From delivering some of the most iconic action-thrillers and comedies to producing thought-provoking cinema, John Abraham has built a career on bold choices – remaining a dynamic force in the Hindi film industry with an illustrious career spanning over two decades. As he continues to revel in praise galore for his latest film, The Diplomat, the versatile actor sits down for an unfiltered conversation in the latest episode of In The Ring with Filmfare, now available to stream on Filmfare’s YouTube channel. Hosted by Jitesh Pillai, Editor-in-Chief, Filmfare, the talk show provides fans with an exclusive, in-depth look at top talent in film and OTT industries, with a live audience adding to the immersive experience.
John Abraham’s journey in Indian cinema has been nothing short of inspiring. From his striking debut in Jism to redefining action with films like Dhoom, Force, and Batla House, he has consistently pushed the envelope with roles that challenged him. Alongside blockbuster films, he has backed critically acclaimed films like Madras Café and Parmanu, proving his mettle as both an actor and producer. In this candid chat, John delves into his career evolution, the challenge of staying relevant, the impact of social media, his belief in fearless storytelling, and much more.
Breaking down his decision to bring J.P. Singh’s story to life in The Diplomat, John shared, “When I read the script for The Diplomat, I was instantly hooked—it never dipped in quality. That’s why I chose to do it. Good writing, paired with a responsible director, is what truly makes a film stand out.”
Reflecting on his journey and the power of authenticity, he revealed, "As we grow, we shed the need for perfectly crafted responses and embrace the power of honesty. Experience teaches us that diplomacy has its place, but true courage comes from speaking our mind without fear—unfiltered, unrestrained, and unapologetically real."
On facing bullies in the film industry, John made his stance clear, saying, "I haven't been bullied in my career, but if anyone tries now, they're waking up a sleeping giant. I won’t stay quiet anymore—I'll come at them with full force, unstoppable and unyielding. I believe in living and letting live, but I also want to speak the truth as it is. Being brave matters, and I hope younger actors will follow suit.
Talking about today’s audience and the impact of social media, he highlighted, "We often underestimate our audience, assuming they need constant stimulation to stay engaged. There is still a space for depth, for silence, for storytelling that breathes. Social media may be filled with fleeting content, but not everything needs to be loud or fast to hold attention.”
When asked about his biggest industry mentors, John expressed, “Aditya Chopra is both my best advisor and biggest critic in the film industry—he gives unfiltered feedback, whether it's praise or tough criticism. Another person I deeply respect is Karan Johar. Despite not working with him recently, he has always been there for me.”
