Vivek Oberoi, who became an overnight sensation with Shaad Ali’s Saathiya, shared he initially rejected the film in a conversation with SCREEN. The Company actor also recalled memories of shooting non-stop for 23 hours and how he used to change in hotel washrooms during the shoot of the film.
Vivek Oberoi was approached for Saathiya while he was shooting for Ram Gopal Verma’s Company. Speaking to SCREEN, Vivek Oberoi said, “Shaad Ali was like a childhood friend. He called me one day and said he wanted to show me something. He showed me the tape of a Tamil film called Alaipayuthey.”
Vivek continued, “He told me he was making that film and wanted me to play Maddy’s role. I was doing Company, so I said no. But by the end of the movie, I was crying and I wanted to do it. I spoke to Mr. Verma, we figured it out, and then finally I signed Saathiya.”
Recalling the vivid details of shooting, when he took naps on benches, Vivek shared, “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,” said the actor.
Vivek, who also faced challenges and professional sabotage in his career due to his infamous feud with big shots of the industry, said fame didn’t change him overnight. He said, “You don’t change overnight. You begin to realise slowly when the fraternity starts showing you respect. It starts to give you more confidence.”
At the time when I joined the industry, it was still about craft and passion, and less about box office numbers. I still don’t know what business Saathiya did. This 1000 crore club culture has come now,” he concluded.
Vivek Oberoi has been married to Priyanka since 2010. She is the daughter of former Karnataka minister late Jeevaraj Alva and reputed dancer Nandini. The couple are parents to a daughter and a son – Vivaan Veer and Ameya Nirvana.
Vivek Oberoi made his web debut with Rohit Shetty’s Indian Police Force this year.
