Meet John Abraham’s Parents: Abraham John and Firoza Irani

John Abraham, celebrated as one of Bollywood’s most charismatic actors, producers, and fitness icons.

He has captivated audiences with his powerful screen presence and versatility in films like Dhoom, Madras Cafe, and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran.

Born on December 17, 1972, in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), India, John grew up in a multicultural, middle-class household that greatly influenced his values and worldview.

From a young age, he showed a keen interest in sports, excelling in athletics and even competing at the district level in the 100-meter dash. His early passion for football and fitness later translated into his identity as one of Bollywood’s most prominent health and wellness advocates.

John’s heritage is a unique blend of cultures. His father, Abraham John, is a Malayali Syrian Christian from Aluva, Kerala, and a professional architect, while his mother, Firoza Irani, is an Irani Zoroastrian, a homemaker and charity worker with roots in Iran.

This interfaith background exposed him to both Christian and Zoroastrian traditions. Although baptized as a Christian and given the Zoroastrian name Farhan, John identifies as spiritual, choosing to embrace values of harmony and inclusivity rather than strictly following one religion.

He grew up with one sibling, his younger brother Alan Abraham, who, like their father, pursued architecture as a career.

For his education, John attended Bombay Scottish School in Mahim before earning a bachelor’s degree in economics from Jai Hind College, University of Mumbai. He later went on to complete his MBA at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies, equipping him with both artistic and business acumen.

While John’s action-hero persona and ventures—such as co-owning the football club NorthEast United FC—have made him a household name, his personal journey reflects the strong values instilled by his parents, Abraham John and Firoza Irani.

Abraham John

John Abraham’s father, Abraham John, hails from Aluva, Kerala, and belongs to the Syrian Christian (Nasrani or Saint Thomas Christian) community, a group with a rich history in South India.

A respected architect by profession, Abraham John has significantly influenced his son’s disciplined and grounded approach to life. His Malayali roots are evident in the naming tradition he followed for his son.

In the Syrian Christian naming system, a child often receives their father’s first name as their surname. Thus, John was given the name John Abraham, with “John” being a biblical name chosen by his father and “Abraham” reflecting the family’s lineage.

Abraham John’s architectural expertise is not just a profession but a family legacy. His younger son, Alan Abraham, also pursued architecture, and both father and son operate their offices adjacent to John Abraham’s JA Entertainment office in Mumbai, reflecting a close-knit family dynamic.

John has often spoken about his father’s resilience, particularly noting his battle with cancer, which inspired the actor to emulate his father’s strength and determination.

Firoza Irani

Firoza Irani, John Abraham’s mother, is a Zoroastrian Parsi with roots in Mumbai’s vibrant Parsi community. Some sources suggest she has familial ties to Iran, with John mentioning in interviews that his mother has 21 cousins in Iran and identifies as a “full Irani” Zoroastrian.

Her Zoroastrian heritage is reflected in the name she gave her son, “Farhan,” which John carries alongside his baptized name, John. This dual naming highlights the multicultural fabric of the Abraham household, where Christian and Zoroastrian traditions coexist harmoniously.

Firoza is a homemaker and a dedicated charity worker, known for her involvement in various philanthropic activities. Her warmth and nurturing nature have been highlighted in public appearances with her son, such as at the P&G “Thank You Mom” initiative in 2013, where John and Firoza played basketball together, showcasing their close bond and her passion for sports.

Firoza’s commitment to charity aligns with John’s own humanitarian efforts, as he actively supports organizations like PETA and Habitat for Humanity. Her influence is evident in John’s disciplined lifestyle and his choice to abstain from smoking, alcohol, and other intoxicants, reflecting the values of health and simplicity she instilled in him.