John Abraham's 'Publisher' Avatar
- IndiaGlitz, [Monday,August 01 2005]
From making news to breaking it, John Abraham wants to start a newspaper of his own. "It's just an idea right now. But I'm very serious about it," he says.
"I've already spoken to people about it. I have been going through brainstorming sessions. I realize there's stiff competition.
"I believe two other newspapers are coming up from Mumbai over the next two months. But what I have in mind isn't just a routine paper, nor do I want to be in competition with any of the existing ones," Abraham says.
So what does John wish to do in the publishing industry? "I don't think I want to publish a daily... Maybe a Sunday paper."
That slot is vacant. "But one thing is for sure," Abraham says. "It will cater to a very, very niche readership. I don't want to do an all-purpose newspaper."
The idea of a film industry stalwart starting a newspaper isn't new. Sometime ago, Ram Gopal Varma was very serious about his own trade magazine.
He felt the existent trade magazines didn't give a completely true picture of the actual facts and figures at the box office.
But Ramu got so busy with his movies that he forgot his journalistic aspiration.
"Not me," promises John. "I'm dead serious about my newspaper. It's only the nitty-gritty that needs to be worked out. It can be about showbiz, or a judicious mix of show-world and the real world... or it can show the show-world as real as it gets."
An insider view of the industry sounds interesting. After all journalists forever spend their time commenting on what goes on in the entertainment industry. Why not the view from the other side?
"It's an interesting other-view," admits John. "And very unique. I'll probably have a clearer picture of what kind of a paper I want to publish once I have a team in place.
"One thing is for sure. Lack of time won't stop me from going ahead with this idea. Look at how many things Mr Bachchan manages at the same time," says the Big B admirer.