John will miss Bipasha at the Oscars

Mumbai, Feb 24 (IANS) Actor John Abraham, who joins "Water" director Deepa Mehta at the Oscars night in Los Angeles Sunday, will surely miss girlfriend Bipasha Basu while walking down the Hollywood red carpet.

"Bipasha won't walk the red carpet with me on Oscar night," rues John.

Much as John would like Bipasha by his side, she won't be able to accompany him for the grand Oscar moment due to hectic shooting schedules.

"Bipasha is shooting in South Africa for Abbas-Mustan with Akshaye Khanna. I think the producer, director and cast of 'Water' are required to be there for the Oscar night. So here I am with Seema Biswas, Lisa Ray and the rest of the crew. Lucky Deepa. Her soul mate is also the film's producer."

John in fact won't be meeting up with Bipasha until after the Oscars.

"That's when we meet up in London to shoot together for Vivek Agnihotri's 'Goal'. I plan to bring my parents to London in summer. I love to have them over for long outdoors. Though I didn't have them over in my favourite place - Afghanistan - when I was shooting for 'Kabul Express'. Honestly, I love travelling. I'd rather shoot in Afghanistan than Filmistan!"

John will be out of the country non-stop until May. "After the Oscars, I go straight to London to shoot for 'Goal'. After I return to Mumbai in May, I again leave for Nagesh Kukunoor's 'Ashaayein'. I'm already missing Mumbai," adds John.

Though John is all excited to be at the Oscars, his wardrobe remains somewhat undecided.

"I had no idea what happens and what's required of me at the Oscars. Deepa explained the whole procedure to me. There're parties, get-togethers and screenings arranged by our international producers Fox-Searchlight. I'm so worried because now I'll have to organise a lot of clothes. I'll wear clothes for sure. I won't go bare-bodied, though the dhoti look might be liked after 'Water'," John remarked mischievously.

The good-looking actor will be dressed up by Narendra Kumar and Rocky S for mega event.

"These are the two designers closest to me. You know, dressing up isn't as important. The event itself is important. Thank god dressing up for the Oscars is more of a media event for women than men.

"There are two main functions - the Oscar ceremony and the governor's ball, which will be hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger. Apparently the attire is as important as these two events. For one I'll wear Narendra's outfit and for the other I'll wear Rocky S. I'll take a call on which outfit for which of the two occasions once I get to LA."

John further revealed: "One outfit will be Indian - a black achkan and the other will be Western - a white slick, lean, slim-fitting suit. Both will be very contemporary in look."

And what if "Water" gets the Oscar? "I'm not even thinking about it."

John has struck a deep bond with his director. "When Deepa was in Delhi to meet her parents I accompanied her. Her parents are really sweet. Deepa has finally realised her dream. I remember when we started shooting 'Water', we never knew it would go so far. It has gone from strength to strength. It's getting a limited release in India. It must be seen by all of us. Deepa has done the country proud."

John is over the moon that superstar Amitabh Bachchan has agreed to do Deepa's next project "Exclusion" with him.

"I've done three other films with him. Aren't I lucky? Deepa has written a beautiful script. 'Exclusion' will require a lot of preparation before it is actually shot ... just like 'Water'. I'll have to go through a lot of workshops."

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