As he gears up for the release of his upcoming action thriller Tehran, John Abraham has opened up about his journey in the Hindi film industry — and his views might surprise many. In a recent interaction, the actor revealed that, contrary to popular narratives about the struggles of “outsiders” in Bollywood, he personally never felt alienated or unwelcome in the industry.
The Dhoom star, who entered the world of films without any industry connections, shared that his career path has been shaped more by hard work and personal relationships than by the so-called “insider-outsider” divide. “I’ve always felt accepted here,” John stated. “From the time I started, I’ve met people who have been supportive, collaborative, and genuinely happy to work together. I never carried the baggage of thinking I don’t belong.”
John also addressed the much-discussed nepotism debate that often resurfaces in Bollywood conversations. According to him, the topic has been overanalyzed to the point of exhaustion. “The nepotism conversation has been stretched far too much. Yes, people with family in the industry may get an initial platform, but ultimately, the audience decides who stays. If you can’t perform or connect with viewers, you can’t sustain, no matter your background,” he explained.
He further shared that his personal experiences contradict the narrative that those without a film family background are automatically sidelined. “I’ve built friendships and professional relationships based on mutual respect, not lineage. Take Karan Johar, for example — he’s one of my closest friends. Our friendship has nothing to do with where we come from; it’s about shared values, creativity, and respect for each other’s work,” John said.
When asked whether he ever encountered discrimination or felt left out of opportunities, John was clear: “If you keep focusing on what others have and what you don’t, you’ll lose sight of your own journey. I’ve never compared myself to anyone else. I’ve concentrated on building the career I want, on my own terms.”
The actor also reflected on the importance of evolving with the times. “The industry has changed a lot. Today, content travels faster, competition is tougher, and audiences are smarter. It’s less about who you know and more about what you bring to the table,” he added.
As for Tehran, John hinted that the film will be a gripping mix of action, espionage, and political drama, with a storyline rooted in real-world geopolitics. The project, he said, is particularly close to his heart because it challenges him as both an actor and a producer. “It’s not just about fights and chases. The story has layers — it’s about loyalty, choices, and the cost of doing what you believe is right,” he teased.
While the nepotism debate may continue to divide opinions in the film industry, John’s perspective offers a refreshing counterpoint — one that focuses less on gatekeeping and more on personal agency. As he prepares for Tehran’s release, his message to aspiring actors is simple: “Believe in your craft, work hard, and stay grounded. The rest will follow.”
