At 43, The Force is With John Abraham
As he turns 43, here is a look at the actor's journey so far in pictures.
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From Bollywood beefcake to one of its most popular actors and producers, John Abraham has come a long way from his days on the ramp as a fashion model to the actor which he is today. This year, John featured in Anees Bazmee's Welcome Back. His upcoming projects include Dishoom, Force 2 and Rocky Handsome.
As he turns 43, here is a look at the actor's journey so far in pictures. -
John began his career with an appearance in a music video for Punjabi singer Jazzy B. He then joined a PR agency which eventually closed, after which he worked as a media planner. In 1991, his modelling career took off when he won the Gladrags Manhunt and went on to become the first runner up at the Manhunt International in Philippines.
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After his win, John made it big in the modelling circuit. He was signed up by Carrie Models in Singapore and also worked in Hong Kong, London and New York. He appeared in music videos for singers Pankaj Udhas, Hans Raj Hans and Babul Supriyo.
In between his modelling assignments, he took acting classes from Kishore Namit Kapoor. -
In 2003, John got his first Bollywood break. He made his debut with the steamy thriller Jism opposite Bipasha Basu. The film was moderately successful but John's performance garnered critical praise.
In 2002, John started dating his Jism co-star Bipasha. The relationship lasted nine years before they broke up in 2011. -
In 2005, John's career received a major boost when he was announced as critically acclaimed director Deepa Mehta's unlikely choice for the male lead in the film Water, dealing with the plight of widows in British-era India.
John surprised naysayers with his performance and the movie was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film at the Oscars. -
Continuing his association with Kabir Khan, John's first release of 2009 was another much awaited production by Yash Raj Films, New York. The movie was a critical and commercial success and John's performance was singled out for praise.
Between 2010 and 2011, John featured in several films like Aashayein, Jhootha Hi Sahi, Force and Desi Boyz, which failed to impress the audience.
However, 7 Khoon Maaf got mixed reviews from critics. -
In 2013, John played the antagonist in Race 2, the first Rs 100 crore movie of the year. The action film also featured Saif Ali Khan, Deepika Padukone and Jacqueline Fernandez.
I, Me Aur Main might have failed to impress the audience but Shootout At Wadala was declared a huge hit at the box office. -
In January 2014, John secretly married investment banker Priya Runchal, in a private ceremony. He broke the news on Twitter by signing a tweet jointly with his new bride. He wrote: Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed 2014! May this year bring you love, good fortune and joy. Love, John and Priya Abraham. John reportedly began dating Priya in 2010 and rarely spoke about her in public.
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Besides films, John takes a keen interest in sports and is the co-owner of the Indian Super League football team North East United FC. He is also committed to a number of social causes and is a brand ambassador for PETA. He has a project of his own called John's Brigade for Habitat for Humanity.
In 2010, he won NDTV's Greenest Celebrity Award.
