"That's so sweet," the actor said. "When you've the kids on your side, you get the moms and dads as a bonus."

John admits "Baabul" was a novel experience for him.

"The audience has never seen me in this kind of film before. It's important for me to try to see how the audience accepts me in mainstream film with such huge mainstream actors like Amitji, Hemaji, Rani and Salman."

John has full faith in cinema's power to heal.

"This film can have as much impact as Ravi Chopra's earlier film 'Baghban'. I believe it changed people's mindset. After seeing 'Baghban', people in the cities went back to their villages to get their parents.

"If my 'Baabul' or Deepa Mehta's 'Water' encourages even one man to extend his hand to marry a widow, I'd feel happy."

John says he comes from a generation that believes everyone has the right to live with dignity.

"I see no problem in a woman getting married again. I can't understand how anyone can be prevented from remarrying."