Success and failure are transient: Vivek Oberoi
Actor Vivek Oberoi completes 15 years in the film industry this year. The actor, who has been part of various genres of movies over the years, looks back at his fulfilling journey, and says, “It’s been amazing; experiences have been incredible. It was like a roller coaster ride. I think whenever I write my autobiography or a book, it’s going to be an interesting one (laughs).”
Vivek has made fond memories over the years in the industry. Recollecting one of the many incidents, he shares, “When I was shooting for Saathiya (2002), we were enacting a scene where I was chasing Rani Mukerji at Bandra railway station. We were shooting the scene two days before Company (2002) had released. Until then nobody knew who I was, but I remember that day when I was standing there, a group of 4-5 boys came and started shouting Chandu Bhai (Vivek’s character in Company). It was a big rush for me that people recognised me by the name of my character. I remembering signing autographs for them and I even spoke to them. After a couple of hours, the crowds increased and they were all calling out Chandu Bhai. They didn’t know my name, but they just knew the character I played. I was sitting in my vanity van, and Shaad Ali (director of Saathiya), came in, and said ‘Tu star ban gaya bhai’ (You have become a star). That was a defining moment for me.”
Talking about the people he has shares a special bond with, he says, “I had the good fortune of having great equations with people. Akshay Kumar is like a big brother, and even Ajay Devgn, who I have done five films with. Of course, Kareena (Kapoor Khan), Saif (Ali Khan), Riteish (Deshmukh) and Aftab (Shivdasani) are really good friends.”
On the lessons he has learnt through the years and what he takes back from the fraternity, he shares, “I keep telling everybody even when I give motivational speeches to college students and aspiring actors that success and failure are both transient. It’s the nature of life. When people face failure they find it difficult and dwell in it. It’s important to just keep moving forward.”