The way the movie industry welcomed me, for one thing. I was a popular model before I started acting. And yet no one tried to tell me that I might not be a good actor because of my background. And the industry let me grow up as an actor at my own pace. I am very sure that God has also been very kind to me.

Did anyone feel that the name John Abraham may not go well with the Hindi moviegoers?

If they did no one told me. And if someone had asked me to change my name, I would have flatly refused.

This is your second visit to Toronto. You must be in love with the city and festival.

I was here last year for the opening of Water (which also inaugurated the festival). I find Toronto a very friendly city. And the opportunity to see interesting films. I hope I will be here next year too with a new film. But even if there is no film, I could come down and see other people's films.

Is there any such film in the works?

There is a film being directed by Anurag Kashyap who was a script consultant on Water and also directed Black Friday. I can't say much about the film now except that it is about a man who is trying to stop smoking.

You are very careful about your health, isn't it?

Even today, despite so many interviews scheduled, I worked several hours in the gym. I think it is very important for everyone to take an inventory of their health and maintain an optimum health condition. I listen to my body. It lets me know if I am going to be sick. We have an ongoing conversation about health and body maintenance.

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