This is an archive article published on December 4, 2024
Vivek Oberoi says he became a businessman after facing Bollywood lobbies: ‘They can’t decide my future, my livelihood is…’
In an exclusive interview, Vivek Oberoi speaks about facing lobbies in the Hindi film industry and how he refused to succumb to them, choosing to turn an entrepreneur by profession and actor by passion.
Actor Vivek Oberoi burst on the screen with films such as Company and Saathiya. Establishing himself as an actor who can play the boy-next-door and a dreaded gangster with the same ease, it appeared that the actor was here to stay, but in Bollywood, things can be ephemeral despite talent and hard work. The actor faced a dull phase despite his films working and had to sit at home for a long period of time. Vivek, however, had his Plan B in place all along. Twenty-two years later, Vivek is a successful entrepreneur running multiple businesses across industries, which he juggles with his film career. He lives in Dubai and keeps his passion for acting alive still. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, the actor revisits his journey, and his Chocolate Boy era, and also reveals how he had to switch to business to counter the efforts of a lobby that existed within the industry.
Talking about facing concerted efforts against him in Hindi film industry, Vivek shared, “I have done about 67 projects in 22 years, but the industry is a very insecure place. You could be performing well, winning awards, and doing your job as an actor, but at the same time, you can get no work for other reasons. After 2007 when I did Shootout At Lokhandwala, the Ganpat song went viral, I won awards, so I expected a lot of offers, but I didn’t get any. I sat at home for 14 to 15 months after the success of the film. It was only around the 2009 mark when I decided I didn’t want to be completely dependent on this but build my economic independence. I didn’t want to be in a situation where a lobby could decide your future. Somebody could bully you into doing something because they controlled things.”
Sharing how venturing into business gave him the independence he always needed, Vivek also added, “Business was always a Plan B, and I decided cinema will be my passion. My livelihood should be my business, which helped me earn my independence and get out of that whole trap of lobbies, or having to sell your soul or suck up to somebody that is no great way to live at least for me. Some people make a living out of it but for me, that’s not the case.”
Currently, Vivek has three films in the pipeline and is promoting his firm Solitario that sells lab-grown diamond jewelry. But sharing one lesson he has learned through his 22-year-long journey in Bollywood, the actor says, “I was stressed about so many things, took so much tension, it was just not worth it. Life finds its way to sort it out, there is a karmic score — you do good, you will get that back; if you do bad, you will receive it too. Somebody may seem very successful and important, but inside he could be empty, sad, and lonely, that’s their score. Life is about choices, even today if you choose good, your life will start changing from tomorrow. It is we who don’t do things then we blame god and destiny. It’s more like we have become human doings rather than human beings.”
He also added, “I am at an age and stage in my life where money, fame, success, glory are something I have seen a lot. So it’s not life-changing anymore.” Sharing further updates on his professional front, Vivek said, “On the business front, I am taking Solitario public early next year, I want to go global with it. On the film front, I have three movies signed up, the first one is Masti 4. I am having a lot of fun cracking up between me, Riteish, Aftaab, and Induji, Milap Zaveri is directing it. It’s been 20 years since the first one, a lot of friends are coming together. We are shooting in March or April so I guess it should release in 2025. The other 2 are not announced yet but I am excited about them.”
Nawaz Javed Kochra is a seasoned entertainment journalist at The Indian Express Online, bringing nearly a decade of expertise to the forefront of cultural reporting. With a focus on the television and Over-The-Top (OTT) landscapes, he has established himself as a prominent voice in the industry, known for his high-profile celebrity interviews and insightful coverage of the Indian entertainment sector.
Experience & Career
Nawaz holds a Master of Arts in Communication and Journalism from Mumbai University, providing him with a rigorous academic and ethical foundation. In his 11-year career, he has navigated through several of India's leading media houses, building a portfolio that spans digital, print, and broadcast media:
The Indian Express: Currently leads coverage of TV and OTT content, producing both written analysis and popular video interview segments.
Former Roles: He began his career at the iconic Stardust Magazine and later held key positions at Zoom TV, Zee Multimedia, MissMalini, Bollywood Bubble, and Raindrop Media.
Expertise & Focus Areas
Nawaz’s beat is characterized by a blend of exclusive access and trend analysis. His core areas of expertise include:
Reality Television: Specialized coverage of major franchises like Bigg Boss, providing behind-the-scenes insights and winner profiles.
OTT Ecosystem: Tracking the shift from traditional cable to digital streaming platforms, with a focus on web series and digital premieres.
Celebrity Profiles & Interviews: Nawaz is celebrated for his ability to foster candid conversations with industry stalwarts, from music composers like Amaal Mallik to other TV legends.
Investigative Entertainment News: Reporting on sensitive industry developments, including legal disputes and personal stories of resilience within the acting community.
Authoritativeness & Trust
With a reputation built on years of networking and credible reporting, Nawaz Kochra is a "known face" in the Mumbai media circuit. His work at The Indian Express adheres to the publication's "Journalism of Courage" standard, ensuring that even entertainment reporting is approached with accuracy, sensitivity, and transparency. His educational background and extensive tenure across diverse media platforms provide him with the authoritative perspective required to analyze the rapid evolution of Indian show business. ... Read More
Vivek Oberoi opened up on facing heartbreaks. (Photo: Vivek Oberoi / Instagram)