His good performance came as further icing on the cake (and a surprise to many of his detractors). The film opened to very good collections and he was back in the reckoning again after most of 2008 being rather low key.
Soon, he announced his decision of working in an action film but meanwhile he can't stop singing praises about his next big release New York (which he insists is yet a working title).
The principal shooting for New York is complete and the film is currently into post production. Meanwhile, John too would be soon moving to his next two projects but in the interim, he can't stop gushing about his experience of working with Kabir Khan again after Kabul Express.
"The way Kabir has directed the film is to be seen to be believed. I guess he is the new man on the horizon. Mark my words, he is the one to watch out for", says John who returns to yet another Yash Raj production after Kabul Express and Dhoom.
"It was one of the longest outdoor schedules I have been a part of and probably the most exhilarating too. We shot for the film day in and night out at Philadelphia and New York.
Eventually, we ended up being ahead of schedule. I am confident that I have yet another beautiful film in hand", adds John.
Talking about his experience on working with the film, John says, "All credit to Adi (Aditya Chopra) and Kabir for making such a film.
Whether it was story built up or characterization, they have worked so hard on getting it all just right for the film. Also Katrina Kaif and Neil Nitin Mukesh have been fantastic co-stars.
The film is a dramatic thriller and a completely new kind of experience for me. As an actor, I feel enriched."
Meanwhile, his Aashayein was earlier all set for release in the first half of 2008 but got delayed due to multiple reasons. In fact the publicity built up of the film had seen a rise way back in April' 08 before it came to a grinding halt after a few weeks. Now the buzz is that Aashayein is expected to release in January 2009.
"Nagesh Kukunoor has made a brilliant film and I am proud of my performance there. My parents have seen the film and they were mighty impressed with the end product. I am looking forward to the release of the film; it is a story waiting to be told", signs off John.