On a ROLL

He was confident that Desi Boyz would recreate the magic of Garam Masala. The trade reports may be mixed,but the Akshay Kumar-John Abraham-jodi has once again become a talking point. Their chemistry and comic timing has won some good reviews. Akshay is like a older brother and a lovely human being. I have learnt a lot from him, says John,appreciative of his co-star.

John,who till recently was beleaguered with a row of flops like Ashayein and Jhoota Hi Sahi,came back into the reckoning with Force that got him the biggest opening so far in his career. The beefy actor proved to naysayers that he has got what it takes when it comes to the box-office. Mention that to him and he is unfazed. I love doing films that make me happy. Its the trade that is more interested in solo hits or multistar hits. I did Force to prove a point to myself that I can make a film work singly,which I did, he says nonchalantly.

Action Abraham,as he likes to be called,is now keen on doing a big-budget,intense action film. I want to do something that has never been seen before. Force had that impact,now I want to take that to another level, he informs. Yet,the first film he has launched as a producer under the banner JA Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.,is Shoojit Sircars Vicky Donor,that as the name suggests has got nothing to do with action. I know,but I just loved the script by Shoojit Sircar. Its a beautiful love story between a Punjabi boy and a Bengali girl,a romcom, explains John,who will not be acting in it. I would love to star in my productions but I dont want to be the force driving it. It should be known for its creative content, he contends,drawing a parallel with Farhan Akhtar. As a producer,he wants to promote edgy stories and filmmakers with a unique style of storytelling. He is already co-producing I Me Aur Main which has him playing an ad filmmaker who is influenced by the women he encounters in his life.

In the meantime,he is having his share of thrills with action films like Race 2,in which he is supposed to be playing a negative role and Shootout At Wadala,which has him essaying gangster Manya Surve. Race 2,incidentally,has the actors ex-beau Bipasha Basu in it but John clarifies that he has no scenes with her. Apart from action,John who is fresh out of a comedy in Desi Boyz feels that his comic timing has grown by leaps and bounds and is looking forward to doing an action comedy. Not just timing,he has even bettered his dancing skills. From Desi girl and Maa da laadla in Dostana where we saw the hunky actor shaking a leg for the first time to Jhak maar ke in Desi Boyz,John has definitely got his steps right. I could have danced even earlier in my career,but the characters I played did not require it. Also,while I was shooting for Desi Boyz,I was in a happy phase and when you are happy,you feel like dancing, is his simple explanation.

Well,he has more reason to be happy. Having moved on after his break-up with Bipasha,John has found a new girl called Priya in his life. John refuses to divulge details but confirms,There is someone special in my life.Also,with Desi Boyz doing well on the back of Force,there is much reason to cheer. Not for John though. I dont get euphoric when my film is a hit nor does the fear of failure affect me. Everyone knows that John has his own space. He is capable of doing a Desi Boyz and a No Smoking, he declares,still smiling.