Cover my bum, says billionaire John Abraham

Bollywood star John Abraham reportedly wants to insure his moneymaker for a sum of Rs100 milion (Dh7.9m), according to reports in the Indian media.

The actor, who is in a relationship with Bollywood hottie Bipasha Basu, follows a precdent set by singer Jennifer Lopez. He would be the first Indian celebrity to do so.

The news follows an announcement yesterday that the actor has signed a Rs1-billion management deal with Mates, the entertainment division of communication firm Madison World -- which leaves the actor with a little pocket change to spend on insuring his assets. Properly invested, that means John could be a rupee billionaire from this deal alone.

Indian companies are not used to body part insurance as it has yet to catch on there, unlike in the West. "But some insurance companies are willing to make an exception for John, Indian newspaper Mid-Day reported, quoting anonymous sources. “[Rs100 million] is a heavy amount of insurance and the premium that he would have to pay for it would be mindboggling. And the star is up for it.”

Abraham, who showed off his assets in his now-famous yellow underpants in “Dostana”, confirmed the news. “I agree that there is an initiative from my side but this is a work-in-progress. I am meeting various people for this. At this point, I would not like to say more,” he told the publication.

Under the terms of the endorsement deal, Mates will now exclusively handle the actor's endorsements, appearances, events, licensing, television tie ups and marketing representation. Abraham managed himself up until now. "Given the buoyant economy and John's brand image and personality many Brands can benefit from an association with him," Madison World Chairman Sam Balsara said in a statement.

Abraham is currently the face of a host of products and services, including LG mobile phones, Yamaha bikes and Castrol engine oil.

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