Actor John Abraham talks to us for this Republic Day special, about his definition of patriotism, what he wishes should change in India, and his next Satyameva Jayate 2
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; January 26, 2021)

He wears his love for the country on his sleeve. And John Abraham’s roles too, reflect the same, with films such as Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, Satyameva Jayate (both 2018) and Batla House (2019). The 48-year-old talks on the occasion of Republic Day about a post-lockdown India, speaking up on issues as a celebrity, and as he puts it, his ‘obsession’ with India:

To start with, what’s your definition of patriotism?
I think it starts with little things rather than beating your chest and being jingoistic. That’s a basic thing. Basic prerequisites like tolerance, co-existence with others, these are important. It’s very important that the secular fabric of the country should remain intact.

Has its definition evolved in any way in the social media age today? What is that change all about, if it has?
I don’t know whether it has evolved, I know it has changed. For some it may be evolution, for me it’s a change. It’s a different trajectory, you can’t put a finger on the change. Till a point, we are proud to be Indian, beyond a point I guess the change manifests itself either in aggression or opposition, in whatever way you want to manifest.

As a celebrity, do you find it difficult to openly express your opinion about anything happening in the country?
As a celebrity, you can express yourself, you have a platform, but you also must be prepared for the vitriol, negativity and toxicity that comes with it. If you are prepared to take that, you must voice your opinion. There is no point in me voicing my opinion on every issue in the country. I’d rather voice my opinion on certain issues without spreading myself too thin, because I know there are others talking on other issues. Someone (is talking) on animals like me, I am sure someone else is doing it for children, farmers etc. We can’t be flagbearers for every issue. As long as we understand that we are also limited like every other citizen of the country, and not endowed with superpowers, it’s fine.

You’re doing Satyameva Jayate 2, which will release theatrically. What’s that one thing you are sure your patriotic films won’t have?
What they won’t have is an element of falsehood. Honesty that people see in my love for the country is very evident, off films too. In general I have an obsession with India, I am probably in love with the country for so many reasons. Honesty in playing a person who cares for his country comes naturally to me. The element of lie and trying too hard doesn’t exist in my films.

How was your experience of shooting for SJ2, after the lockdown restrictions were lifted?
Fantastic. I must give credit to the producers and the positivity that Milap (Milan Zaveri, director) brought. He’s such a wonderful director. There is a wishlist actors have, to work with XYZ directors. Milap and I have such an equation, it doesn’t matter if the film works or fails.

In a post Coronavirus-lockdown world, what’s the one change you wish to see in India as it gets back on its feet?
I hoped the post-lockdown world would be a cleaner place. I wish the sense of hygiene would improve. I don’t see that happening. I am not talking about Mumbai, I travelled to small towns recently, they haven’t evolved in terms of basic hygiene. That will happen through education and awareness.