Mumbai, May 1 (IANS) Director Nagesh Kukunoor recently unveiled the first look of his forthcoming film 'Aashayein' (hope) starring John Abraham. Although the lead man was not present, his parents filling in for him said they have a special bond with the title of the film and the word 'hope'.

John's father, Abraham John, said: 'My father, John's grand father, was a great believer in hope and all through his life believed and preached that even at the darkest of moments of life there is always a ray of hope. Even when he was 95 years old, he kept preaching to everyone to see life as a bright star and not a burden.'

'I am extremely proud of the films that Nagesh makes,' said Abraham John.

John Abraham is currently shooting in Miami for Karan Johar's 'Dostana'.

Immediately after seeing the first look of the film, John's parents called him in Miami and the actor was surprised to known that his parents had attended the function on Kukunoor's request.

In fact, John's parents had suggested to him to do this film after hearing the script.

'Aashayein' is an uplifting drama and the title of the film is inspired by the popular song from Kukunoor's 'Iqbal'.

The film also stars television actress Sonal Sehgal, Vikram Inamdar, Sonali Sachdev, Farida Jalal, Girish Karnad and Anahita Nair - the 'Chak De! India' girl.