John Abraham doesn’t attend film parties – even those hosted by his friend Karan Johar. He also loves the outdoors and wants to be a force to reckon with. Here are more insights into the man who is quite unlike the norm in Bollywood…

He is a socialist at heart

The hunky actor reveals that there is a lot of ‘Mallu’ (Malayali) in him, which is where the socialist angle comes in. “I have read up Karl Marx and my father was a union leader in J.J. School of architecture so I am very fiery about certain things.” He claims to have a problem with people who misuse wealth while liking those who are philanthropists.

He believes life is like chess

His favourite sport has always been chess. It has influenced his worldview as he always thinks, ‘If this doesn’t happen, then what next?’ It all depends on what your next move is, he maintains.

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He loves being producer

He believes it is better to be an actor-producer because as an actor, he didn’t see or do the kind of films he wanted to be a part. This is what propelled him to turn producer. “Being a producer, I was very clear that I didn’t want to power my production house by my presence unlike what most actors do.” Pointing out that it wasn’t a vanity project, he shares that at JA Entertainment the stories are curated, and go through immense research.

He is grateful to wife Priya

Not for John the whole circus of red carpet appearances with wife Priya. He points out, “There’s nothing wrong with that but I think it’s sometimes good to be dignified and stay away from that.” He credits Priya, who is also his business partner, with setting his business in order and having his best interests at heart. “She has added a lot of value to my life,” he affirms.

He dislikes entourage

For a man so gorgeous in a place so vain, John is a contradiction. He even dislikes looking into the mirror because it could get him stuck in his image. Preferring not to be consumed by vanity, he embraces imperfection. He keeps his lifestyle real minus fancy watches or bodyguards, which he feels makes one feel important but is unnecessary. “One day in life I won’t have an entourage and I want to feel comfortable (without one).”

His mantra for success

John believes he owes his standing to two factors – his conviction and his choices. “I have always convinced myself that I am worth it and can do it. And I have always made choices not being afraid of failure.” With a string of impressive films to his credit including Madras Café and Parmanu, his mantra has worked.

He even works Sundays

Focused on expanding his business, he works round the clock and does not even take a break on Sundays. “I don’t understand why people want an off or keep their phones off on Sundays but that’s because I am self-employed.” He has taken just one holiday in 15 years which explains his budding enterprises including brand ECKO Unltd, owning a sports club, North East United FC and more.

He won’t hear of Botox

John believes men should age gracefully. He won’t even hear of Botox because he embraces the lines on his face which show his experience. “I want these lines because they are important to my life, so I don’t want any invasion. I like the way I am,” is how he sees it.