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Mumbai: Model-turned-actor John Abraham, who has completed a decade in Bollywood as an actor, is confident that he will stay in the film industry for at least next ten years.
"I think I have created a space for myself in the industry. John Abraham is not known for the commercial success or failure of the film and is known more for the relatability to the person, who is watching him. Audience is my godfather and my strongest force... they keep me going," John told reporters here last evening.
"Producers tell me I have got good and better ten years now. And I think the same. I feel I have improved as an actor, human being and I am far more relaxed. It is great to be here," he said.
John had made his acting debut in 2003 with 'Jism', followed by 'Saaya' (2003), 'Paap' (2004), 'Lakeer' (2004), the films that did not run well at the box office.
However, Yash Raj Films' 'Dhoom' released in 2004 proved to be a success and was followed by other hit films like 'Dostana', 'New York', 'Force'. Last year, John had produced 'Vicky Donor', a romantic comedy film directed by Shoojit Sircar.
John said when he made his debut in 2003, he was afraid that he might have to pack his bag soon.
"When I came here into the industry with 'Jism', I felt I would be here for three months and then go back to work...This was in 2003 and it has been ten years now," he said.
The actor said the newcomers should not harbour any pre-conceived notions about the industry.
"To the newcomers, I would say 'don't come here with any pre-conceived notions like only industry kids get work'. I am not from the industry and so is not Akshay Kumar and Shah Rukh Khan. The industry is an open space," he said.
Talking about 'Vicky Donor', John said, "I launched Ayushman Khurrana and Yami Gautam with 'Vicky Donor'. I am proud of them and I will do that (launch newcomers) a lot more. If I can provide that space as a producer I would do it," he said.
John is excited about the release of Sanjay Gupta's 'Shootout at Wadala', in which he plays the role of Manohar Arjun Surve alias Manya Surve, a member of the Mumbai underworld who died in 1982 in an encounter with the police.
It is known as the city's first recorded encounter killing.
"'Shootout at Wadala' has been a big challenge for me right from understanding him (Surve), his habits to the way he lived and what he wore. We have to finish three songs. We are excited about the film," John said.
This year promises to be quite an eventful year for John as he a host of films are releasing this year like Abbas Mustan's 'Race 2' (January 25), Goldie Behl's 'I Me aur Main' (March 1), 'Shootout at Wadala' (May 1) and 'Madras Cafe'.
