In the last 3 years, he has proved his mettle in films like ‘No Smoking’ (surreal), ‘Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal’ (sports), ‘Water’ (period), ‘Salaam-e-Ishq’ (emotional), ‘Kabul Express’ (action drama), ‘Taxi No. 9211’ (comic drama), ‘Zinda’ (intense) and ‘Garam Masala’ (comedy). Still, John Abraham is being tagged as a non-actor by quite a few of his detractors. Does he ever wonder why?

"Well, you have rightly put them as detractors. Quite a lot of them actually are of such breed though there are some well wishers who are genuine in their feedback and point out things which are meant to be improved. I truly appreciate such criticism and accept their feedback graciously. As for the rest they can forever continue to speak the way they do. I can't do things just in order to please them", says John in an earnest tone even as he gets ready to battle the critics once again with 'Dostana'.

But doesn't he get heartburn with scathing comments coming his way? Especially after the aforementioned films showed him in a different light in practically every other outing?

"Sach bolun toh [to tell you the truth] not at all", says John without blinking an eyelid, "Listening to them is like listening to a broken record. It goes on and on without any rhyme or reason and I don't have time or energy to correct it. What matters to me is whether my audiences, producers and directors want me on screen or not."

And is that actually the case?

... contd.