Politically Aware Actors Must Take a Stand: John on Kangana

Kangana has called out actors like Ranbir Kapoor for not taking a political stand.

John Abraham at the trailer launch of Romeo Akbar Walter.

(Photo: Yogen Shah)

A day after National Award-winning actress Kangana Ranaut asserted that celebrities must speak up on issues of the country, actor John Abraham says it would make sense for someone to make a political statement only if the individual is well-versed with the larger political situation of the world.

During the success party of her film Manikarnika, Kangana said that actors should raise their voice on political issues as they have the power to influence people.

Asked if stars must speak out on politics, John said,

“I think being an actor, if you are politically aware, which Kangana is, and she has a voice, then one must take a stand. But as I said, if only you are politically aware; you should not be stupidly talented. If you are an idiot who does not know which country lies where and if you are not aware of what’s happening from Bihar to Syria, then you should just shut up. Unless you are aware, then only make a statement.”

John Abraham, Actor

His upcoming film Romeo Akbar Walter, releasing on 5 April, is based on the real-life story of a spy. John said the film's team is responsible enough to tell the story.

Speaking on behalf of the team, John said: "We are politically aware people. We shot some parts of the film in Kashmir, so we know the grassroots level issues that exist in Kashmir. We understand what is really happening there. I think making a statement at the right time is important rather than saying something for an effect, to pretend... you know, so that one can trend (on social media)."

When asked asked about the escalating tension between India and Pakistan post the February 14 Pulwama attack, John said,

“There has to be a war against terror and not against a country or any religion. I am very clear with my outlook on that. I am not one of those actors who will say that ‘People will like this, so let’s do it’. I say things as it is. These days, polarisation is happening and that is dangerous.”

John Abraham

Asked if the plan to release the film at a time when patriotism is on a new high would favour the box office business of the film, John said:

“We do not want to sound like opportunists in this current situation because we had decided to release the film around this time almost a year ago. Back then, the situation was certainly not the same. However, keeping the present in mind, I think in the current ecosystem, it resonates with what is happening in the country.”

John Abraham

John plays the protagonist in the film, which also features Jackie Shroff, Mouni Roy, Sikander Kher, Raghubir Yadav in pivotal roles.