Johnny, Johnny! Yes, papa?

John Abraham, who has been in hiding ever since his marriage to Priya Runchal in 2014, is supporting an online campaign  Johnnie Walker Blue Label #DATEWITHDAD for Father’s Day on June 21. The actor who shares a chilled out equation with his father Abraham John, decided to get on board because he wanted to spread the message of making Father’s Day special. He says, “My father has been a constant source of support for me and what better opportunity than this to tell him that he means the world to me?” We got his father to join us in this rare tete-a-tete where he spoke about his doting son. Excerpts...

John, do you believe in having separate days like Father’s Day and Mother’s Day?
I think it’s a very special day. Rather than celebrating Christmas, Diwali and Eid, we should all be giving more importance to Father and Mother’s Day. These are the people who instill values and make you who you really are. Of course, I won’t burst crackers on this day but I would like to acknowledge their presence in my life and how lucky I am to have them.

What do you plan to do on June 21?
I will obviously be spending time with my family. I plan to spend my day watching a football match with my father. We have grown up watching football and tennnis tournaments. My best memories with him are all related to sports when he used to wake us up early in the morning to watch the football World Cup and all the Grand Slams. It’s the most perfect way to celebrate the day.

Abraham, was John troublesome in his growing up years?
He never got into trouble but he was mischievous. He was very fond of riding bikes, speed. He also loves football. I was very clear that I always wanted my sons to grow up watching some kind of sport as it teaches you sportsman spirit. I am very proud of the way he has turned out. He is very independent and always does things according to his idea of right or wrong. I have never had to teach him that.

John, wasn’t your father ever worried with your love for speed?
Strangely, no! He is a very chilled out man. Be it riding motorbikes, my career in modelling or acting, he has never questioned my abilities. He hasn’t once asked me if I was being credible or responsible about my life. At the same time, we knew we couldn’t cross a certain line with him. He never raised his hand but he made sure he sent the message across.

How similar are you and your father?
We are quite similar in terms of our nature. We are both relaxed, we aren’t insecure as people. We like watching sporting events together. We also eat chocolate together. He eats real chocolates while I eat protein chocolates.

Abraham, any advice to parents out there?
It is important for parents to keep learning from their offspring. You must never stop growing up!