Vivek Oberoi’s 22-year-long career in the film industry has been peppered with ups and downs. But his acting mettle and commitment to his craft has never gone unnoticed. The star put acting on the back burner a couple of years ago to focus on his business instead, accumulating a staggering net worth of over Rs. 1,200 crores. Well, it seems like Vivek’s business acumen is as sharp as ever as he gears up to launch his next venture. Recently, the actor looked back over his time in the film industry, narrating various anecdotes on the sets of Saathiya.
Vivek Oberoi reveals that Rani Mukerji had a makeup van while he changed in restaurant and hotel bathrooms
Vivek Oberoi recently sent for a candid chat with SCREEN’s Dear Me, during which he recalled various anecdotes from his time shooting Saathiya. The actor revealed that the film’s director, Shaad Ali had been his childhood friend. One day, the latter called up Vivek and told him that he had something to show him. It was a tape of the Tamil film, Alaipayuthey. Shaad then announced that he was remaking the movie and thought Vivek would be the perfect fit for the role of ‘Maddy.’
The actor, who was busy shooting Company then, initially declined the offer. However, towards the movie’s end, Vivek, who was sobbing, felt a strong urge to do the film. He then worked things out with Company director, Ram Gopal Verma, and finally signed Saathiya. However, the shooting process was set to be challenging.
As Saathiya was a small budget film, Vivek had to endure many struggles on set. The actor opened up about shooting for 23 consecutive hours and even sleeping on benches for the movie. He further talked about the difference in treatment Rani Mukerji received compared to him. In Vivek’s words:
“Saathiya was a small budget film and only Rani used to get the makeup van. I had to go and change in restaurant bathrooms and hotel washrooms. I did the touch-ups on the streets. Nobody knew who I was. I used to carry the tripod on my shoulder and walk with the rest of the crew. I have shot for 22-23 hours non-stop for Saathiya. I used to put newspapers on the bench and take a nap so that I looked fresh.”
Vivek Oberoi recalls being mobbed by fans on the Saathiya sets
Further in the interview, Vivek Oberoi recalled a harrowing incident when fans mobbed him on the sets of Saathiya. The situation became so tricky that they even had to involve the cops. Vivek narrated:
“April 12 2002, Company released, and that Sunday, we were shooting near Gaiety Galaxy’s railway channel. It is that scene where I am chasing Rani. We started shooting; it was a normal day. By then, Rani was a star, so she had a security guard. Around 11 am-12 pm, suddenly people started shouting Chandu Bhai, and I was very fascinated. From those 4-5 people, almost 2000 people gathered there, and the entire security arrangement went kaput. I was panicking because one day was getting wasted.”
Vivek further reminisced about Shaad’s powerful words at that moment. The director told him to take a moment and acknowledge that he was now a star. Recalling how they had to reshoot the scene with proper police protection, Vivek said:
“Shaad wanted to get me out of there, so he pushed me into Rani’s makeup van and I was looking outside the window. They were shouting the dialogues. Finally, they had to call the cops, and they said I should get out of there. Shaad opened the door, and he was like stop and see this as it is for you. He told me I was a star. Then the cops picked me and put me in the police van and took me like I was some common criminal. Then we shot the same scene next Sunday with proper police protection.”
Vivek Oberoi says Bollywood was about passion and not box office numbers earlier
The interview then asked Vivek Oberoi if that first brush with stardom had changed him. The actor stated that he didn’t change overnight. Rather, the realisation grew slowly as the film fraternity started respecting him. This, in turn, boosted his confidence Vivek further noted how the industry had changed over time. According to him, ‘craft and passion’ were still prioritised when Saathiya was released, with less focus on the box office numbers. Vivek revealed that he still didn’t know what business Saathiya did as the 1000 crore club culture has cropped up now.
What do you think about Vivek Oberoi’s recollections from the Saathiya sets?
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