Vivek Oberoi, who gained recognition in Bollywood with films like Saathiya and Company, has had his fair share of struggles in the film industry.

Despite initial success at the box office, there was a time in his career when he faced months of unemployment. During this period, he realized that success in the film industry is not just about giving good performances but also involves other factors, such as the influence of certain power circles within the industry.

In a recent interview, Vivek Oberoi spoke candidly about his struggles and how the industry’s internal politics impacted his career. He shared that after the success of Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007), he expected a surge of offers and opportunities.

However, despite his achievements, he faced a dry spell, where he didn’t receive any work for 14-15 months. During this difficult period, Vivek decided to look beyond just acting and explore other avenues to ensure his financial independence.

He reflected on his career, noting that over the span of 22 years, he had worked on around 67 projects. Despite this, he found the film industry to be an “unsafe place.” According to Vivek, one could give excellent performances, win awards, and still not get work due to factors beyond an actor’s control. This experience made him rethink his approach to life and career.

Vivek explained that it was at this point that he realized he couldn’t rely solely on films for his livelihood. He needed to build his financial freedom and not be dependent on the industry’s whims. He wanted to avoid a situation where his career was dictated by a lobby or where he had to face threats or undue pressure. Thus, he made the decision to diversify his income sources and turn to business as a backup plan.

His venture into business provided him with the financial security he needed, and it allowed him to step out of the influence of Bollywood’s internal power structures.

He acknowledged that cinema would always be his passion, but his livelihood would come from his business ventures. This shift gave him the freedom to continue pursuing his love for acting without being vulnerable to the industry’s politics.

Vivek Oberoi emphasized that compromising his principles or indulging in flattery was never the right way for him. He wanted to maintain his dignity and follow a path that allowed him to thrive both personally and professionally. By establishing himself as a businessman, Vivek was able to break free from the pressures of the industry, gain independence, and focus on his craft without worrying about the politics that often define Bollywood.

Vivek’s story highlights the importance of self-reliance and the courage to step away from the traditional path of an actor when faced with adversity. His experience sheds light on the darker aspects of the industry and the need to protect oneself from external influences while following one’s passion.