Vivek Oberoi Calls Bollywood Industry ‘Very Insecure Place’, Recalls Being Jobless After Shootout At Lokhandwala
Vivek Oberoi’s journey in the Bollywood industry has been marked by both success and setbacks and in a recent interview, he opened up about the challenges he faced, revealing the insecurities that come with working in the film industry. Despite a career spanning over two decades, Oberoi described the entertainment world as a “very insecure place,” where success and awards don’t always guarantee consistent work.
Speaking to Indian Express, the actor recalled a particularly difficult period in his career following the 2007 hit Shootout At Lokhandwala. Though the film’s success and the viral hit song “Ganpat” had brought him widespread recognition, Oberoi found himself out of work for nearly 15 months. “I expected a lot of offers after the success of the film, but I didn’t get any,” he shared. This unexpected break left him frustrated and uncertain about his future in the industry.
The uncertainty of this period led Oberoi to rethink his approach to life and career. By 2009, he made a pivotal decision to shift his focus towards business. He wanted to build his financial independence rather than relying entirely on the film industry. “I couldn’t accept the idea of selling my soul to secure work,” he said, stressing the importance of maintaining personal values in a competitive, often fickle industry. For him, business became a “Plan B” to ensure his livelihood, while cinema remained his passion. This strategic move gave him the freedom to avoid the pressures of industry politics and maintain control over his career decisions.
Now, after more than 20 years in the industry, Oberoi reflects on the toll that stress and tension once took on him. He admits that the pressure to succeed in Bollywood was never worth the mental strain. “I was stressed about so many things, took so much tension, it was just not worth it,” he explained. Oberoi emphasized the importance of karmic balance in life—doing good leads to positive outcomes, while negativity brings its own consequences. For him, success is not just about external achievements, but also about peace of mind and making the right choices.
With three upcoming films in the pipeline, including Masti 4 with Riteish Deshmukh and Aftab Shivdasani, Oberoi is looking forward to new projects that excite him. Directed by Milap Zaveri, the comedy is slated for release in 2025. The other two projects remain under wraps, but Oberoi’s renewed focus on expanding his business ventures and creative pursuits signals a more balanced and fulfilled phase in his career.
