John Abraham addresses being the most criticized outsider since 2003: “I was like a horse with blinkers”

John Abraham addresses being the most criticized outsider since 2003: “I was like a horse with blinkers”

• John Abraham says he feels comfortable around male co-stars
• He focuses on his craft, not industry criticism or rivalry
• John to play Duryodhana in a modern Mahabharata adaptation

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Bollywood actor John Abraham has addressed ongoing scrutiny over his relationships with fellow male actors, saying he feels “very comfortable around guys” and does not view them as competition. Speaking at a SCREEN Masterclass event, Abraham reflected on his journey in Hindi cinema since his 2003 debut, acknowledging that he has often been criticised but that he has always stayed focused on his craft rather than the noise around him.

In a candid moment, John humourously referenced sharing an on-screen kiss with Abhishek Bachchan — a nod to their work together in films such as Dostana — to underline that he approaches his co-actors with ease and professionalism, irrespective of gender or preconceived industry norms.

"I have probably been criticised the most in this industry, from the time I started. When I came in 2003, there were no outsiders. Before that, only Shah Rukh Khan and Akshay Kumar (entered the film industry). The amount of criticism I have gone through, nobody else has faced that in my time," he said.

During the session, Dostana actor said that instead of getting caught up in rivalry, he chose to build meaningful professional bonds with his male co-stars, including Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, Varun Dhawan and Abhishek Bachchan.

"The best way is to train your mind to know that you are not competing but complementing. I get along way better with my male co-stars. I have worked with Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan, Varun Dhawan, and Abhishek Bachchan," he said.

The actor also openly acknowledged that entering Bollywood as an outsider led to more scrutiny than many of his peers experienced. Despite this, he said he never used a publicist and preferred to let his work speak for itself.

John added, "For me, it was simple. I was like a horse with blinkers. I could only see in front, and didn't expect. I have never had a publicist. I don't go out there to feed stories in the media; it could make me vulnerable as well, but I think people know my integrity and where I come from."

Also read: John Abraham looks unrecognizable in new clean shave and salt and pepper look

On the professional front, John will reportedly be seen playing Duryodhana in Arun Gopalan's modern interpretation of the Mahabharata.