Tamil heartthrob who romanced Aishwarya Rai became ‘destitute’, worked as a mechanic and drove taxis to make ends meet

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Actor Abbas and Sharbani Mukherjee in film Ansh. (Express archive photo)

He attempted to crossover into the Hindi industry with the film Ansh: The Deadly Part, but it flopped. “Following my initial achievements, some of my movies faced failure, leaving me financially destitute and unable to afford even basic necessities like rent or cigarettes. Initially, my pride prevented me from seeking alternative employment. However, I soon approached producer RB Choudary, requesting work. He offered me the opportunity to be part of the film Pooveli. However, I eventually left films because I got bored. I wasn’t enjoying my work. I distinctly recall advising my friends, who came to watch my Bollywood debut film Ansh: The Deadly Part not to waste their time as I considered it to be bakwaas. In order to provide for my family, I worked as a bike mechanic and drove taxis in New Zealand.”

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Actor Abbas and Preeti Jhangiani in music album Yeh Hai Prem. (Express archive photo)

Opening up about his life in New Zealand, he said, “I would not use the toilet that was at the construction site. I would instead go to a petrol pump, buy something and use the restroom there. People there would wonder if they have seen me somewhere. I would be like, ‘Yes, I keep getting that.’ Sometimes, I would reveal I am Abbas, and they will be shocked. I just registered their reaction in my head.”

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Actor Abbas and Choreographer Saroj Khan. (Express archive photo)

Abbas said that he isn’t particularly fond of social media, but he made an exception during the pandemic, when he thought to help others going through difficult times by sharing some of his own experiences. “While residing in New Zealand, I utilised Zoom calls to connect with fans. My intention was to assist those in need,” he said. Abbas made another attempt at acting some years ago, and scored a contract to appear in an advertisement for a toilet cleaning liquid. He said that the deal helped him run his household, and that he put his ego aside to take up alternative paths in his career. His last credited role came a decade ago.