“There are actors who have low IQ and high confidence” – John Abraham

By Faridoon Shahryar -

May 29, 2018 - 10:48 AM IST

“Honestly there are actors who have low IQ and high confidence and that’s more dangerous than nuclear bombs,” said John Abraham in an exclusive conversation with Bollywood Hungama's Faridoon Shahryar. “There are actors who don’t even know where Sri Lanka is on the map or Germany. I think it’s very important for an actor to be politically aware. Very important. I’m not saying do only political films. I’m a big fan of commercial cinema. I love Anees Bazmee. I love his films. I loved Welcome Back. I love Dhamaal. I love Golmaal. I love comedies. This is my favourite genre. But it’s very important for an actor to be politically aware because you have to be very careful about the statements you make. Not that you have to be politically correct. You are not just a model. You’re a role model for people so you bloody well know what you’re saying,” John said.

“There are actors who have low IQ and high confidence” – John Abraham

Someone like Farhan Akhtar is extremely well informed and intelligent. Actors like Richa Chadda and Swara Bhaskar make very intelligent statements on the state of affairs in the country and then they are trolled heavily for having an opinion on key issues afflicting the country. Women are slut shamed and rape threats are issued. It’s a cause of concern. “It’s a cause of concern if an actor decides to then go into a shell. If you’ve taken a stand then be out there. Trolling is an abused and a cuss word. I choose not to read comments. When I read comments once, strangely it goes into country bashing and religion. I don’t understand how conversations veer there. It beats me. My assumption is that people who say negative things have very limited knowledge. Unfortunately most of them are men.” And quite a lot of these people are paid trolls. “I am sure. I have been warned about my films that we shall make sure that we get groups together and that we shall get you down. And I said that doesn’t exist, how can you do that! They say, with money we can do anything. And it shocks you. I believe sometimes the honesty of the Fourth Estate is questionable. The media. Money is a big driver. The biggest religion in the world today is Money. That’s the saddest part of our society,” John said.

Aamir and Shah Rukh made some statements and they were trolled heavily and told to go to Pakistan. “That’s stupid. I have a lot of love and respect for Aamir. I love Shah Rukh. These people have a point of view. In a Democracy you can’t keep pushing down a point of view. Each one must be allowed to speak. I come from minority from both my sides. My father is a Christian, my mother is an Irani. I don’t think there’s anyone in this country who is prouder to be an Indian than what I am. I believe there are many good people in this world. People who are inclusive. Someone asked me the other day about another cuss word Nepotism. I said aren't doctor's kids doctors, engineer’s kids engineers? Nepotism exists everywhere. Why do we single out our industry? I’m an outsider but my closest friends are people whose parents belong to the industry. I’m not bitter about it. I have no problem with it. I think you must come exist, live and let live. You must be cognizant of the fact that you’d have to fight harder but have fun in that, don’t be bitter about it. A troll doesn’t have a face. He can say anything that he wants to. And I want to make a film on this. The real world has become the virtual world and the virtual world has become the real world,” said John.

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