New Delhi:
Vivek Oberoi, who became an overnight sensation with Shaad Ali’s Saathiya, revealed in a conversation with Screen that he had initially rejected the film. The Company actor also recalled shooting continuously for 23 hours and how he used to change clothes in the hotel washroom during the shooting of the film.
When Vivek Oberoi was shooting for Ram Gopal Varma’s Company, he was approached for Saathiya. talking to ScreenVivek 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 further added, “He told me that he was making that film and wanted me to play the character of Maddy. I was doing company, so I said no. But by the end of the film, I was crying and I Wanted to do it. I talked.” Spoke to Mr. Verma, we figured it out and then finally I signed Saathiya.”
Recalling vivid details of the shoot, when he would nap on benches, Vivek shared, “Saathiya was a small budget film and only Rani got a make-up van. I would go to the restaurant bathroom and the hotel washroom and wash clothes. Had to be changed.”
“I did touch-ups on the streets. No one knew who I was. I used to walk with the rest of the crew with a tripod on my shoulder. I shot continuously for 22-23 hours for Saathiya. I was on the bench. I used to keep newspapers and take naps so that I look fresh,” said the actor.
Vivek, who also faced challenges and professional sabotage in his career due to his infamous feud with industry bigwigs, said that fame did not change him overnight. He said, “You don’t change overnight. You slowly start realizing when the fraternity starts respecting you. It starts giving you more confidence.”
At the time I joined the industry, it was all about craft and passion, less about box office numbers. I still don’t know what business Sathiya did. This Rs 1000 crore club culture has arrived now,” he concluded.
Vivek Oberoi is married to Priyanka in 2010. She is the daughter of former Karnataka minister, late Jivaraj Alva and eminent dancer Nandini. The couple are parents to a daughter and a son – Vivaan Veer and Ameya Nirvana.
Vivek Oberoi made his web debut this year with Rohit Shetty’s Indian Police Force.
