John Abraham has lost weight to play the part of a compulsive gambler who falls sick after striking it rich.

According to John, he needed to portray a feeble-looking man in the movie titled ‘Aashayein', which is being shot in Pondicherry and is directed Nagesh Kukunoor.

``Yes, it is true that I have lost a lot of weight for the film,'' John said. ``I did it to match the brief I was given.''

Producer Preet Bedi said a gym had been set up next door to John's hotel room so he could stay fit. ``John is someone who is extremely serious about his workout schedule,'' said Bedi. ``The gym has been set up to keep his weight in check and also to keep him fit.''