John Abraham (actor)

John Abraham

Abraham in 2013
Born Farhan Abraham
(1972-12-17) 17 December 1972
Kochi, Kerala, India[1]
Residence Bandra, Mumbai, India
Nationality Indian
Occupation actor, film producer, model
Years active 1997–present
Spouse(s) Priya Runchal (m. 2014)
Parent(s) Abraham John
Firoza Irani
Website www.johnabraham.com

John Abraham (born 17 December 1972)[2] is an Indian film actor, producer and a former model who appears in Hindi films. After modelling for numerous advertisements and companies, he made his film debut with Jism (2003), which earned him a Filmfare Best Debut Award nomination.[3] This was followed by his first commercial success, Dhoom (2004). He received two Filmfare Award nominations, for his negative roles in Dhoom, and in Zinda (2006). He later appeared in the major critical success Water (2005).[4] He was nominated for a Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film Baabul (2006). Since then, Abraham has starred in many critically and commercially successful films including Kaal (2005), Garam Masala (2005), Taxi No. 9211 (2006), Dostana (2008), New York (2009), Force (2011), Desi Boyz (2011), Housefull 2 (2012), Race 2 (2013), Shootout at Wadala (2013), Madras Cafe (2013), Welcome Back (2015), Dishoom (2016), and the latest Force 2 thus establishing himself as a commercially successful actor of India cinema.

In 2012, Abraham produced his first film Vicky Donor, which was a critical and commercial success, and earned him a National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. He then established his own production house, John Abraham Entertainment. His second film as a producer was Madras Cafe, which garnered critical acclaim. Abraham's athletic and muscular physique has contributed to his status as one of the most influential sex symbols in Bollywood.[5][6]

Beyond his acting career, he is the co-owner of the Indian Super League football team NorthEast United FC.[7][8] He has often performed many dangerous stunts in his films. He is also a vegetarian, and is a strong advocate for animal rights.[9]

Early life

John Abraham was born to a Malayali father and a Zoroastrian mother. His father, Abraham John, is an architect from Aluva, Kerala; his mother is Firoza Irani. Abraham's Parsi name is "Farhan" while his father being a Marthomite Syrian Christian named him "John."[10] He has a sister Susy Mathew[11][12][13] and a younger brother Alan Abraham. Abraham studied at Bombay Scottish School in Mumbai. He got his bachelor's degree in economics from Jai Hind College. Abraham also received an MBA from Mumbai Education Trust.[14][15][16][17]

Career

Modeling

John Abraham started his modelling career appearing in the music video of the song by Punjabi singer Jazzy B.[18] He then joined a media firm Time & Space Media Entertainment Promotions Ltd., which however closed because of financial problems. Later, he worked for Enterprises-Nexus as a media planner.[19] In 1999, he won the Gladrags Manhunt Contest and went to the Philippines for Manhunt International, where he won second place.[20] he later modelled in Hong Kong, London and New York City. He also appeared in a number of commercial advertisements and in other music videos for singers including Pankaj Udhas, Hans Raj Hans and Babul Supriyo. To improve his acting skills, Abraham joined the Kishore Namit Kapoor acting laboratory and completed an acting course while juggling modelling assignments.[21]

Debut and struggle

John Abraham smiles away the camera
Abraham in 2006

Abraham made his acting debut with Jism in 2003, an erotic thriller film which according to Box Office India, was "Average" grossing 1,32,50,000 Rs.[22] He portrayed the role of Kabir Lal, a poor, alcoholic and wayward lawyer who falls in love with Sonia Khanna (played by Bipasha Basu), a wife of a travelling millionaire, who plots to kill her own husband with the company of Kabir. The film met with mixed to positive reviews. Taran Adarsh of Bollywood Hungama commented, "Supermodel John Abraham makes a confident debut. The actor rises beyond his looks and registers a strong impact with his performance, more so towards the second half. His dashing looks and excellent physique only add to his persona".[23]

In the same year, Abraham appeared in Anurag Basu's horror paranormal romance film Saaya alongside Tara Sharma and Mahima Chaudhary. The film garnered the mixed to negative reviews, which underperformed at the box-office. Taran Adarsh wrote, "Saaya clearly belongs to John. No two opinions on that! Enacting a very difficult role, the newcomer actually performs like a veteran and delivers a performance that's bound to win him nominations in the awards categories. His growth as an actor is tremendous!" [24]

In 2004, he appeared in Pooja Bhatt's directorial debut film Paap alongside Udita Goswami. He portrayed the role of Shiven, a police officer, who falls for a buddhist girl kaaya. The film underperformed at the box-office receiving mixed reviews, also was premiered at the Kara Film Festival. That same year, he appeared in Ahmed Khan's film Lakeer – Forbidden Lines, co-starring Nauheed Cyrusi with other stars like Sunny Deol, Sunil Shetty and Sohail Khan, which also underperformed at the box office.

Recognition and success

In 2004, Abraham played the role of Kabir, the main antagonist in Dhoom, an action film directed by Sanjay Gadhvi and produced by Yash Raj Films, multi-starring Abhishek Bachchan, Esha Deol, Uday Chopra and Rimi Sen. The film was the third highest-grossing film of the year.,[25] which gained him a Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role nomination.

Abraham with Deepika Padukone during Desi Boyz promotions, 2011.

In 2005 he starred with Arjun Rampal in the crime thriller Elaan, which failed at the box office. He followed with the supernatural thriller Kaal and the comedy Garam Masala both of which did well at the box office.[26] Later that year, he had a role in Water, which portrayed the tragic fate of Hindu widows in British India of the 1930s. The film was written and directed by independent Canadian film-maker Deepa Mehta. It was popular internationally, and was nominated for the 2006 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film at the 79th Academy Awards. Abraham attended the ceremony along with the film's crew and makers but the film lost to Germany's The Lives of Others.[27]

In the summer of 2006, Abraham performed at the "Rockstars Concert" along with fellow Bollywood actors Salman Khan, Zayed Khan, Kareena Kapoor, Esha Deol, Shahid Kapoor and Mallika Sherawat. In that same year, he starred in the films Zinda, Taxi No. 9211, Baabul and Kabul Express.[28] Among these Taxi No. 9211 and Kabul Express were substantially successful. John Abraham's performance in Taxi No. 9211 was praised by critics noting his performances to be maturing with each new film. Nikhil Advani's multi-starrer Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love was Abraham's first release in 2007. The movie failed to do well at the Indian box office,[29] though it did well in the overseas markets.[30] His last two 2007 releases included the thriller No Smoking his next release was the sports film Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal in which he was totally in a new look with a haircut and a good physique. The song 'Rumana' with his ex-girlfriend Bipasha Basu was a hit song of that year.

In 2008, Abraham starred alongside Abhishek Bachchan and Priyanka Chopra in Dostana, his only release that year. His first release of 2009 was a production by Yash Raj Films, New York.

Varun Dhawan, Jacqueline and John Abraham during Dishoom promotions in 2016.

He has a fashion line— branded JA Clothes — which primarily features his favorite article of clothing, jeans.

In 2010, was seen in the films Aashayein and Jhootha Hi Sahi. Both of the films turned out to be box office failures. Lately, Abraham has appeared in films Force (2011), Desi Boyz (2011), and Housefull 2 (2012). His first film of 2013 was the multi-starrer Race 2 which was commercially successful, though his second release the coming-of-age romantic comedy I, Me Aur Main, under performed at the box office. His next release was Shootout at Wadala, in which he was portraying the role of gangster Manya Surve which gained positive reviews. The film emerged a success at the box office. Then his movie Madras Cafe, which also is a second movie for him as a producer garnered much critical acclaim, also the collections of the movie saw an upward trend after the terrific word of mouth. His next release was Welcome Back which was successful at the box office. In 2016, his first release was Rocky Handsome which didn't do well at the box office. Then, his second release of the year was Dishoom despite mixed to negative reviews the film was a commercial success and made over 100 crores. His next release of the year was Force 2 sequel of 2011 movie Force. Force 2 became the highest opening film for John and opened up with mixed to positive reviews. John Abraham's performance received praised from the audience and critics. He has also confirmed the sequel Force 3, shooting will commence in the middle of 2017.

Producer

Abraham debuted as a producer was titled Vicky Donor (2012) and the film featured Ayushmann Khurrana, Annu Kapoor and Yami Gautam in lead roles. Abraham also appeared in an item-number for the film. It opened to positive response, and turned out to be a critical and commercial success. His second production, Madras Cafe which is also directed by Shoojit Sircar, opened to overwhelming response from the critics.

Social causes

John Abraham smiles with other two men at the camera
Abraham with Rahul Bose (middle) at the press conference of Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon in 2013

Abraham takes an interest in PETA and Habitat for Humanity.[31][32] He donated 1 Lakh to the Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai, according to his website.[33]

In January 2009, Abraham led a group of Indian celebrities in the Mumbai Marathon, an annual event to benefit the United Way. He did not run the marathon, but encouraged the participants by waving at them from the start line.

In April 2013, on behalf of PETA Abraham wrote a letter to Minister for Environment and Forests, Jayanthi Natarajan, asking that she make all circuses in India animal-free.[34]

John is also the celebrity supporter of UNHCR India, and promotes the cause of refugees in India.[35]

Personal life

John and Priya walking towards the camera
Abraham with his wife Priya Runchal in 2012

During the filming of Jism in 2002, Abraham began to date his co-star Bipasha Basu.[36] They were in a relationship until early 2011.[37] While together, the two were often referred to as a supercouple in the Indian media. Abraham once stated, "I have always kept quiet about my personal life and will continue to maintain a dignified silence. It's just the way my parents raised me. I rather leave it at speculation."[38]

Abraham is now married to Priya Runchal, an NRI financial analyst and investment banker from the USA but native to McLeod Ganj, whom he met in Mumbai, in December 2010. They married on 3 January 2014 and had a celebration in Los Angeles.[39] Abraham is an agnostic atheist.[40][41][42]

Filmography

Key
Films that have not yet been released Denotes films that have not yet been released

Actor

Year Film Character Name Notes
2003 Jism Kabir Lal Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut
2003 Saaya (2003 film) Dr. Akash/ "Akki"
2003 Paap Inspector Shiven
2004 Aetbaar Aryan Trivedi
2004 Lakeer - Forbidden Lines Saahil
2004 Dhoom Kabir Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role
2004 Madhoshi Aman
2005 Elaan Abhimanyu
2005 Karam John
2005 Kaal Krish Thapar
2005 Viruddh Amar Patwardhan
2005 Water Narayan
2005 Garam Masala Shyam / "Sam"
2005 Shikhar Himself Special appearance
2006 Zinda Rohit Chopra Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role
2006 Taxi No. 9211 Jai Mittal
2006 Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna DJ Special Appearance in "Where's The Party Tonight"
2006 Baabul Rajat Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
2006 Kabul Express Suhel Khan
2007 Salaam-e-Ishq: A Tribute to Love Ashutosh Raina
2007 Hattrick Himself Special appearance in the song "Wicket Bacha"
2007 No Smoking K
2007 Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal Sunny Bhasin
2008 Dostana Kunal Chopra
2009 Luck by Chance Himself Special appearance
2009 Little Zizou Arjun Special appearance
2009 New York Samir / "Sam"
2010 Aashayein Rahul Sharma
2010 Jhootha Hi Sahi Sid
2011 7 Khoon Maaf Jimmy Stetson
2011 Mere Brother Ki Dulhan Himself Special appearance
2011 Force ACP Yashvardhan Singh
2011 Desi Boyz Nick Mathur / "Hunter"
2012 Housefull 2 Max
2012 Vicky Donor Himself Special appearance in the song "Rum Whisky"
2013 Race 2 Armaan Malik
2013 I, Me, aur Main Ishaan Sabharwal
2013 Shootout at Wadala Manya Surve Gangster
2013 Madras Cafe Vikram Singh Indian Army Officer
2015 Welcome Back Ajju Bhai
2016 Wazir SP Special Appearance
2016 Rocky Handsome Kabir Ahlawat / Rocky / Handsome
2016 Dishoom Kabir Shergill
2016 Force 2 ACP Yashvardhan Singh
2017 Parmanu: The Story Of Pokhran Film has yet to be released TBA Pre-production

Producer

Year Film Notes
2012 Vicky Donor National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
Nominated – Filmfare Award for Best Film
2013 Madras Cafe
2016 Rocky Handsome
2016 Force 2

Awards and nominations

Film awards

Year Function Award Film Result
2013 National Film Awards National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment Vicky Donor Won
2013 Asiavision Awards Icon of India for his contribution to Indian cinema as an actor and producer Won
2013 Filmfare Awards Filmfare Award for Best Film Vicky Donor Nominated
2008 Star Screen Awards Star Screen Award Jodi No. 1 Dostana Won
2007 Filmfare Awards Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor Baabul Nominated
2007 IIFA Awards IIFA Best Villain Award Zinda Nominated
2007 Zee Cine Awards Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role Zinda Nominated
2007 Bollywood Movie Awards Bollywood Movie Award - Best Supporting Actor Baabul Nominated
2006 Filmfare Awards Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role Zinda Nominated
2006 IIFA Awards IIFA Best Supporting Actor Award Garam Masala Nominated
2006 Global Indian Film Awards GIFA Best Villain Zinda Nominated
2005 Filmfare Awards Filmfare Award for Best Performance in a Negative Role Dhoom Nominated
2005 IIFA Awards IIFA Best Villain Award Dhoom Won
2005 Zee Cine Awards Zee Cine Award for Best Actor in a Negative Role Dhoom Won
2005 Stardust Awards Stardust Superstar of Tomorrow - Male Paap Won
2004 Filmfare Awards Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut Jism Nominated
2004 Bollywood Movie Awards Bollywood Movie Award – Best Male Debut Jism Won

Other recognitions

Year Award Result Notes
2006 Rajiv Gandhi Award for his achievement in Bollywood Won [43]
2007 Giant International Awards for his contribution to Indian cinema Won [44]
2008 Sexiest Asian Man Won [45]
2009 Lions Club Award Won [46]
2011 India's Sexiest Bachelor by the BIG CBS PRIME Won [47]
2012 Most Stylish Man – GQ Awards (India) Won [48]

References

  1. Bhattacharyya, Wriddhaayan (6 January 2016). "I wish everyday could be like the marathon day: John Abraham". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 24 March 2016. Though born in Kochi, the actor grew up in Mumbai and hence, the secret behind his long association with the event.
  2. Krishnan, Aishwarya (17 December 2016). "Happy Birthday, John Abraham: 7 things to know about the Bollywood hunk!". india.com. Retrieved 1 April 2017.
  3. "John Abraham enters Bollywood with Jism". Times of India. 10 January 2003. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
  4. "Water (2005)". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved 3 September 2010.
  5. "John Abraham, People's sexiest man alive, says girlfriend thrilled with the tag". IBNLive. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  6. "John Abraham, named the sexiest man alive by People magazine (PHOTOS) – Style Me India". Style Me India. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  7. Basu, Saumyajit. "Stars embrace football through Indian Super League". Times of India. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
  8. "Indian Super League sees interest from 30 franchise bidders". Business Standard. Retrieved 22 April 2014.
  9. Want an eight pack like John Abraham? | health and fitness. Hindustan Times (2016-04-22). Retrieved on 2017-03-23.
  10. Priya Gupta (6 December 2012). "Hrithik is more good-looking than me: John Abraham". Times Of India. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  11. "Pics: John Abraham with his cousin Susy Matthew". Indicine.com. 21 February 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  12. Manav Manglani. "John Abraham Gifts Audi Q Life To Sister-in-law On Her Birthday In Bandra". Koimoi.com. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  13. "John Abraham gives his sister-in-law an Beater Car". Pinkvilla. 10 October 2012. Retrieved 6 February 2013.
  14. UTV New Media Ltd. (17 January 2003). "JohnAbraham.com : Official Website With Latest News, Photos, Videos and Updates From The Bollywood Star". Utvjohn.com. Archived from the original on 13 May 2012. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  15. "John Abraham". John Abraham. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  16. "John Abraham Latest Movies Videos Images Photos Wallpapers Songs Biography Trivia On". Gomolo.com. Retrieved 13 June 2012.
  17. John Abraham Biography. bollywoodchaska.com
  18. "Surma' - John Abraham Jazzy B (Punjabi Album) HQ.flv". YouTube. 21 October 2010. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  19. "John Abraham-Portfolio Pics- The Times of India Photogallery Page 57". Photogallery.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  20. "Images: Top models who became actors – Rediff Getahead". Rediff.com. 19 November 2010. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  21. "Birthday Boy John Abraham » NDTV Movies". Movies.ndtv.com. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  22. "Box Office 2003". Boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  23. "Jism Review". Bollywoodhungama. Retrieved 17 January 2003.
  24. "Saaya Review". Bollywoodhungama. Retrieved 7 January 2003.
  25. "Box Office 2004". Dhoom. Boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  26. "Box Office 2005". Boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2010. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  27. "2007". Oscars.org – Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  28. "Box Office 2006". Boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 5 February 2010. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  29. "Box Office 2007". Salaam-e-Ishq. Boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 14 October 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  30. "Overseas Earnings (Figures in Ind Rs)". Boxofficeindia.com. Archived from the original on 2010-02-05. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  31. "Habitat for Humanity". Johnabraham.com. Archived from the original on 3 July 2007. Retrieved 29 June 2007.
  32. "Habitat for Humanity". Habitatindia.in. Retrieved 29 June 2007.
  33. "John Donates Rs 10 Lakh to Pediatric Centre of Nanavati Hospital". Johnabraham.com. Archived from the original on 14 December 2007. Retrieved 9 December 2007.
  34. "Madhuri wraps 'Gulaab Gang' shoot". India.nydailynews.com. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  35. Plight of refugees moves UNHCR ambassador John Abraham. The Hindu (2015-06-22). Retrieved on 2017-03-23.
  36. "Today’s guys are all losers: Bipasha Basu - The Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2015-11-05.
  37. "Relationship with John over for good: Bipasha". Mid-Day. 25 July 2011. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  38. "It's London in spring time!". The Times of India. 4 April 2007. Retrieved 3 September 2009.
  39. "Wedding bells Kangra Mcleodganj". 19 April 2012.
  40. "I am a firm professor of self-belief: John Abraham". TNN. The Times of India. September 13, 2011. Archived from the original on 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  41. "10 Indian Celebs Who Are Proclaimed Atheists". MensXP.com. Retrieved November 15, 2015.
  42. "My body is my religion: John Abraham". Test Sharma. CNN-IBN. July 20, 2012.
  43. "John Abraham awarded Rajiv Gandhi Award". Nowrunning.com. 21 August 2006. Archived from the original on 2007-10-16.
  44. "John Abraham". Hindustantimes.com. Retrieved 7 November 2007.
  45. "John Abraham voted sexiest Asian man". Apunkachoice.com. 13 December 2008.
  46. "Lions Club Award". Mapsofindia.com. Retrieved 4 January 2015.
  47. "John bags the title of 'India's Sexiest Bachelor'". Glamsham Magazine. Retrieved 16 September 2011.
  48. 2012 GQ India Men of the Year. gqindia.com. 10 December 2013
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