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'Smoking is not the coolest thing'

JOHN ABRAHAM never fails to surprise. Just when everyone had dismissed him as just another pretty face, he showed his acting prowess in Water. Earlier too, John had played out a dynamic heist expert in Dhoom with élan.

And as he takes on yet another unusual role in No Smoking, John seems more than ready to prove his detractors wrong. Directed by Anurag Kashyap, No Smoking is an interesting take on the evils of smoking and a chain smoker's efforts to kick the butt. A chat with the hunky model-turned-actor on the film:

So do you actually smoke or are you big on no smoking?

I used to smoke when I was doing my MBA but have given up since. I think I got into the habit because of stress and pressure of performing. But once I finished my course I gave it up. See the fact is that every pack of cigarettes mentions that 'smoking is injurious to health', but ciggies are still sold in the market. So it totally depends on an individual. I don't like smoking anymore. And only when people feel from within that they should give it up do they find the strength to give it up.

In the film, you try to stop smoking because your wife tells you to. Did you stop smoking because someone told you to?

Nobody tells me what to do. I gave it up myself. People who smoke usually stink of smoke. Also they have chest congestions and breathing problems. I remember I used to smoke about 80 cigarettes a day and as soon I finished the film I went to the clinic to get an x-ray done. I was shocked to see the effects of smoke on my lungs. Though I had it cleared in a couple of days the very sight of it made me feel repulsed. ( Laughs) If you meet your girlfriend and she says you stink of smoke, you feel bad.

Did you have to take medicines after the film was over?

No, not at all. It is like the way a filter is filled and then clears on its own. When I went for a check up after some time, everything was cleared from my lungs.

Why did you choose to do the film?

Anurag called me up and asked if I had some time to listen to the script that he wanted to narrate. I asked him to come within 15 minutes as I was leaving for a shoot. It takes him that much time to reach my place. But the first line he narrated did not appeal to me at all and I refused. He then took a cigarette out and after taking a puff told me: "I was sure you won't like this concept. Actually I just cooked up this story while travelling down to you to know you better. I thought if you dislike this one you will like the one that I have seriously scripted keeping you in mind." And he was right. I heard the script of No Smoking and was taken in immediately.

After doing Water, you seem to be veering towards serious films.

Yeah! Actually I like to do commercial films too, but it should be meaningful. This is an anti-smoking film. Smoking is not the coolest thing to do. What needs to change is the perception that smoking is cool. Also, the government has to become more proactive in curbing the menace.

How is Anurag as a director?

Jotting down the script is one thing and executing it is another. I say Anurag is the finest director I've worked with and every bit that he wants is necessary. Every scene he does has meaning. Infact this movie also shows some of his real experiences. So I had to do them.

Rumours say that the item number Bipasha is doing was on your recommendation.

Why should I get her any assignments? She is a well known actress and Anurag had liked her in Beedi. So he approached her and she is doing the item number.

Some of your critics have written you off as a non-actor.