When Karan Johar was casting John Abraham for Dostana, the filmmaker told the actor, “What is attainable, is desirable. I want you to have the beach boy look, not a bodybuilder’s. People should gape when you walk out of the water.” John, who had lost 16 kilos for his role in the yet-to-be, released Aashayein before that took seven months to get into shape. Well, the film is out and the results are there to see.

He’s just completed Kabir Khan’s New York (that’s the working title) with Katrina Kaif, which he said was an intense thriller based on an American Muslim. “That was the brief given to me,” said the actor. “The important thing is that every coloured person, particularly Muslim, will relate to this character. It is an honest film”.

The media was agog with rumours of John and Katrina sharing cold vibes while shooting for NEW YORK in America. If true, doesn't it hamper the quality of work? "Yes, it does! But Katrina and I are thorough professionals. It's completely false that we didn't get along, I don't know how this originated," he clarifies.

What about Bipasha? Is there a possibility of the much-in-news couple featuring in a film together? "I'd love to work with Bipasha. Bipasha was gracious enough to work with me when I was nobody. It would be an honour if I get an opportunity of working with her again," he states.

Life is looking up for him. “I’m a happier person,” he accepted, “I have lesser issues, I’m more chilled out, and — what’s most important, by the grace of God — I’m at peace with myself.”

We talked about his body, naturally, because it is the talk of town. The adulation comes with its own price. He finds gays hitting on him regularly. John said nonchalantly, “Look at the bright side, at the end of the day, it’s a compliment. If the women can, why not the men?” I’m in showbiz, even ten years later I’ll need a great body,” he said. How would you describe your body, we asked. “I’m okay,” he replied. Sure, this is one of the 25 sexiest men in the world!

John Abraham Honest Confessions:

How does it feel to be a gay icon?
Today homosexuality is so open world over. To think that the same gender likes you is a plus.

What’s the most exotic compliment you have got?
I was put on the cover of some magazine called 'Exotic Pleasure' in Miami! (Laughs)

What does the term metrosexual mean to you?
I have never understood the term for me either you are a man or not. You can't be metrosexual.

Do you think you are flirty?
I am told I am very flirty. The truth is I am overtly friendly.

How would you woo a girl with strawberries and cream, chocolates or yourself?
With honesty when I am honest it shows. I have never belted out lines to a woman until I am honest. No strawberries for me please. (Laughs)

Your favourite pickup line would be...
Pick-up lines? Oh, I love being picked up. I don't want to pick up anybody. Women should come and pick me up.

Are you romantic at heart?
I would want to believe so. But somewhere down the line, I fail to convey it. I am a romantic more in my head than heart.

So there have been complaints from Bipasha.
Ya all the time... all the time.

Do you look in the mirror and say you look terrible today?
I never look terrible. (Laughs)

Tell us about your last thoughts before you sleep.
I only think about what I have to do in future.

We thought you would say Bipasha.
Well, Bipasha has been with me through thick and thin. That's why I say love exists, but respect for her is eternal. But lately, I have learnt not to speak about our relationship. I will talk about Bipasha. But if you ask me about my plans with her... (Laughs) I am not going to discuss that. But I will discuss her as an individual. But right now, John Abraham wants to talk less and do more. I am like wine, I will get better and better with age...