Journalism of Courage
When your profession becomes just a routine,then it is time to stop and take note. That’s exactly what actor Vivek Oberoi did two years ago when his film career failed to motivate him anymore. When Rakhtcharitra,a film I had given my entire year to failed to make an impact at the box-office,I was disheartened as well as angry. It was a good film that wasn’t marketed well, says Oberoi. He decided to take a break,not sign more films,instead went on holidays with his wife Priyanka Alva. But he was not willing to give up on Bollywood completely,yet.
During his holidays,the actor continued to read scripts. As I went through various scripts,I realised that the reason I had stopped enjoying films was because I was working without thinking objectively. I decided to do the whole spectrum again and in the process signed a number of films,all different in nature, says Oberoi. The first film he signed following that was Kismet,Love,Paisa,Dilli (KLPD). After that he signed others such as Krrish 3,Sher,Jayantabhai Ki Luv Story,Sher,Grand Masti,Zilla Ghaziabad — a common thread that linked all was the challenge each of his characters posed for him.
In the process,the actor had to learn and unlearn a lot of things,he had to work on his body language,style — which differed with each of his films. I did a lot of mirror work,where for hours I used to rehearse my characters in front of the mirror. I was keen on doing each role to the utmost perfection. In Krrish,I play a completely grey character,in Sher,a macho hero. Grand Masti is over the top comedy. Jayantabhai… is where a bhai or don is put in a Saathiya or Jab We Met kind of situation. Next up,he will also star in Kumar Taurani’s new project,a passionate love story produced by Balaji Motion Pictures and a screen adaptation of a Gujarati play,which he might produce as well.
Today,Oberoi believes that experimentation is the key to survival and success in the industry. After a series of ups and downs,Oberoi is willing to take this path. On a personal front too,Oberoi is having a good run. He is going to be father soon. My sister too is expecting. It is raining babies at the Oberoi household, he gleefully says.
