John Abraham reveals Steven Spielberg and Charlize Theron praised his performance in 'Water' despite lack of recognition in India

John Abraham in Water

John Abraham recently reflected on his experience with the film Water (2005) in a conversation with BookMyShow’s YouTube channel. He shared a striking contrast between the praise he received from international figures and the lack of recognition for his performance in India. Water, directed by Deepa Mehta, was a bold departure from the typical roles Abraham was known for at the time, where he was often cast as the muscular, action-hero type. Instead, Water required him to play a sensitive, nuanced character in a period drama set in 1938, which explored the lives of widows in Varanasi.

Despite the film’s critical acclaim and its nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 2006 Academy Awards, Abraham noted that while Hollywood icons such as Steven Spielberg and Charlize Theron expressed admiration for his performance, he struggled to receive similar recognition in India. Spielberg praised his portrayal of the character, while Theron commented on the emotional depth of his performance. Abraham’s remarks shed light on a broader issue in the Indian film industry—while Water was lauded internationally, it faced significant obstacles in receiving attention at home. The film’s delayed release in India in 2007 also played a role in its limited visibility.

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Water was part of Deepa Mehta’s Elements Trilogy, following Fire (1996) and 1947: Earth (1999). The film’s story, based in the politically charged atmosphere of pre-independence India, dealt with the struggles of widows subjected to harsh social customs. The production faced numerous challenges, including violent protests that temporarily halted filming in Varanasi. Initially, the film was planned with a different cast, including Shabana Azmi, Akshay Kumar, and Nandita Das, but it was eventually revived with a new team.