John Abraham Opens Up on Karan Johar’s Support and Aditya Chopra’s Blunt Advice

The Vedaa actor reflects on his comeback struggles, Karan Johar’s loyalty, and why Aditya Chopra remains his most trusted critic.

In a candid conversation with Filmfare, Bollywood actor John Abraham got reflective about the friendships and brutally honest feedback that have helped shape his two-decade-long career. He spoke warmly about filmmaker Karan Johar, calling him “one of the most wonderful people” he’s ever met, and praised Johar’s unwavering support—especially during a low phase in his career when the industry had nearly written him off.

John recalled his struggle to bounce back after a four-year hiatus before the release of Parmanu (2018). At the time, few believed in his ability to make a successful comeback. But Karan Johar wasn’t one of them. “I asked Karan to watch Parmanu and give me his honest opinion,” John shared. “He told me, ‘This is good, this is so not good.’ That’s what I love about Karan—he’s honest and supportive in equal measure.” John emphasized that despite all the criticism that often surrounds Karan, he has always been a steadfast ally. “There’s a lot of negativity around him, but I am one of his strongest supporters. He doesn’t deserve the criticism he gets,” John added.

While Karan Johar is a supportive friend, John credits director-producer Aditya Chopra as his most ruthless—and trusted—critic. “Adi doesn’t sugarcoat things,” John said. “If something’s messed up, he’ll straight-up tell me, ‘Why did you do this?’ And if it’s good, he’ll simply say, ‘Good.’” Despite the bluntness, John values Aditya’s feedback more than anyone else’s in the industry.

Their connection goes way back to their school days at Bombay Scottish, where John was schoolmates with Uday Chopra and Hrithik Roshan, while Aditya Chopra was his senior. “I’ve always respected Adi’s opinions,” John revealed. “He’s direct, honest, and doesn’t waste words—and that’s exactly why I go to him when I need guidance.”

Having weathered ups and downs in Bollywood, John acknowledges that criticism has been a crucial force in shaping his career. And between Karan Johar’s loyalty and Aditya Chopra’s no-nonsense advice, he believes he’s better equipped than ever to navigate the film industry.