John lost 16 kg during Aashayein
In Hollywood losing or gaining weight and dulling your look can actually guarantee you an Oscar. Renee Zelwegger did it for Bridget Jones, Charlize Theron did it for Monster and Evan McGregor did it for Trainspotting. For Aashayein John was given one such challenge. Director Kukunoor wanted him to lose weight during the process of shooting as it would fit perfectly well with the transitional phase his character was going through.
Though sceptical at first, John took up this challenge but soon realised that it wasn't easy. The character Rahul Sharma is that of a compulsive gambler who loses everything. The stress would of course take a toll on his weight and thus the shedding of calories came about.
Having to look his normal self in the beginning and then gradually lose weight, John finally got a taste of what most women go though. "Actually, when I set out to lose weight for my character I didn't know that eventually I would lose more than 16 kgs, more than anybody would have imagined! Today I can empathise a lot with people who want to lose weight as it is not an easy task."
So like his international counterparts, will John's attempt at playing down his rugged looks win him accolades?
