In a recent interview on Ranveer Allahbadia’s podcast, actor John Abraham shared intimate details about his humble upbringing and the impact it has had on his life. Despite achieving great success in Bollywood, John remains deeply connected to his middle-class roots and the struggles his family endured.
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| John Abraham was seen as the villain in Pathaan. |
A Childhood Shaped by Hardship
John Abraham recounted how his early years were marked by financial struggles and the stress his parents faced. He vividly remembered a time when he was in eighth grade, and his father, a struggling architect, came home deeply distressed about not being able to provide for the family. John's father had been cheated by a business partner, leading to significant financial strain.
John revealed, “I remember I was in class eight, and my dad came home from work. We were having dinner, and he said, ‘I don’t know how to put food on the table tomorrow’. He was very tense.” In that moment of tension, John, though only a child, made a bold statement: “Dad, don’t worry. You see this face? I’ll sell it one day.” He explained that this wasn’t a display of ego but rather a form of manifestation, reflecting his determination to overcome the adversity they faced.
Embracing Middle-Class Values
John spoke about how his middle-class upbringing has profoundly shaped his values. Despite his success, he and his elderly parents continue to lead a modest lifestyle. He shared, “My mom is 74 years old, and my father is 86. To this day, they have just one small car and mostly travel by autos and buses.” He emphasized that his adherence to middle-class values has been a significant advantage, contributing to his grounded nature.
John's parents' lifestyle reflects their commitment to simplicity and charity. His mother’s charitable nature and his father’s emphasis on honesty have left a lasting impact on him. “My dad told me, ‘Even if you’re dying of hunger, never be dishonest in life’,” John noted, highlighting the moral lessons he learned from his father.
From Frustration to Pride
John also touched on his feelings of frustration during his youth. Growing up among wealthier classmates and seeing their luxurious lifestyles created a sense of inequality and frustration within him. “I used to travel by local trains, and my classmates had Audis, Mercedes, BMWs… This was in the early 90s. I noticed the inequality,” he said.
However, John has come to appreciate his upbringing and the values instilled in him by his parents. His early struggles have contributed to his success as a model and actor, culminating in significant roles like the villain in the 2023 blockbuster Pathaan. Looking ahead, John is set to star in the upcoming film Vedaa, directed by Nikkhil Advani.
John Abraham’s journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a prominent figure in Bollywood is a testament to his resilience and the foundational values instilled in him by his family.
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