Vivek Oberoi lived in a slum for three weeks - here's why

Vivek Oberoi lived in a slum for three weeks - here's why

Vivek Oberoi recently hit the headlines for his net worth of Rs 1200 crore. Ina recent interview, he candidly spoke about his journey in Bollywood which had its share of ups and downs. Reflecting on his early career, Vivek revealed that he turned down a film that his father, veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, had planned to launch him with. Instead, he chose to carve his own path, a decision that led to an 18-month struggle filled with rejection and uncertainty.

Speaking to Indian Express, Vivek shared the defining moment when he decided to forgo the secure launch his father offered. He felt a strong need to prove his worth based on merit rather than familial connections. This decision is something he looks back on with pride. He said, “I walked away from that opportunity, struggled for 18 months after that, and faced a lot of rejection, but I am proud of that choice.”

Vivek's journey took a pivotal turn when he auditioned for the Ram Gopal Varma's Company in 2002. RGV initially rejected Vivek who felt that his polished and educated appearance did not align with the gritty character of Chandu, a slum-dweller. However, Vivek was determined to secure the role and requested a meeting with the director to prove his commitment.

Vivek decided to immerse himself in the environment of the character he was to portray. After being told by Varma to wait three weeks for a meeting, Vivek chose not to return home. Instead, he rented a room in a nearby slum, where he lived for three weeks. During this time, he closely observed and recorded the speech and behaviour of the locals to refine his portrayal of Chandu.

Vivek’s dedication to the role went beyond just observation. He enlisted the help of a struggling photographer, promising him the chance to shoot his first magazine cover if he succeeded in securing the role. For his final meeting with Varma, Vivek fully embodied the character of Chandu. He dressed in worn-out slippers, ill-fitting pants, and a torn vest, completing his transformation with a beedi in hand. He arrived at Varma’s office in character, kicked open the door, and threw his character-driven photographs on the director’s desk.

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This intense performance left a lasting impression on Ram Gopal Varma, who immediately offered Vivek the role. Even when Varma asked him to stop smoking in his office, Vivek remained in character, fully committed to his portrayal of Chandu. His dedication ultimately paid off.

Vivek has been missing from the silver screen for a while. He was recently seen in 2019 biographical drama PM Narendra Modi and Rohit Shetty's series Indian Police Force.