Vivek Oberoi’s Bollywood journey has been full of ups and downs like an exciting roller-coaster ride. Recently, he opened up about the insecurities of the film industry and recalled the challenging phase where he had to face 14-15 months of unemployment after Shootout at Lokhandwala. He also shared how the constant stress and tension took a toll on him, making it feel more like an exhausting struggle than a rewarding endeavour.
In an interview with The Indian Express, Vivek Oberoi recently talked about the challenges he faces in the Hindi film industry, calling it an unsafe environment. He said, “I have done about 67 projects in 22 years, but the industry is a very insecure place. You can perform well, win awards and make your mark as an actor, but at the same time, You can’t get anything.” Do things for other reasons.”
Despite the success of Shootout at Lokhandwala and the viral hit song Ganpat in 2007, he found himself unemployed for about 15 months. Reflecting on the same, the actor said, “After 2007 when I did Shootout at Lokhandwala, the song Ganpat went viral, I won awards, so I was expecting a lot of offers, but I didn’t get any. I was at home. Baith Gaya 14 to 15 months after the success of the film.”
He also shared that this led him to an important decision in 2009, when he decided to focus on building his economic independence instead of solely relying on the industry. He stressed the importance of not letting outside forces dictate your future or influence your career decisions.
Vivek Oberoi reveals how venturing into business gave him the freedom he was yearning for. He said that cinema will always be his passion, but he sees business as his Plan B for livelihood. This move helped him break free from industry insecurities, avoid pressure to rely on lobbies, or compromise his values.
For him, it was important to maintain his independence, as he could not accept the idea of ’selling one’s soul’ or flattering others just to secure work. This film of Vivek, who is working on three films, reflects his 22 years of Bollywood journey. Emphasizing the importance of karmic balance in life, he shared that the stress and tension he once felt was never worth it.
“I was stressed about so many things, so stressed out, it just wasn’t worth it,” he said. According to him, doing good brings rewards, while negativity has consequences. He also said that success may be visible externally, but it does not guarantee inner peace. Life is about choices, and making the right choices can lead to positive change. He believes that we often blame fate when our own actions shape our path.
Vivek Oberoi, now at the stage where money, fame and success no longer seem life-changing, is focusing on expanding his ventures. On the film front, he has signed three projects including Masti 4, where he stars alongside Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani and Induji. The film, directed by Milap Zaveri, is expected to release in 2025. The other two projects are unannounced, but Vivek is excited about them.
Also read: Vivek Oberoi reveals his childhood girlfriend died of cancer: ‘I was not interested in a serious, committed relationship’
