Vivek Oberoi shares humbling college incident that shaped his acting career

Actor Vivek Oberoi recently opened up about a defining moment during his college years that profoundly impacted his approach to acting. Speaking to CNN-News18, Oberoi recalled being humiliated on stage during a theatre competition at Mithibai College, Mumbai, where a shoe was hurled at him while he performed a minor role. The incident, coupled with a sharp rebuke from an observer, transformed his mindset and commitment to his craft.

A Humbling Experience on Stage

Despite his confidence and a string of accolades, Oberoi was assigned a background role in a college play—a decision that left him frustrated. “They gave me a useless role which had no dialogues. I just had to stand in the background like a guard, holding a spear,” he recalled. His frustration grew as the lead actor repeatedly forgot his lines, which Oberoi knew by heart.

While standing on stage, leaning against his spear in irritation, a shoe was suddenly thrown at him. Although it missed his face and hit his shoulder, the moment was deeply unsettling. An audience member then chastised him, saying, “You are such a big actor, and you can’t even do one small job right? Can’t you even stand straight? If you can’t even do this, what big role will you play?” This criticism struck a chord, prompting Oberoi to rethink his approach to acting. “From then on, I vowed to do any role with full intensity. And before the end of that year, I was doing all the main roles,” he shared.

Choosing Craft Over Glamour

Oberoi’s journey into Bollywood was marked by deliberate choices. Instead of chasing flashy roles often associated with star kids, he sought out respected filmmakers like Ram Gopal Varma. His debut in Varma’s critically acclaimed gangster drama Company (2002) earned him widespread recognition and set the tone for his early career. Oberoi prioritized working with cinematic masters over commercial hitmakers, building an enviable repertoire in his initial years. However, he acknowledged that he couldn’t sustain the same trajectory later in his career.

Privilege and Perseverance

Reflecting on his upbringing as the son of actor-politician Suresh Oberoi, Vivek admitted to being privileged but emphasized the importance of carving out his own identity. “Privilege can buy you an introduction, not an identity,” he said. He revealed that his father, despite coming from a wealthy family, had to borrow Rs 400 to start his career in Mumbai—a story that deeply inspired Vivek. To establish himself independently, Vivek even dropped his surname initially, introducing himself as Vivek Anand.

Oberoi’s candid recollections highlight the challenges of navigating privilege, humility, and perseverance in the entertainment industry. His journey serves as a reminder that even small roles can teach valuable lessons and pave the way for greater opportunities.

Source: Indian Express