The actor-businessman Vivek Oberoiwith a net worth of around Rs 1,200 crore, has spoken about the obstacles that forced him to push himself beyond acting, saying he refused to be a “victim” when opportunities ended and instead chose to take control of his own destiny.Speaking on News18, Vivek highlighted the leadership, business, philanthropy and life lessons that have shaped his journey, saying success and failure are both temporary, while purpose and beliefs endure.
‘I had to go from being a victim to being a winner’
Recalling the difficult part of his career, Vivek said that the things he couldn’t handle made him decide to reinvent himself.“When difficulties come into your life and your control begins to close in on you, you have two choices. You may feel depressed, frustrated and depressed. Or you can make it yourself,” he said.The actor explained that he consciously chose to stop seeing himself as a victim.“I always believed that I had to go from being a victim to being a winner. I asked myself, ‘How can I control my destiny?’ If one channel is blocked, what else can I do? I still have my thoughts, my efforts and the knowledge that God has given me.”Sharing the mantra that guided her transformation, she added, “Every day, in every way, I want to be better and better.”
‘A leader creates supporters, not employees’
Having built businesses alongside his acting career, Vivek said that leadership is defined by the ability to bring people together rather than simply directing them.“A leader is someone who takes people on a journey. That’s the big difference between a boss and a leader. A boss gets rid of work. A leader makes people feel like providers and partners in a shared mission,” he said.Taking the example of his business partner at BNW Developments, Ankur Aggarwal, Vivek recalled how Aggarwal turned his life around after losing over Rs 100 crore.“He never gave up. He said, ‘Let’s build something together.’ I just told him that he has the qualities of a founder and a leader.”Vivek also revealed that during the recent business crisis, he decided to quit his job despite financial difficulties.“During the recent crisis, when many companies laid off workers to protect their finances, we decided to try not to lay off even one worker. Hard times affect everyone, not just business owners. That’s what leadership means to me.”
‘I’m just a messenger’
Despite his success in films and business, Vivek said that charity remains the most rewarding part of his life as he sees himself as a way to help others.“I can’t believe that I have done something amazing. I have been lucky that the higher authorities chose me as a doctor. I am not the owner of these good works. I am just a messenger. Blessings were made to reach people, and I saved them,” he said.
Mom changed her mind about success
The actor admitted that the early fame messed with his mind before his mother changed his outlook on life.“Early success can be illusory. When you get applause at a young age, the sound stays with you long after people stop clapping. That’s when you start asking, ‘Why?’ life is always hard.”He remembered being upset in front of his mother, who answered him with a question that changed his mind forever.He said, ‘When you received fame, awards, money and fame at a young age, did you ever ask, ‘Why me?’ That question changed everything.His mother then took him to the cancer ward at Tata Memorial Hospital, where seeing children receiving medical treatment taught him appreciation and motivated him for a long time to help children with cancer.“I just stayed with the children, reading them story books and trying to entertain them.
‘He is a living reward’
Among the moments that were close to his heart, Vivek talked about meeting an eight-month-old baby named Sahara while shooting for Saathiya. When he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, his family was unable to find treatment.With help from doctors and charities, Sahara recovered and is now a healthy young woman.“For me, he is the prize of life. Those moments mean more than trophies, resumes or numbers in my bank account.”
‘Don’t live with success or failure’
When asked what legacy he hopes to leave behind, Vivek said he is not interested in being remembered for being famous.“To tell you the truth, I don’t have the heart to want people to remember me forever. Life is like a testing ground.” Once you write your paper, the result comes later. What matters is what you do while you’re here.”Instead, he hopes to teach his children moral values, including one simple principle inspired by his mother: “Whenever you’re not sure about something, ask yourself: ‘What would Mom say?'”Concluding the discussion with advice for young people who are struggling, Vivek shared a lesson his father gave him.“He said: ‘Don’t live a good life, don’t live a failure. Success doesn’t last. Failure doesn’t last. Don’t panic in bad times. Don’t lose your head in good times. Listen to everyone – but in the end, follow your own path.”