Vivek Oberoi reveals he was unemployed for 19 months after 'Shootout at Lokhandwala'

The Indian actor shares that the lack of job security in the industry pushed him to consider alternative career paths

Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has candidly discussed the pervasive lobby culture in the Indian film industry, which he says led him to pursue business ventures, according to Indian media.

Known for his performances in blockbuster films like Saathiya, Yuva, Omkara, and Shootout at Lokhandwala, he has appeared in fewer films and web series in recent years.

In a recent interview, Oberoi revealed that despite his success, he spent 19 months unemployed after the success of Shootout at Lokhandwala in 2007. He said, “In 22 years, I’ve worked on 67 projects, but the industry is an insecure place. You can be the best actor, but due to lobby culture, you may not get work.”

He further explained that the lack of job security in the industry pushed him to consider alternative career paths. “In 2009, I decided that I shouldn't be entirely dependent on the industry. I wanted financial independence so that my future wouldn’t be dictated by the lobby. I made business my Plan B, while cinema remained my passion,” he added.

He acknowledged that his business ventures provided him with financial freedom, allowing him to distance himself from the pressures of Bollywood. He emphasised that he doesn’t believe in selling his soul or bowing to anyone to succeed.

Over the past few years, Oberoi has worked in films across various languages, including Lucifer, Rustam, and Kaduva. He has also appeared in popular web series like Inside Edge and Dharavi Bank.

His most recent project is Indian Police Force, a police drama series directed by Rohit Shetty, in which he stars alongside Shilpa Shetty and Sidharth Malhotra.