Abraham as Narayan in Water

"Narayan! Narayan!" That seems to be John Abraham's Oscar mantra now that Deepa Mehta's Water has bagged an Oscar nomination in the Best Foreign Film category.

The actor plays Narayan, a Gandhian idealist who falls for a widow (Lisa Ray) in the film. Obviously, John now has lots to say…

How did you hear about the Oscar nomination?

I first heard it from David Hamilton, the producer of Water.

Are you bags packed?

Yes, I will be attending the ceremony on February 25.
All the efforts have finally paid off…

I give all my films 800 per cent. I am a director's actor; I understand there are requirements and I have to deliver. In fact, I have to specially thank Deepa's mother for this film. I got selected for Water because she recommended my name.

She had seen Jism and felt that I had an interesting look, especially in my eyes. She told me, "Beta, you deserved the role of Narayan." That was the ultimate compliment for me.

You wear a dhoti and play a flute in the film?

Before Water, I had never worn a dhoti in my life, not even at a fancy dress competition! For the first few days, it was quite awkward but later it was okay.

And as for the flute, I learned how to hold it and play it right too. I also had to recite shlokas; Narayan speaks a lot of Sanskrit lines.

Did you mug up the shlokas?

Yes. There were pages after pages and I still remember them. Before the shoot, we attended a 15-day workshop conducted by Mrs Mehta (referring to Deepa), so it was like a rehearsal before the actual shoot.

I finally understand what method acting is all about. I was told I couldn't walk the way I normally do; I had to walk like Narayan would. I had to understand where my character was coming from.

Did you not have apprehensions about the project after all the controversy it generated?

Lisa Ray and John Abraham in Water

Deepa has a reputation for being dictatorial on the sets…
Far from it. Mrs Mehta is a baby on the sets. She's a sensitive director and gives actors their space. The film has been shot beautifully. I loved her earlier film, Earth 1947.

And your co-stars?

Seema Biswas as Shakuntala, the older widow, is brilliant. I just had to look into her eyes and there was so much to learn. She is such a brilliant actress and hasn't got her due. She deserves much more.

How will your zillion female fans react to Narayan?

With utmost respect.

Without bikes and helmets?

I don't know the difference between commercial and non-commercial cinema. They are all films that entertain in their own way, and as an actor, I have to take on varied subjects. Noted filmmakers in the West have seen the film and have appreciated my work. They didn't know who I was, but they still enjoyed it!