I do films for passion, not money: Vivek Oberoi
Though Vivek Oberoi has acted in the film Ratha Charithram, it was a dubbed Tamil movie. He is making his actual debut in K’town with Vivegam, sharing screen space with Ajith. The actor’s mom belongs to the famous Mandradiar family of Coimbatore and he calls Chennai as his second home. In an exclusive to DC, he speaks about his role in Vivegam, Ajith’s simplicity, Kajal and Akshara’s immense talent, his cultural connect with the city, social activities, the web series Insider Edge among others.
40 Films in 15 years and debuting in Tamil now: I get a lot of offers from the south, but I am very choosy. It is only out of passion and love for the profession, that I accept films and not for the money. Having said that, basically, I am a family man and love to do household chores like bathing my kids, feeding them, telling stories etc. Also my businesses and social organisations are keeping me busy.
Siva’s soulful narration made me accept Vivegam: Initially, I wasn’t too sure about the offer. Besides learning Tamil, lot of effort was needed for the high-octane action film. Within 15 minutes of director Siva’s passionate narration, I said I am on board. In fact, I hadn’t watched any of his movies until then. Later, I saw Veeram and Vedalam, but Vivegam is a notch higher (smiles). And, when I said I am doing a Tamil film with Thala, all my nieces, nephews and relatives in Chennai were thrilled. And the kind of response from Thala’s fans across the globe was heartwarming.
I am not an antagonist in Vivegam: I play Aryan, Ajith anna’s best friend in the movie. Aryan and AK are international spies and watch the rest on the screen.
Ajith, humility personified: When I first met him in Bulgaria, he came up to me and said, “It is such an honour that you are part of this film and thanks for accepting the movie”. For a moment, I went speechless and was taken aback with his humility and warmth. I told him that it was my honour and also revealed that I was a big fan of his wife Shalini madam and I loved her performance in Alaipayuthey.
Thala is special: While in Serbia, the temperature was freezing -17°C. I would be wearing four-layered clothes. When Ajith anna did that bare body scene in the freezing cold, I was truly impressed and inspired. He would never lock himself in his vanity van when he is not shooting. He would sit and watch others performing on the sets. He would carry a kettle of chai and pour it himself to all including to my assistants. And these qualities make him so special!
On Kajal Agarwal: Kajal’s first film Kyun! Ho Gaya Na was with me, Amitabh Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai. The director was looking for a girl to be cast as heroine’s friend, and he showed Kajal’s picture and asked my opinion, I said, ‘she has big expressive eyes’. In Vivegam, she has done a great job. And today, I am extremely happy about her growth in all the industries.
Akshara — explosion of talent: Akshara is a powerhouse performer. She has chosen a difficult role for her Tamil debut to prove herself. Her dad Kamal, mom Sarika and her sister Shruti should be proud of her.
Not Keen on politics: Though my close kin are in politics, I don’t have any political aspirations. I am into social activities including being the ambassador for Habitat for Humanity, which aims to build homes for the underprivileged, and an initiative ‘Devi’ which works in Uttar Pradesh to prevent and rescue girl children from being pushed into prostitution. In 15 years, I have gained a good rapport with chief ministers, who are ready to support any time. If I am part of a political party, I will only be stuck there!