Quite easily one of the most handsome denizens of Bollywood, would you believe the fit and fabulous John Abraham is all of 40 today, December 17? 

With his chiseled torso and dimpled smile, the model-turned-actor charmed his way from ramp to reel with a sizzling debut in Pooja Bhatt's Jism, followed by a breakthrough as the original bad guy of the Yashraj franchise, Dhoom only to score his best hits co-starring with Akshay Kumar in films like Garam Masala and Housefull 2. 

From being dismissed as a non-actor to playing unusual characters under the likes of Vishal Bhardwaj (Saat Khoon Maaf), Deepa Mehta (Water) and Anurag Kashyap (No Smoking), John has clearly come a long way.

But there's one thing about the Dostana star, who became a hit producer with 2012's critically and commercially successful Vicky Donor, which hasn't changed a bit -- his rocking shirtless avatars.

Here's to the hunky birthday boy then:

Don't be fooled by his outer appeal.

Besides being one of Bollywood's most calm, fuss-free stars, the man's a mix of brawn and brains.

He's also one of the few actors who've actually completed their graduation.

He acquired a Bachelor of Arts with Honours degree in Economics and then finished his Masters programme in Management Studies from Mumbai Educational Trust only to take up a job as Media Planner before showbiz beckoned.

Although he's always had a smashing physique, John worked out tirelessly to develop a bulky, eight-pack look for his action-packed avatar as a hardboiled cop in Force.

Like that beaten to death phrase goes, if you've got it, flaunt it.

One look at John and you know it's not just applicable to Bollywood's scorching line-up of heroines alone.

Doing his cover boy duties with abandon, John strives to tease and please in little more than a printed sarong in a bid to live up to the 'sex symbol' title.

From Jism to Saat Khoon Maaf, John has always enjoyed a sensual equation with his leading ladies.

And that's what makes his intimate pose with his Paap co-star Udita Goswami even more sultry.

Director Rohit Dhawan cashes on his hero's strapping physique and macho looks to cast him as a stripper in the absurd Desi Boyz.

Despite the moronic storyline, John's pretty convincing in the part.

And to confirm he can be both sexy and for a cause at once, check out the endorsement mug in his hand.

The topless treats continue with his 2013 offering Race 2, a sequel to Abbas-Mastan's topsy-turvy action-thriller co-starring Saif Ali Khan, Anil Kapoor and Deepika Padukone. 

It also marks his return to playing a glossy villain since Dhoom's memorable Kabir.