'Let the John in you be your struggle’

There’s more to John Abraham’s body than big biceps, great abs and a sexy butt, I kid you not. You’re forgetting his heart.

The Bollywood hunk, who let it all show in Dostana, believes he is here for a purpose. And that purpose is to be a role model to people. “Look at it holistically, philosophically, realistically... John Abraham is known for fitness, for thinking right, for living a clean and disciplined life,” he told me earnestly.

When I go to the gym, middle-aged women come up and ask me, ‘I have a knee problem, it is okay if I run?’ I tell them, ‘Yes, but I’d prefer if you simply walked on the treadmill instead.

And they heave a sigh of relief. They feel if John Abraham can workout, so can we! It’s a big thing that they take my word like the Bible.

That, I believe, is the actor’s biggest connect with his audience. His simplicity — which shows up in his personality. It’s his strength. I caught him gymming in Mumbai last week having just completed two films — David Dhawan’s Hook Ya Crook and Deven Khote’s Phillum City — before getting into a month-long workshop in June to prepare for Abbas Tyrewala’s 1-800-Love, and, after that, taking off to London for two months’ work. Films are happening, and John is super-excited about his next, New York, in which he has a completely different look. “Post New York, people (including myself) will look at me in different light... Meaning? I didn’t quite realise what genuine hard work can do. Hunger, I’ve always had, but I didn’t know what effort I had put in until I saw the result.

Talking about effort, and result, brought us back to fitness... and working out. He is touched when his directors tell him, “Work your body the way you need to look in your character.” The beach body look he developed for Dostana is a good example of this. “But I’m over and done with that look,” John protested. And it is true, the actor has leaned out, he’s looking far less muscular now. “Which doesn’t mean I’m ever going to be unfit.

It’s just that I’m relaxed about the way I’m now looking. Every film is not about the body. You have to be honest to the job and true to the character. And honesty comes out in the way you perform your role rather than in how you concentrate on yourself.

But yes, he is convinced his body, his great sex appeal, is of no use if he cannot take time out to be a brand image for fitness. “If I can’t influence people, what’s the point,” he asked. Which is when one little old lady came up in the gym and shyly suggested, “Why don’t you take off your tee-shirt?” And John Abraham blushed.

John Says So...
Don’t do anything in excess. I’m not here to opinionate, but I’d be glad if you gave up smoking and drinking.

There’s no shortcut to fitness. If you go looking for magic mantras, you’ll be disappointed; you need to gym. A healthy diet helps, but you need to workout to tone up.

Think right. Keep your thoughts clean and clear. I’m scared of over-religious people. I believe the time spent praying should be used to do good deeds.
Keep smiling, it’s the best facial exercise. When you smile, you work your face and everybody else’s hearts.

Take a break from work, from your mundane lifestyle, take time out for yourself. Don’t get too caught up with work, ask for time, if you don’t ask — you don’t get.
Go out and help someone who needs a hand. Do this not as social work, but for yourself, the reward is beautiful.

If you aspire to be like me, let the John Abraham in you be the struggle to reach where you want to be, and let the rest of you — just be you.

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