Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov 22: Actor Vivek Oberoi, who started his Bollywood journey with a successful debut, recently opened up about a turbulent phase in his career when he felt sidelined by the industry. In a candid interview with Pinkvilla, Oberoi revealed how he faced professional ostracism in the early 2000s, particularly after his 2003 controversy involving Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai.

Despite critical acclaim for films like Omkara and Shootout at Lokhandwala, Vivek said he was often denied work due to industry politics. “People appreciated my performances, but they couldn’t cast me for fear of ruining their equation with whoever was holding the proverbial strings,” he explained. He added that the situation left him feeling helpless and eventually led to depression.

Oberoi described the industry’s unwritten rules at the time: “‘Samajh ja yaar. Kaun pange lega? (Try to understand. Who would take a risk?)’—that’s what people kept telling me. There is no logic to it. You work hard, perform well, but there’s a lobby controlling everything.”

However, he expressed optimism about the current scenario, citing OTT platforms as game-changers. “The good thing today is that these lobbies are either dead or dying. Talent has become really key. OTT has brought good quality talent in the right way,” Oberoi said, referencing the hit series Ba**ds of Bollywood* as an example of young actors making their mark through sheer talent.

Vivek’s latest film, Masti 4, directed by Milap Zaveri, is currently in theatres. The movie stars Riteish Deshmukh, Aftab Shivdasani, Elnaaz Norouzi, Ruhi Singh, and Oberoi himself.

This candid reflection highlights not just the personal struggles of a Bollywood star but also the evolving landscape of the industry, where talent and content are gradually taking precedence over old-school lobbying.