VIVEK OBEROI:
I’M VERY CHOOSY ABOUT THE WORK I DO
Vivek Oberoi, who has been acting for over 15 years and has been a part of memorable films such as Company, Saathiya and Rakht Charitra, says he is choosy about the work he does as he likes to distribute his time between family and his philanthropical activities. Last seen on screen in heist comedy Bank Chor, he is gearing up for the release of his Tamil debut film Vivegam.
“I’m still choosy about my work. I like to do one film a year and sometimes even two, but not more. I’m enjoying watching my children grow. I like to spend more time with them. I also have my businesses and charitable organisations that keep me busy,” Vivek said in an interview.
He picks his films after considerable thought.
Asked what drew him towards Vivegam, he said it is director Siva’s passion. “It’s not the first south film I have been offered. I have turned down projects from all the south industries in the past. But when Siva approached me with Vivegam, it took just fifteen minutes to get convinced. I was moved by the passion with which he narrated and I wanted to work with him,” recalls Vivek, adding that he was initially hesitant about foraying into the Tamil industry. “It’s a new language, which means double the effort. The shoot required me to stay away from my kids for a long time in really cold countries. I wasn’t quite sure initially, but Siva’s conviction and faith in his script bowled me over,” he said. The film is named after Vivek, and that made being part of project even more special.On teaming up with Ajith, one of the stars of Tamil filmdom, Vivek said he found a brother in him. “I was touched by his humility. On the first day of the shoot, he walked up to me and thanked me for being part of the project. He referred me as sir and I didn’t know how to react. But I could sense he was really humble and not faking it,” Vivek said.