Such a long journey home
Sensitive, pragmatic and subdued. The all-new Vivek Oberoi is a far cry from the brash, impetuous young actor who entered the industry a decade ago. “That was then and this is now,” he grins when we bring up the change we’ve spotted in him.
Vivek might have been unable to sustain his original momentum as an actor — which saw him turn in critically-acclaimed performances in films like Company and Saathiya — but is philosophical about it today. “I think it’s normal to up,” he shrugs.
Even as his later films failed to set the cash registers ringing, Vivek became embroiled in the now infamous controversy that involved Aishwarya Rai and Salman Khan. “I got influenced by the people around me and started taking things at face value. It marred the impact that I had created with my films. Suddenly, my life became the focus and my work started going unnoticed,” he says after a thoughtful pause.
Vivek was brave enough to start afresh. How easy or difficult is it to start all over again? “It’s easy for someone like me who comes with a certain lineage and have done some good work in the past,” says Vivek of the process. “But somehow I chose and banked on the wrong films yet again.” He doesn’t deny that the lull affected his confidence.
It was around that time that Vivek’s better half, Priyanka Alva, walked into his life. “Her entry in my life was a blessing. Not only did she make me see reason in every aspect of my downfall, she also helped me pick up the bits and get a hold on my life. I think I lived in the world of illusion and ambitions, but Priyanka brought me back to reality,” he says.
Today, films are a part of his career — not his life, Vivek adds. That’s probably why he seems unaffected by the box office fate of his films. “A lot of people slammed me when KLPD flopped. I agree it was a disaster, but that didn’t affect me one bit. Once I’ve done a film, I don’t take the baggage home,” he says.
Fatherhood is all that Vivek’s focusing on right now. “That’s the role I’m most looking forward to,” he laughs. “I’m looking forward to enjoying the true meaning of happiness. My family now means more to me than whether my films are hits or flops. Becoming a father is far more exciting than any film doing a business of 100-crore.”
Vivek hopes that 2013 will be his year. “Personally and professionally, things look fine. I’m hoping for the best,” he smiles.
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