John Abraham: My father is a super dad

'My father was very supportive of my decision of becoming a model and actor. He never questioned my career choices. He always told me to study because that would make me stand up in front of a crowd.'

John Abraham celebrates his father on Father's Day.

John Abraham has been a successful model, actor and a producer, and he owes his success to his father Abraham John.

On Father’s Day, Sonil Dedhia/Rediff.com caught up with the actor, as he talked about the special relationship he shares with his father.

What kind of a relationship do you share with your father?

I share a very special relationship with my father. He has been a constant source of inspiration and support for me.

He is honest, leads a simple life and has a great sense of humour. He often jokes around telling me that I am a hero on screen but off screen he is the hero for tolerating my mother for so many years (laughs). 

He tries to get his point across without being loud or screaming at anyone. He has never ever shouted at me. My father is a super dad.

What is your biggest learning from your father?

It may sound cliche but my father is my philosopher, friend and guide.  He has shaped me into the man I am today. 

He always told me to keep my feet on the ground and remember where I come from.

He always says that I do not have to go to a religious place to be a good person. Just be a good person. I have taken that advice very seriously.  

How did your father react when you decided to be a model and eventually, an actor?

Normally, your friends encourage you and parents discourage you from taking such career decisions. But for me, it was the other way round.

My father was very supportive of my decision of becoming a model and actor. He never questioned my career choices. He always told me to study because that would make me stand up in front of a crowd and it would help me know the difference between right and wrong. My parents have always been proud of my decisions.

Do you speak to him about your work?

Yes. The good thing is that our offices are in the same building, on the same floor. He is an architect by profession. There are times when I walk into his office and ask him on what projects he is working on, and he will ask me about my films.

Apart from work, what else do you two bond on?

We are sports enthusiasts and bond over football. There are times when I am doing late night shoots and my father calls me and updates me about the matches. I own a football team (North East United) and he was always there to support it.

My dream is to take him to watch a live football match in a stadium in Europe.  

Were you a mischievous kid?

Oh totally!

Did you father ever raise his hand on you?

Never. My mother was strict.

Let me tell you about an incident. One day I came home from school and abused in front of my father. He got really angry and punished me by making me stand out of the house for over three hours. The incident changed my life. It taught me to be respectful to people and mind my language. That's part of my DNA today. You will never catch me abusing or using any expletives off guard.

Which, according to you, has been the happiest moment in your father’s life?

You need to give the CET (Common Entrance Test) exams to get admission in a MBA college. I had given that exam and on the day of the results, I was shocked to see my name in the top 50. When I told my father, he was really happy and proud.

What do you think about Father's Day and this concept of Johnnie Walker Blue Label's #DATEWITHDAD?

The brand's idea of giving a rare opportunity to those who wanted to thank their dad is so relatable and inspiring. We have all become so busy in our lives that we have forgotten the essence of relationships and the value of rare and intimate moments with loved ones.

I thank Johnnie Walker Blue Label #DATEWITHDAD for giving me this opportunity tell my father what he means to me.

Photographs: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com