John Abraham (born 17 December 1972) is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Hindi films. Known for his stoic action hero persona, he is a recipient of a National Film Award along with nominations for four Filmfare Awards. Abraham has appeared in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2017.
After a successful modelling career, Abraham made his acting debut with the erotic thriller film Jism (2003), a sleeper hit. He gained success with the action film Dhoom (2004) and expanded to comedic roles in Garam Masala (2005), Taxi No. 9211 (2006), and Dostana (2008). He also starred in the critically acclaimed dramas Water (2005), Kabul Express (2006) and New York (2009). In the subsequent decade, Abraham’s career fluctuated commercially. He had successes in the ensemble films Housefull 2 (2012), Race 2 (2013), and Welcome Back (2015), and in the acclaimed political thriller Madras Cafe (2013). Abraham subsequently had his biggest commercial successes as a leading man in the action dramas Parmanu (2018), Satyameva Jayate (2018) and Batla House (2019). In 2023, Abraham starred in his highest-grossing release, the action film Pathaan.
Abraham ventured into film production under his banner J.A. Entertainment with Vicky Donor (2012), which won him the National Film Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. He has since produced several of his films, and also wrote the story of Attack: Part 1 (2022). Outside of his film career, he is the co-owner of the Indian Super League football team NorthEast United FC. He is also a vegetarian, and is an advocate for animal rights.
Early life and family
Abraham was born in Bombay, Maharashtra on 17 December 1972 into a family of mixed religious and ethnic heritage. His father is a Malayali Syrian Christian from Kerala and his mother is an Irani Zoroastrian, who has many relatives living in Iran. Abraham’s Zoroastrian name is “Farhan”, but he was baptised with the name “John.” He has a younger brother named Alan Abraham. He considers himself a spiritual person but does not follow any particular religion. Abraham grew up in Mumbai and studied at the Bombay Scottish School in Mumbai. He attended Jai Hind College, University of Mumbai, and then got an MBA degree from NMIMS, Mumbai. His cousin Susy Matthew is an author and has written novels like In a Bubble of Time.
Personal life
During the filming of Jism in 2002, Abraham began to date his co-star Bipasha Basu. They were in a relationship until early 2011. While together, the two were often referred to as a supercouple in the Indian media. Abraham once stated, “I have always kept quiet about my personal life and will continue to maintain a dignified silence. It’s just the way my parents raised me. I rather leave it at speculation.” The couple broke up in 2011.
Read More: Shah Rukh Khan | Emraan Hashmi
Abraham is now married to Priya Runchal, an Indian-American financial analyst and investment banker from the United States but native to McLeod Ganj, whom he met in Mumbai, in December 2010. They married on 3 January 2014. Runchal is also the chairperson of NorthEast United FC.
Abraham is a fitness model and he abstains from smoking, consuming alcohol and any intoxicants. Due to this, he often avoids many parties and functions. Abraham is a sport bike collector.
John Abraham Height Age Girlfriend Wife Family Biography
| Bio/Wiki | |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Farhan Irani |
| Nickname(s) | John, Johny |
| Profession(s) | Actor, Model, Producer |
| Physical Stats & More | |
| Height (approx.) | in centimeters- 183 cm in meters- 1.83 m in feet inches- 6′ |
| Eye Colour | Black |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Career | |
| Debut | Film: Jism (2003) Production: Vicky Donor (2012) |
| Awards/Honours | 2004: Bollywood Movie Awards for Best Male Debut 2006: Rajiv Gandhi Award for his achievement in Bollywood 2009: Won Lions Club Award 2013: National Film Award for Vicky Donor, NDTV-Creative Entrepreneur of the Year |
| Personal Life | |
| Date of Birth | 17 December 1972 |
| Age (as in 2024) | 52 Years |
| Birthplace | Kochi, Kerala, India |
| Zodiac sign | Sagittarius |
| Signature | |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| School | Bombay Scottish School, Worli, Mumbai |
| College/University | Jai Hind College, University of Mumbai Mumbai Educational Trust |
| Educational Qualification(s) | B.A. in Economics from Jai Hind College, University of Mumbai MBA from Mumbai Educational Trust |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Food Habit | Non-Vegetarian (Pescetarian and Eggetarian) |
| Address | Ashiyana Estate, John Baptist Road, Bandra West, Mumbai |
| Hobbies | Biking and Gymming |
| Likes/Dislikes | Likes: Photography, Travelling Dislikes: Tattoos, Dancing in Parties |
| Controversies | • In 2010, he appeared on a singing reality show, Sa Re Ga Ma Pa Singing Superstar, to promote his film ‘Jhootha Hi Sahi.’ After Sugandha Mishra‘s performance, he went on stage and kissed her, which was not liked by her grandfather. Later, when John again appeared on the same show, he apologised for his act. • In September 2016, he allegdly slapped a fan for his misbehaviour at the trailer launch event of the film ‘Force 2.’ |
| Relationships & More | |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Girlfriends | Riya Sen (Actress) Bipasha Basu (Actress, 2004-2011) Priya Runchal (Banker) |
| Marriage Date | 3 January 2014 |
| Family | |
| Wife/Spouse | Priya Runchal (Banker, m. 2014-present) |
| Children | Son– None Daughter– None |
| Parents | Father– Abraham John (Architect) Mother– Firoza Irani (Homemaker and Charity Worker) |
| Siblings | Brother– Alan Abraham (Architect) (Younger) Sister– Susy Mathew |
| Favourite Things | |
| Food | Parsi or Kerala food; Dhansak, Patra-ni-Macchi, Prawn Patia, Thai Food, Puttu with Coconut Milk |
| Beverage(s) | Tea, Carrot Juice, Sour Cherry Wine called Visinata (drinks occasionally) |
| Dessert(s) | Kaju Katli, Chocolate Cookies |
| Actresses | Rani Mukerji, Hema Malini |
| Music Band(s) | Queensryche, Def Leppard, Guns N Roses, Hinder and Creed |
| Restaurant(s) | Suzette, Yoga House, Royal China, Thai Baan, Zuma |
| Colour(s) | White and Blue |
| Author | Jeffrey Archer |
| Outfit | Jeans, T-shirts and Chappals |
| Sport | Football |
| Style Quotient | |
| Cars Collection | Lamborghini Gallardo, Audi Q7, Maruti Gypsy, Audi Q3, Nissan Terrano SUV |
| Bikes Collection | Yamaha VMAX, Yamaha R1, Suzuki Hayabusa |
| Money Factor | |
| Salary (approx.) | Rs. 11 Crore/film |
| Net Worth (approx.) | Rs. 168 Crore |
Career
Modelling career
Abraham started his modelling career appearing in the music video of the song “Surma” by Punjabi singer Jazzy B. He then joined the media firm and Time & Space Media Entertainment Promotions Ltd., which however got closed because of financial crisis. Later, he worked for Enterprises-Nexus as a media planner. In 1999, he won the Gladrags Manhunt Contest and went to the Philippines for Manhunt International, where he won second place. He later modelled in Hong Kong, London and New York City, and appeared in a number of commercial advertisements and other music videos for singers including Pankaj Udhas, Hans Raj Hans and Babul Supriyo. To improve his acting skills, Abraham joined Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Institute and completed an acting course while juggling modelling assignments.
John Abraham is an Indian actor and film producer who works in Hindi films. He is known for his stoic action hero persona, and is a recipient of a National Film Award along with nominations for four Filmfare Awards. Abraham has appeared in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list since 2017.
After a successful modelling career, Abraham made his acting debut with the erotic thriller film Jism (2003), a sleeper hit. He gained success with the action film Dhoom (2004) and expanded to comedic roles in Garam Masala (2005), Taxi No. 9211 (2006), and Dostana (2008). He also starred in the critically acclaimed dramas Water (2005), Kabul Express (2006) and New York (2009). In the subsequent decade, Abraham’s career fluctuated commercially. He had successes in the ensemble films Housefull 2 (2012), Race 2 (2013), and Welcome Back (2015), and in the acclaimed political thriller Madras Cafe (2013).
Abraham has also produced several successful films, including Vicky Donor (2012), Madras Cafe (2013), Batla House (2019), and Attack (2022).
Abraham is one of the most popular and successful actors in Bollywood today. He is known for his versatility, his willingness to take on challenging roles, and his dedication to his craft. He is also a role model for many young people, and he inspires them to pursue their dreams.
In addition to his acting and producing career, Abraham is also a successful businessman. He owns a production company called JA Entertainment, and he has also invested in several other businesses. He is also a fitness enthusiast, and he has his own line of fitness apparel and equipment.
John Abraham is a talented actor, producer, and businessman. He is an inspiration to many, and he is sure to continue to achieve great things in the future.
Producer
Abraham’s debut as a producer was titled Vicky Donor (2012) and the film featured Ayushmann Khurrana, Annu Kapoor and Yami Gautam in lead roles. Abraham also appeared in an item-number for the film. It opened to positive response, and turned out to be a critical and commercial success. His second production, Madras Cafe which was also directed by Shoojit Sircar, opened to overwhelming response from the critics. In 2018, he produced the Marathi film Savita Damodar Paranjpe.
Off-screen work and media image
Abraham is widely known as one of the most popular “Action Heroes” in Bollywood. Rediff.com noted that Abraham is an actor who is “well aware of his limitations and scores high on both — disarming modesty and sharp career moves”. Forbes India noted, “Abraham has had an unconventional but successful career.” Filmfare stated, “John’s macho charm, sculpted body and a dynamic screen presence hasn’t faded over the years.” It termed him a “reliable draw at the box office”. Verve termed him “good-natured, down-to-earth star” and stated, “John has reinvented himself to emerge as a stronger performer on celluloid”.
Abraham made his debut in Forbes India’s Celebrity 100 list of 2017, ranking 52nd with an annual income of ₹141.3 million (US$1.8 million). He peaked to 42nd place in 2018 with an annual income of ₹193 million (US$2.4 million) and in 2019, he ranked 46th with an annual income of ₹285 million (US$3.6 million). Abraham was named the “Sexiest Asian Men” by Eastern Eye in 2008. In the same list, he ranked 7th in 2011 and 8th in 2012. In the Times’ 50 Most Desirable Men list, he ranked 29th in 2017 and 17th in 2018. In Rediff.com’s “Top Bollywood Actors” list, Abraham was placed 11th in 2006.
Abraham also takes an active interest in the United Way, based in Denver, United States. In January 2009, he flagged off the Mumbai Marathon, an annual event organised to benefit the United Way. He did not run the marathon, but encouraged the participants by waving at them from the start line. Abraham is an animal lover and takes an interest in PETA and Habitat for Humanity. In April 2013, on behalf of PETA, Abraham wrote a letter to the Minister for Environment and Forests, Jayanthi Natarajan, asking that she make all circuses in India animal-free. Abraham is also the celebrity supporter of UNHCR India, and promotes the cause of refugees in India. According to his website, he donated ₹10 lakh (US$13,000) to the Lilavati Hospital and Research Centre, Mumbai.
Filmography
Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Jism | Advocate Kabir Lal | |
| Saaya | Dr. Aakash Bhatnagar | ||
| Paap | Inspector Shiven Verma | ||
| 2004 | Aetbaar | Aryan Trivedi | |
| Lakeer | Saahil Mishra | ||
| Dhoom | Kabir Sharma | ||
| Madhoshi | Aman Joshi | ||
| 2005 | Elaan | Abhimanyu Singh | |
| Karam | John Wargas | ||
| Kaal | Krish Thapar | ||
| Viruddh | Amar Patwardhan | ||
| Water | Narayan Dutt | ||
| Garam Masala | Sam / Shyam Salgaonkar | ||
| 2006 | Zinda | Rohit Chopra | |
| Taxi No. 9211 | Jai Mittal | ||
| Baabul | Rajat Verma | ||
| Kabul Express | Suhel Khan | ||
| 2007 | Salaam-e-Ishq | Ashutosh Raina | |
| No Smoking | K | ||
| Dhan Dhana Dhan Goal | Sunny Bhasin | ||
| 2008 | Dostana | Kunal Chauhan | |
| 2009 | New York | Sameer “Sam” Sheikh | |
| 2010 | Aashayein | Rahul Sharma | |
| Jhootha Hi Sahi | Siddharth Arya / Fidato | ||
| 2011 | 7 Khoon Maaf | Jamshed Singh Rathod / Jimmy Stetson | |
| Force | ACP Yashvardhan “Yash” Singh | ||
| Desi Boyz | Nikhil Mathur / Nick | ||
| 2012 | Housefull 2 | Max Mehrotkar | |
| Vicky Donor | Rum Whisky Song Item Number Dancer | Cameo; also producer | |
| 2013 | Race 2 | Ruthless Don Armaan Malik | |
| I, Me Aur Main | Music Producer Ishaan Sabharwal | ||
| Shootout at Wadala | Manya Surve | ||
| Madras Cafe | Lieutenant Major Vikram Singh | Also producer | |
| 2015 | Welcome Back | Freedom Fighter Ajay Barsi / “Ajju Bhai” | |
| 2016 | Rocky Handsome | Kabir Ahlawat / Rocky “Handsome” | Also producer and singer for “Alfazon Ki Tarah Unplugged” |
| Dishoom | STF Kabir Shergill | ||
| Force 2 | ACP Yashvardhan “Yash” Singh | Also producer | |
| 2018 | Parmanu | IAS Officer Ashwat Raina | Also producer |
| Satyameva Jayate | Veerendra “Veer” Rathod | ||
| Savita Damodar Paranjpe | — | Producer only; Marathi film | |
| 2019 | Romeo Akbar Walter | Rehamatullah “Romeo” Ali, Akbar Malik, Walter Khan | |
| Batla House | DCP Sanjeev Kumar Yadav | Also producer | |
| Pagalpanti | Raj Kishore | ||
| 2021 | Mumbai Saga | Amartya Rao Naik | |
| Sardar Ka Grandson | Gursher Singh | Also producer; cameo | |
| Satyameva Jayate 2 | Activist Dadasaheb Balram Azad,Home Minister Satya Balram Azad,ACP Jay Balram Azad | ||
| 2022 | Attack | Lieutenant Major Arjun Shergill | Also co-story writer and producer |
| Ek Villain Returns | Bhairav Purohit | ||
| Mike | — | Producer only; Malayalam film | |
| Tara Vs Bilal | — | Producer | |
| 2023 | Pathaan | Jim | |
| 2024 | The Diplomat † | Aryan Mallya | Post-production |
| Tehran † | CBI, DCP Vijayendra “Vijay” Mittal | Also producer; post-production | |
| Tariq † | Saahil Malwani | Filming | |
| Vedaa † | Raja Kapoor | Filming |
Music videos
| Year | Title | Performer | Language |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Mahek | Pankaj Udhas | Hindi |
| 2002 | Surma | Jazzy B | Punjabi |
| 2008 | Koi Aanay Wala Hai | Strings | Urdu |
| 2013 | “Betiyaan” (Save the Girl Child) | Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam | Hindi |