The "Madras Cafe" actor has watched "Rocky IV" several times and the film has been a catalyst in getting him become an actor.
"Sylvester Stallone is the reason I got into films. I still remember being awestruck when I watched 'Rocky IV' on the big screen for the first time. I wanted to be like him, the underdog with a tough exterior and a soft heart," John said in a statement here.
The 43-year-old actor pays tribute to his idol in his upcoming film "Rocky Handsome" which is an action-packed thriller by Nishikant Kamat.