Actor, producer John wants to change Indian cinema

From producing Indian cinema’s first ever film on organ donation to giving an insight into the iconic nuclear test of Pokhran, supermodel-turned-actor-producer John Abraham has proved he is a perfect mix of brains and brawn. He says he wishes to bring about a change in Indian cinema.His last release Parmanu - The Story of Pokhran had a successful run, and he is now gearing up for the Independence Day release of SatyamevaJayate.“We just had five days of promotion of Parmanu... and I am really glad how the film sustained in the theatre for so long, and not only earned money, but respect too. I think the best promotion for a film is the film itself. As an actor-producer, I really want to change our Indian cinema so that people gain that faith to invest time and money on a Friday to go to the theatre to watch a film produced by (my banner) JA Entertainment,” John said in an interview here.After SatyamevaJayate, John has two important projects lined up – Batla House and Romeo Akbar Walter (RAW). He says both the movies will give him the opportunity to prove his potential as actor and producer.“I know for a fact that Batla House is a movie that has a superb story and shows today’s India exactly the way it is. People can either like the film or throw it on my face, but the fact is I am making a statement with that film. As a producer, I know what do I really want to do and associate myself with,” he said.From his 2003 debut film Jism, a thriller, to some successful films like Dhoom, Water, Taxi No. 9211, Kabul Express and Dostana among others, John was most appreciated for his well-built body and strong screen presence.Was that the reason why he wanted to shift the focus of the audience to his intellect by producing some meaningful cinema?“Yes, you can say that. Every time people call me to say how amazing I was looking in the film. As an individual, I am very shy to take the compliment and as an actor, I was not getting films that I wanted myself to be associated with. That was the initial reason why I started working towards becoming a producer,” said the actor, who holds a degree in business management.Asked if having good education helped him to become a better film producer, John said: “If creative people can manage their business well, they would be successful. That is how I manage creative content and commerce.“As a creative person, I go by instinct but then my business knowledge helps me to execute the creative idea in a commercially viable way,” added John, who had taken to film production with National Award-winning film Vicky Donor. – IANSDoing TV show is like having a relationship: SourabhActor Sourabh Raaj Jain says doing a TV show is like having a relationship with someone.His show Mahakali - Anth Hi Aarambh Hai is coming to an end.“Doing a TV show is like having a relationship. Once it’s over for whatever reason, it affects you. A part of you is gone forever. One can even have a rebound and that is scary,” Sourabh said in a statement.“It is good to take some time off, let go of the past attachments, feelings and then move on.”He said the challenge as an actor is to make a character “big, real and loved”.“Once the journey of the show ends, one must then break the mould and once again transform into a completely new character. We actors are ‘transformers’. We must keep reinventing ourselves, shaping ourselves and moulding ourselves according to the need of the hour,” said the actor, known for featuring in mythological shows.He feels an actor has to be a complete package.“So there’s always so much to work on – acting, anchoring, dancing, fitness, action, etc,” he said.“They say mythological shows are challenging, I have done a few. So now I’m looking for a greater challenge to break the earlier mould and to surprise my audience with a new transformation,” said the Devon Ke Dev...Mahadev actor.On the kind of roles that would excite him, he said: “Action-packed thriller roles with the perfect angle of an intense love story.” – IANSGunjan to host a talk show in bathroomActor Gunjan Utreja will host Bubble Baat, a digital talk show set in a bathroom.“We all develop special relationship with our bathrooms. A bathroom has always been the first place where an artiste starts to sing or act. It’s your real world away from lights, glamour and paparazzi,” the show’s creator Ritika Bajaj said in a statement.“This is the place where you are yourself sitting on the thinking pot. So what better place to have ‘unguarded, unabashed and unadulterated conversations’,” she added.The show will feature a mix of celebrity interviews, impromptu gags and musical performances.“I am excited to host a show for the web. Digital is the future and I am glad that I have teamed up with a phenomenal creative team – Indian Storyteller to create a very unique show,” said Gunjan, former host of The Voice.Episode one of the show will feature singer Benny Dayal. It will stream on Indian Storyteller’s YouTube channel on August 10. – IANSRanvir Shorey joins dark comedy Hasmukh along with Vir DasActor Ranvir Shorey has joined the cast of Nikkhil Advani’s upcoming dark comedy Hasmukh.Sameer Nair-headed Applause Entertainment, the content studio from the Aditya Birla Group, is backing the project along with Advani’s Emmay Entertainment. It will also feature comedian-actor Vir Das.As part of Hasmukh, Ranvir will be playing a character by the name Jimmy, whose role is currently a mystery, read a statement.The series promises to be a “perfect mix of a dark thriller and a laughter riot”. They have begun filming the series.  Vir had expressed his excitement about the show on Twitter.“First day begins for Hasmukh. Thank you to the whole team for giving life, passion, and ‘killer’ creativity,” Vir wrote.A post on the official Twitter handle of Emmay Entertainment also read: “A day of new beginnings. For our 12th production, Hasmukh, we venture into the web format! Directed by our dearest Nikhil Gonsalves and starring the brilliant duo of Vir Das and Ranvir Shorey, we’re excited for this one.”  – IANS