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Hunk with a heart
Actor John Abraham donates10 per cent of the signing amounts of all the films he takes on to various NGOs and causes he supports. And he doesn't brag about them!
Before he says anything about his contributions to various causes and NGOs, John Abraham clarifies, “Some actors talk about their charitable activities only days before a release. I’m not one of them.”
Following this disclaimer, the actor whose film
Aashayein
opens today, explains that 10 per cent of the signing amounts of all the films he takes on is donated. Charity is ingrained in him because of his mother, Phiroza Irani, who works at the Wadia Hospital and tends to terminally ill children twice a week. “She also visits the Cheshire Home for the Aged, and looks after 150 stray dogs, among other things. And she’s been doing this for over 20 years. As a child, I had promised her that once I had the money, I’d contribute in my own way and so I do,” he says.
He’s hesitant to talk about his charity work. He insists he doesn’t like blowing his own trumpet. He accepted the Eco Warrior Award last year from the Vice President but the news didn’t get any media coverage. “And I’m the only actor to have bagged the award for saving the environment and animals,” he laughs.
Abraham is actively involved with the Save The Tiger campaign and is producing a film on the subject with documentary filmmaker Mike Pandey. “The film will take two years to be made. It has to be shot at real locations, with tigers around,” he informs.
He refuses to talk about his remuneration for
Aashayein
. He says, “There was a slight discrepancy but everything is fine now. Everyone involved in bringing this film out — Percept, Reliance, Nagesh (director Nagesh Kukunoor) — have done a fabulous job and I do not want to wrap up the project in bad taste.”
