Discover the actor whose thriving career took a dramatic turn after a single decision influenced by love. He faced industry-wide boycotts and mistreatment from top stars in the film industry.
Life can shift dramatically in a heartbeat, and a single misstep can alter our dreams in unforeseen ways. Once-revered Bollywood icon, this iconic actor rose to prominence with standout performances in Saathiya and Shootout at Lokhandwala. Celebrated as a leading actor in the early 2000s, his journey reflects the unpredictable nature of fame and fortune.
However, a single pivotal decision derailed his career, thrusting him back into a cycle of struggles and setbacks within the industry. Despite his film lineage, the actor encountered numerous obstacles on his path.
Vivek Oberoi, the son of acclaimed actor Suresh Oberoi, revealed in a candid interview that he faced a grueling 18-month struggle before securing his first film role. Reflecting on his journey in a conversation with City Times, Vivek shared, “My family never brought me up being entitled. We were never told that ‘yeh baap dada ki jagir hai, isko le chalo’ (here’s an estate passed on from your father and grandfather, you get to take it forward). I remember my father decided that he was going to launch me in a film project and I had a crisis of conscience on that. I actually opted out of the film. I dropped my last name so I wouldn’t embarrass my father, struggled for 18 months, went door-to-door, doing interviews, and doing auditions and finally got a chance to audition with Ram Gopal Varma.”
On April 1, 2003, Salman Khan held a press conference where he accused Vivek Oberoi of threatening him regarding an alleged affair with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Salman’s former partner.
In a subsequent interview with Hindustan Times, Vivek Oberoi responded, “I’m glad I made it through that difficult time. It was like a trial by fire, and I survived it. But not everyone is that lucky.” He further added, “Looking back, I went through a lot of unnecessary struggles, including dealing with various lobbies and negative stories. It’s one of the darker aspects of our industry. I’ve experienced how frustrating and exhausting it can be. Despite delivering an award-winning performance in Shootout at Lokhandwala, I found myself without work for 14 months.”
Vivek Oberoi later offered multiple public apologies to Salman Khan. In a revealing conversation with Anas Boukhash, Vivek reflected on his experiences, saying, “Every significant relationship imparts a lesson. Tough breakups and toxic dynamics reveal our patterns and what we need to avoid. For instance, I’ve realized that some of us fall into the hero complex—stepping in like a knight in shining armor, thinking, ‘I’ll handle this for you.’”
Recently, the actor disclosed that Akshay Kumar played a crucial role in supporting him during a challenging period. When the entire industry had turned its back on him, Akshay stepped in to listen and offer guidance. He provided practical solutions that not only helped the actor secure work and financial stability but also fostered a positive environment for his career revival.
