I don’t read reviews: John Abraham on tackling criticism

John Abraham has a simple way of tackling comments by film critics — he doesn’t get newspapers at home and doesn’t read their views on his movies. He says while it is human nature to be affected by criticism, but feels he has now matured enough to understand whose views really matter.

The “Madras Cafe” actor, who was in the capital on Tuesday to promote his forthcoming comedy film “Welcome Back”, shared that he he had stopped newspaper delivery in his home 13 years ago.

“Earlier when I started my career… you need to remember I am a human being firstly… at that time I used to react, but it has been about 13 years and I don’t have newspapers in the house. So in a way, it works for me,” John told reporters.

He also said that over the past few years, he feels he has acquired a sense of “maturity” to tackle negative reviews.

“I don’t need reviews to tell me how a film is. When people from my fraternity congratulated me for ‘Madras Cafe’ and I got appreciation from the audience, it was enough… So, I don’t react (to criticism),” added the actor-producer.

He, however, pointed out that while actors don’t disrespect critics, but the latter need to realise the hard work that goes behind every project.

Talking specifically about “Welcome Back”, a sequel of the 2007 film “Welcome”, he said: “You need to understand that we have also worked very hard to make you all laugh… after all comedy is a serious business for us. Please respect that.”

John even shared that reviews for “Welcome” were not favourable when it released. But it continues to be one of the most loved Bollywood comedies of the past decade.

“Welcome Back”, which features an ensemble cast of actors like Anil Kapoor, Naseeruddin Shah, Paresh Rawal, Nana Patekar, Dimple Kapadia, Shruti Haasan, Shiney Ahuja and John, is releasing on Friday. It is directed by Anees Bazmee.

Inputs by IANS