Showing posts with label J P Singh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label J P Singh. Show all posts
As John Abraham the star, action is inseparable. But as an artiste, I also crave depth-John Abraham
8:30 AM
Niharika Lal (BOMBAY TIMES; October 26, 2025)
“I am obsessed with how I portray India on screen,” says John Abraham. The actor recently played the role of a diplomat (The Diplomat, 2025) and a police officer (Tehran, 2025). Earlier, he has portrayed an IAS officer in Parmanu and a police officer in films like Force and Batla House. On the other hand, he has also been part of comedy films like Housefull 2 and played the quintessential antihero in Pathaan. In a recent chat, the actor-producer speaks to us about how he occupies two different worlds depending upon whether he is wearing a producer’s hat or an actor’s hat.
‘AS A PRODUCER, I CAN’T PRODUCE A HOUSEFULL KIND OF A FILM. BUT AS AN ACTOR, I DID A HOUSEFULL 2’
John says that he occupies two cinematic worlds depending upon which hat he is wearing. As a producer, he wants to make a difference with the kind of films he produces, and as an actor he loves action and comedy films.
“As a producer, I can’t produce a Housefull (2010) kind of a film. But as an actor, I did a Housefull 2 (2012). As a producer, there are a lot of films that I cannot do. I’m not equipped to do them. But as an actor, I fit in. Like Pathaan (2023) – it is too big a film for me to even fathom producing at this point of time. That’s for the calibre of an Aditya Chopra, who can conceive and make a film like that. As an actor, I want to do films like Pathaan because I enjoy the space. I enjoy doing films like Dostana (2008) and Desi Boyz (2011). Maybe at some point I’ll transition to producing these big-budget films, but at this point – no! So, as an actor, it’s a different mindset and as a producer, it’s a different mindset.”
John adds that even when he’s making commercial films, there’s intention behind it. “Commercial films toh karni hi hai. As John Abraham the star, action is inseparable. But I also crave depth.”
‘I MADE A CHOICE THAT I WON’T DANCE AT MARRIAGE FUNCTIONS’
Speaking at the Sushma Swaraj Institute of Foreign Service, John says that he keeps rejecting offers worth crores for endorsing pan masala brands or to dance at weddings. “The decision of whether you want to do certain things in your career that actually do not speak for who you really are – that’s a moral choice and a subconscious choice. Pan masala, for example. They give us a lot of money. But would I endorse pan masala? I wouldn’t. Again, I’m not pointing a finger at people who do. I’m talking about what is right and wrong for me. I would not do it because I think it is possibly dangerous for someone’s health. I made a choice that I won’t dance at marriage functions. Now, is it right or wrong? It’s not wrong. Actors do it. Nothing wrong with it. The Beyoncés of the world are coming to dance at our weddings here. It’s a personal choice. But would I do it? No,” he says, adding, “There are certain moral choices I make in my life as a person that probably go against the grain of my job.”
‘I research a lot for my films’
John says that he is fully aware of his image as an action star. He says, “You can’t fake sincerity. You must live the role. With The Diplomat, the compliment I cherished the most was people saying, ‘Only your facial muscles acted.’” To essay the role of diplomat J P Singh in the film, John met him multiple times, observed him and exchanged notes.
He says, “Diplomats are incredibly sharp. Our diplomats like Mr S Jaishankar, J P Singh – they command such respect. I met many real officers and was awestruck by their calmness and dedication.”
Talking about Tehran he says, “I research a lot, I know what I’m presenting. We were very careful with Tehran. We showed all sides with fairness. My grandfather came from Iran in 1939. My mother still speaks Farsi. I had to learn it for the film. So there’s an emotional connection. It’s in my blood.”
CBFC asks makers of John Abraham-starrer The Diplomat to add this disclaimer
11:08 AM
John Abraham has stepped into the shoes of (right) senior diplomat JP Singh for the film
Sources say The Diplomat, inspired by Uzma Ahmed’s repatriation, was screened for the MEA; CBFC asked the makers to add disclaimer about supporting strong ties with neighbouring countries
Mohar Basu (MID-DAY; March 11, 2025)
With The Diplomat, actor-producer John Abraham and director Shivam Nair are bringing a political thriller inspired by the 2017 episode of Uzma Ahmed’s repatriation. It has been learnt that ahead of its March 14 release, the makers screened the movie for the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in the first week of March. Following that, on March 6, the Abraham, Sadia Khateeb, and Revathy-starrer was cleared by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) with a mandate—the makers were instructed to add a disclaimer stating that they support maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries.
In The Diplomat, Khateeb’s character is modelled on Ahmed, who, in May 2017, had escaped from her husband’s house in Pakistan, and knocked on the doors of the Indian Embassy in Islamabad for help, claiming that she was forced to marry him at gunpoint. Indian diplomat J P Singh, who had led her repatriation to India, is played by Abraham. Sources indicate that the MEA screening focused on ensuring that the film’s narrative did not adversely affect India’s diplomatic ties with Pakistan. The CBFC’s demand for the disclaimer was a step towards that.
A source says, “Considering the film is centred on international diplomacy, a visual and an audio disclaimer was added to emphasize that while the core matter may be inspired by a true incident, its portrayal of geopolitical tensions is dramatized and does not reflect the Indian government’s stance. The film is set in Pakistan. It was important to highlight this aspect since the two countries’ relations are a sensitive matter.”
The source adds that the CBFC has allowed many real names to be used, beginning with Khateeb’s character being named after Ahmed. “Sushma Swaraj [then Minister of External Affairs], J P Singh and Prashant Jadhav’s names have been used in portions after the makers submitted relevant documents. A scene of a young boy killing a woman has been reduced, and an expletive, muted,” states the source.
Saif Ali Khan to play Indian diplomat J P Singh in film on Uzma Ahmed
8:00 AM
Actor in cinematic retelling of Uzma Ahmed’s story, who returned to India after month-long ordeal in Pak
Avinash Lohana (MUMBAI MIRROR; June 26, 2019)
Mirror had earlier reported (March 5) that filmmakers Sameer Dixit, Jatish Varma and Girish Johar have acquired the rights to the story of Delhi girl Uzma Ahmed, who fell in love with Tahir Ali, a taxi driver from Pakistan, during a trip to Malaysia, and went to Buner, one of the remotest parts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he lived. Upon arrival, she discovered that Tahir was already married and a father to four children. She was subsequently forced to marry him at gunpoint.
Now, we have learnt that the makers have roped in Saif Ali Khan to play the role of J P Singh (left), India’s then Deputy High Commissioner in Islamabad, who was instrumental in bringing Uzma back home under the guidance of the then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The film is directed by Shivam Nair, who has previously helmed the Taapsee Pannu and Akshay Kumar-starrer Naam Shabana.According to a source close to the development, Saif will begin prep for the part closer to the shooting date. “When the team met for a narration Saif instantly liked the script. He has agreed to be a part of the project and will be sporting a very different look in the film, which is expected to roll in February-March next year. The makers are currently looking to cast an A-list actress to play Uzma,” the source shared.
The story is being adapted for the screen by Ritesh Shah who has worked on Pink and other upcoming projects like John Abraham’s Batla House and Shoojit Sircar’s Vicky Kaushal-starrer Udham Singh biopic. “The film will have an ensemble cast and Shivam has already begun pre-production. Recce is also scheduled to begin shortly,” the source added.
Saif is presently in London shooting for his home production, the Nitin Kakkar-directed Jawaani Jaaneman which marks the acting debut of Pooja Bedi’s daughter Alaia F. The film will be shot entirely in the city over a 45-day schedule.
Shivam Nair to make a film on Uzma Ahmed
7:39 AM
Natasha Coutinho (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 28, 2017)
Indian national Uzma Ahmed
hit headlines in May after she told a court in Pakistan that she was
forced to marry Tahir Ali, a resident of Buner (a Khyber Pakh tunkhwa
province), at gun point after she had travelled there on May 1 to meet
him. According to the 20-year-old Delhi girl, she and Tahir had met in
Malaysia and fallen in love. She didn't know he was already married
with four kids when she arrived in Buner. Uzma was subsequently brought
back to India by Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad. Now,
Mirror has learnt that her story is being recreated on screen by Shivam
Nair, who's
previously helmed the Taapsee Pannu-starrer Naam Shabana.
“It is a story that needs to be told in today's times,“ asserted Shivam who met Uzma a couple of days ago and was inspired by her determination and strength of character. “Her journey from Malaysia to Pakistan and finally to India is inspirational and courageous.“ Uzma, who has greenlit the film, says it's a big deal to have a biopic made on your life. “It's been a long journey and I'm involved in every aspect of the story because I have faced all this for real,“ she said. According to its maker Jatish Varma, J P Singh, India's Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan, is also on-board. “Uzma was trapped in Swat valley that is controlled by Taliban. She returned from there, not many girls are as lucky,“ he marvelled. “Ritesh (Shah) and Shivam are working on the script. Once it is ready, we will know who would be suitable to play her. It will be a leading actress,“ he added.
“It is a story that needs to be told in today's times,“ asserted Shivam who met Uzma a couple of days ago and was inspired by her determination and strength of character. “Her journey from Malaysia to Pakistan and finally to India is inspirational and courageous.“ Uzma, who has greenlit the film, says it's a big deal to have a biopic made on your life. “It's been a long journey and I'm involved in every aspect of the story because I have faced all this for real,“ she said. According to its maker Jatish Varma, J P Singh, India's Deputy High Commissioner in Pakistan, is also on-board. “Uzma was trapped in Swat valley that is controlled by Taliban. She returned from there, not many girls are as lucky,“ he marvelled. “Ritesh (Shah) and Shivam are working on the script. Once it is ready, we will know who would be suitable to play her. It will be a leading actress,“ he added.
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