Vivek Oberoi reveals he refused big launch by Abbas Mustan, dropped his surname. Then Company happened
India Today
In an interview with IndiaToday.in, Vivek Oberoi recalled dropping his last name and refusing a big Bollywood launch. The actor made his debut with Company.
More than two decades ago, the stage was all set for Vivek Oberoi! The actor was set to make his big Bollywood debut with his father Suresh Oberoi's film, written by Abbas Mastan. However, Vivek refused to be a part of the movie and chose a different path for himself. In a recent exclusive interview with IndiaToday.in, Vivek went down memory lane and recalled why he chose a struggler's path instead of a cushy launch.
When Vivek Oberoi was asked about the initial hardships he faced in the industry, he said things were very different when he started out in Bollywood. Giving an example of how the scenario used to be, the actor said, "Back then, it was 'Oh you know lobby. How to get in?' And I refused to go down that path."
Vivek further mentioned how he humbly bowed out of Abbas Mustan's film. "I remember my father signed Abbas Mustan. They were writing a project to launch me. And I had a crisis of conscience and I humbly bowed out of that project. And I told my dad this is mine to make or lose. I am going to go out there and struggle. I dropped my last name," said Vivek.
"I went everywhere as Vivek Anand. I went to [production] offices, waited for 6 to 10 hours in audition queues. After I said no to shooting my dad's production, it took me almost two years, struggling every single day and facing so many rejections, before I got Company. And I was just proud that I made it on my own merit and talent."