You drooled over his sexy body in Jism, Dhoom and Paap. Now there is new and raw honour for our John Abraham Bollywood’s hottie is the only Indian to make it to the ‘25 Sexiest Men’ of the world list put together by a large and popular Hollywood network that is viewed in 600 million-plus homes worldwide. Congratulations are in order even though the countdown to the Top 10 and then, the Sexiest Man in the World title, is some time away; only John is stuck in Philadelphia (“forever it looks like!”) shooting for Yashraj and you will have to wait until he returns. The rugged star stands shoulder-to-shoulder alongside other internationally acclaimed male sex symbols like David Beckham (naturally!), Bend it like Beckham coach Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and rugby footballer Dan Carter of New Zealand. The Hollywood network covered the globe in its search for “the sexiest, scorching, beach-bound hard-bodies; delicious hunks that can melt women with their voice and crush ‘em with their sizzling sex appeal”. John fell into the net that was cast across Asia. Interestingly, John’s own definition of sexy is Hollywood actor George Clooney. Why Clooney? “For the strange reason that, at 47, he has perfected the art of ageing beautifully,” replied John who is 36. “I think Clooney’s sex appeal lies in that. Indian actors don’t know how to carry age, we try to be young; look at Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan, they are sexy because they show their age and don’t try to hide it.” His own sexuality, John shyly admitted when asked what rocketed him from Bollywood to Hollywood in the sex stakes, was his individuality. “I don’t know how to be, look, and act like anybody else,” he admitted. But what was physically sexy about him since Hollywood doesn’t score brownie points for individuality? “Well, my smile,” John added reluctantly. “Six packs cannot substitute for honesty on the face.” - T O I