Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi, known for his roles in Saathiya and Company, recently opened up about a challenging phase in his career, which led him to embrace business as a Plan B. Despite the success of Shootout at Lokhandwala in 2007, Vivek revealed that he was out of work for over a year, prompting him to seek financial independence through entrepreneurship.
A Career Slump Despite Success
In an interview with SCREEN, Vivek shared his struggles with Bollywood’s inner dynamics, describing the industry as “a very insecure place.” He recalled, “After 2007, when I did Shootout at Lokhandwala, the Ganpat song went viral, and I won awards. 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.”
The prolonged dry spell in his career motivated him to shift focus. “It was only around 2009 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,” Vivek explained.
Turning to Business for Independence
For Vivek, business had always been a backup plan. He credited his entrepreneurial pursuits with giving him the freedom to navigate the entertainment industry on his own terms. “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,” he said.
Current Projects
While Vivek Oberoi’s journey as an entrepreneur has empowered him, he continues to balance his passion for acting. He was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s debut web series, Indian Police Force, alongside Shilpa Shetty, Sidharth Malhotra, Sharad Kelkar, and Shweta Tiwari. His upcoming projects include Masti 4, where he will reunite with Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab Shivdasani.
A Lesson in Resilience
Vivek’s story sheds light on the challenges actors face in Bollywood, including the pressures of conforming to industry norms and navigating power structures. By choosing to diversify his professional life, Vivek not only secured financial stability but also retained his creative freedom, setting an inspiring example for others in the industry.
Sources By Agencies
