Mumbai: John Abraham has never shied away from expressing his political views. During the promotions of The Diplomat, the actor made headlines for voicing his support for Russia in its war with Ukraine. He attributed the conflict primarily to NATO’s expansion while also emphasizing that, despite his admiration for Russia, he does not wish for casualties on either side. While some praised his geopolitical awareness, others criticized his stance, with some dismissing it as ‘half-baked information.’
As reported by the popular Indian media outlet, in an exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, John responded to the mixed reactions, stating that he considers himself “geopolitically informed”. Addressing the backlash, he remarked, “If you say ‘good morning,’ you’ll definitely get an answer back that ‘what’s so good about the morning?’ People have an opinion on whatever you say. If they want to misconstrue your words, they’ll do that. If I’ve an opinion about animals, they’ll say why I’m not talking about human beings. If I say something about humans, they’ll say why I’m not talking about animals.”
John believes that much of the opposition to his stance stems from misinformation. “If I say something about Russia, they’ll say why not about Ukraine and vice-versa. If I say something about Gaza, they’ll say why not about Israel and vice-versa. Yes, people are entitled to their own thoughts, but most of them are misinformed. As long as your opinion is informed, it’s constructive, but very few of us have informed opinions, and we need to build on that,” the Pathaan actor explained.
Read the article to see what John Abraham said about the Russia-Ukraine war | Diplomat’ Actor and Bollywood Superstar John Abraham Takes a Stand on the Russia-Ukraine War – You Won’t Believe His Choice and Why
Politics and dissent have long fascinated John, and he credits his political awareness for shaping his perspective. “Being politically aware makes me have opinions. I think I’m not opinionated or judgmental; it’s just that I have opinions. I believe it’s very important to have one. In this country, there’s this narrative that we’re scared to voice our opinions,” he stated. However, he clarified that his views are not meant to cater to any political ideology.
Discussing the importance of voicing opinions objectively, John added, “It’s important to voice them bravely to the point that both the ruling government as well as the opposition are appreciative about the fact that you’ve done it. They know that it’s coming from a credible space and not out of any political inclination. If there are potholes on the road but I’m saying that the roads are beautiful, there’s a problem there. If women aren’t safe but I say that they are, there’s a problem there.”
John also criticized those who abstain from voting but continue to complain about governance. “If we all put our opinions together, we can effect change. But if you don’t have an opinion and don’t care to vote, as most people in metropolitan cities do, then you don’t have the right to complain. In that case, you’re responsible for taking that right away from yourself, which is why it’s important to be politically aware,” he asserted.
