Suresh Oberoi recalls struggling for son Vivek Oberoi’s debut: ‘Went door to door’

Vivek Oberoi, son of veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, made his acting debut in Ram Gopal Varma’s 2002 film ‘Company’. Reflecting on this in a recent interview, Suresh spoke about the lengths he went to in order to get his son a shot in the industry, recalling how he carried Vivek’s photographs from one office to another before he finally landed a significant role in RGV’s project.

Suresh Oberoi on convincing Ram Gopal Varma to cast Vivek Oberoi

Speaking to Nidhi Vasandani’s YouTube channel, Suresh recalled, “I had to struggle for him again, went door to door. Like I used to take my pictures, now I was taking Vivek’s pictures.” He shared that he was working alongside RGV at the time, when the director happened to be scouting for an actor to cast in “Company.” When RGV asked to see Vivek’s performance on tape, Suresh remembered that his son had one from his acting institute. “He came home to watch that tape,” Suresh said, adding that RGV was impressed right away.

Vivek Oberoi’s ‘Company’ performance moved Suresh to tears

Although Vivek has featured in numerous films over the years, ‘Saathiya’ alongside Rani Mukerji remains Suresh’s personal favourite among his son’s work. Beaming with pride, Suresh also shared that he was moved to tears after watching Vivek’s performance in ‘Company’.

Vivek Oberoi’s own account of landing ‘Company’

Vivek, however, had offered a different account in an earlier interview with India Today, saying that he bagged ‘Company’ on his own merit and had deliberately avoided using the Oberoi surname, choosing to go by Vivek Anand instead. “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,” the actor had shared.

Vivek Oberoi on RGV’s initial rejection

The ‘Masti’ actor also recalled that Ram Gopal Varma had rejected him for ‘Company’ at first, feeling he came across as “too polished” for the part. To change that impression, Vivek took up space in a nearby slum and got a struggling photographer to take his pictures. Three weeks later, when the director returned, Vivek walked into his office fully transformed into the character, a move that finally convinced RGV to cast him.

Vivek Oberoi’s upcoming project

Up next, Vivek will feature in Nitesh Tiwari‘s ‘Ramayana’ alongside Ranbir Kapoor, Yash, Sai Pallavi and others.