Before entering the film industry Ram Gopal Varmacompany, Vivek Oberoi experienced a humbling moment that completely changed the way he performed. In a recent interview, the actor revealed that someone had a shoe thrown at him during a college theater production because he didn’t take a small role seriously. He said the incident became one of the biggest turning points in his career and taught him to treat every performance with sincerity, no matter how big or small the role.
Vivek Oberoi recalls life-changing stage incident
Vivek Oberoi, in an interview with CNN-News18, recalled his theater days at Mithibai College and admitted that he initially had a sense of entitlement due to his achievements and family background.Oberoi recalls, “When I was studying at Mithibai College in Mumbai, I tried out for drama competitions. By that time I had several certifications under my belt, so I was pretty confident that I would land the lead role. I’m sure that will happen at least once they know whose son I am. It can be a burden on my shoulders. “Instead, he was cast as a small guard character with no dialogue.“They gave me a useless role with no lines, and I had to stand in the background like a guard, holding a spear. Meanwhile, the guy who got the lead kept forgetting his lines, and I remember them clearly. I was frustrated, thinking, ‘I’ve won all these awards, and you’re still using me as a prop?’ I stood there frustrated, leaning his head on the spear,” he said.The actor revealed that his casual attitude while performing led to unforgettable moments.“Suddenly, a shoe flew towards me. Fortunately, I moved my face and the shoe hit my shoulder and fell behind me. I felt very angry and wanted to rush out.”However, what happened next left a lasting impact on him.“People in front said, you are such a big actor, can’t you do a small thing? Can’t you even stand up? If you can’t even do this, what big role can you play?” This hit me. “Vivek added that the criticisms completely changed his mindset.“From that moment on, I vowed to give my all to any role I played. Before the end of that year, I had played all the major roles.”
Vivek Oberoi on privilege and his father Suresh Oberoi struggle
In the same conversation, Vivek admitted that he comes from a privileged background but stressed that privilege alone cannot build a career.“Privilege gets you introductions, not status,” he said.Vivek, who calls his father, veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, his biggest inspiration, revealed that the veteran actor started his journey with very little.“He comes from a very privileged background and a famous family. He is a nobleman. But when he wanted to start a business, he encountered opposition from his family. He borrowed 400 rupees from a friend and used the money to start his journey to Mumbai. “Vivek also stated that he wanted to go on his own and even dropped his last name early in his career.“I was originally called Vivek Anand. When I finally got my break, I saw tears of pride in my father’s eyes. Those are more valuable than any award I have ever received.”
Vivek Oberoi breaks through with Company
After years of preparation, Vivek made his debut in 2002 with Ram Gopal Varma’s Company. His performance earned him widespread acclaim, making him one of the most promising young actors in Bollywood.He later starred in several successful films including Saathiya, Masti, Yuva, Lokhandwala Shootout, Omkara and Krrish 3, showcasing his versatility in romance, comedy, action and crime thrillers.
Vivek Oberoi at work
Vivek Oberoi, who was last seen in Mastiii 4, will star as Vidyutjiva in Nitesh Tiwari’s masterpiece Ramayana Part 1, alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Sai Pallavi, Sunny Deol, Arun Govil and Yashish. Oberoi will also be seen in Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s “Spirit” along with Prabhas and Triptii Dimri.
