It was one huge party in Miami when Abhishek Bachchan, John Abrahama, Priyanka Chopra and company got together for the shooting of 'Dostana'.

As the film releases all over today, John Abraham reveals to Joginder Tuteja on how the bonding game was played between the young cast and crew members and how Tarun Mansukhani, director of the film, kept his hold on the project even as it came with the tag of Karan Johar as the film's producer.

Apart from Abhishek, one hears that you bonded big time with Tarun as well?
It was great to have fun with all the young ones around in Miami. Tarun, Abhi, myself - all of us are in the same age group.

As for his professional capabilities, Tarun has assisted Karan from 'Kuch Kuch Hota Hai' days. This makes it 11 long years for a film maker to be associated with an accomplished director like Karan Johar. This way Tarun has more of Dharma blood in him than I have.

But how much was Karan involved with the project, since Tarun has just started off?
It goes without saying that with Karan around, there is a definite reassurance that your project would reach out to it's audience well.

Karan is a genius; he knows how to market his films. However, on the ground level, it was Tarun all the way. Even when Tarun was giving the narration to me, Karan was only sitting there without interfering at all.

Tarun knew from the very inception that how would he execute 'Dostana' and picturise his scenes. He had no doubts whatsoever.

One also hears that he is cool as cucumber.
True. Hours before the release of 'Dostana', when I asked him if he was nervous, he said he was super confident. He told me - 'John, I have done many films in the past, though in a different capacity than the prime-in-charge.

However, I have been in this situation before so it is nothing new to me.' That shows the confidence of a man in his craft and product.

Possibly also because it's a safe commercial film; notwithstanding the gay angle that may shock a few.
Of course 'Dostana' is a safe film. It is not experimental because one thing which comes very clear from a Dharma production is that it has to be a fun commercial film.

Yes, 'Dostana' is first of it's kind though but I was very confident from the word Go! Moreover, your co-stars make a lot of difference to your association with a project. I was very happy with Abhi and Priyanka around because while I connect very well with Priyanka, Abhi is like my brother.

Never once did the thought cross between the two of us that who had to be superior in the film. - Joginder Tuteja