Vivek Oberoi Shares His Struggle to Bag ‘Company’: From Rejection to an Iconic Bollywood Debut
Vivek Oberoi, the talented actor who made his remarkable Bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Varma’s 2002 film Company, recently opened up about his challenging journey to land the role. While his debut catapulted him to fame, the actor’s path to success was anything but smooth. Vivek’s father, veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, had plans to launch him in his own production, but Vivek chose a different route. Determined to make a name for himself based on his own merit, he rejected the offer and opted to carve out his own path.
In a candid interview with SCREEN, Vivek revealed that he was initially turned down by Ram Gopal Varma for the role of Chandu. The filmmaker deemed him “too polished” and “well-educated” to play the gritty, rough-edged slum dweller the story demanded. Despite this initial setback, Vivek’s sheer determination and willingness to transform himself ultimately won him the role and helped him deliver a stellar performance in one of Bollywood’s most celebrated gangster dramas.
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The Rejection
Recalling his first meeting with Ram Gopal Varma, Vivek shared, “I went to meet Mr. Varma, and after seeing my pictures, he rejected me outright. He told me I looked talented but too refined for the character of Chandu. He felt I didn’t fit the mold of a slumdog.” Vivek, however, wasn’t ready to give up. He boldly asked Varma for another chance, but the filmmaker was skeptical. “He said, ‘Why bother? I know you won’t fit the part.’”
An Unconventional Preparation
Determined to prove himself, Vivek decided to take an unconventional approach to prepare for the role. As soon as he left Varma’s office, he didn’t return home. Instead, he headed straight to a nearby slum and rented a small room. For three weeks, Vivek lived in the slum to immerse himself in the character of Chandu.
“I bought a dictaphone and started recording how the boys there spoke, walked, and behaved,” he shared. “It wasn’t just about mimicking their accents; I wanted to understand their nuances, emotions, and struggles.” This immersive method allowed him to bring authenticity to his portrayal, which eventually convinced Ram Gopal Varma to reconsider him for the part.
The Audition That Changed Everything
After three weeks of living in the slum, Vivek arranged for a struggling photographer to take pictures of him in character. “I told him if I made it, he would get to shoot my first magazine cover,” Vivek said, emphasizing his faith in his vision. When the time for the second meeting came, Vivek made a bold entrance to leave a lasting impression.
“I arrived at Mr. Varma’s office dressed as Chandu,” he recalled. “I wore chappals, ill-fitting pants, a torn banyan, and carried a beedi. At the door, I lit up the beedi, kicked the door open, walked in with swag, and pulled up a chair. I threw my pictures on his desk, gave him a death stare, and said nothing.”
Vivek’s raw energy and commitment stunned Varma, who immediately decided that he was perfect for the role. “He stood up and said, ‘You’re doing the film,’” Vivek remembered. Even then, Vivek refused to break character, fearing it might be a test. “He finally told me to stop smoking in his office,” Vivek chuckled.
A Dream Realized
Landing the role in Company was a dream come true for Vivek Oberoi. As a fan of Ram Gopal Varma’s critically acclaimed film Satya, Vivek had always admired the filmmaker’s craft. “Working with Mr. Varma was a dream. He was a great filmmaker, and being part of Company was an incredible experience,” he said.
Company went on to become a milestone in Indian cinema, earning critical acclaim and establishing Vivek Oberoi as a promising actor. His portrayal of Chandu was widely appreciated for its intensity and authenticity, proving that hard work and perseverance can overcome even the toughest challenges.
A Legacy of Dedication
Vivek’s journey to Company serves as an inspiring tale of resilience and dedication. By choosing to reject the comforts of a privileged launch in favor of proving his own worth, Vivek demonstrated his passion for acting and his commitment to his craft.
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Even years after his debut, Vivek continues to work on projects that challenge him as an actor. He was last seen in Rohit Shetty’s web series Indian Police Force and is gearing up for the release of Masti 4. While his journey has had its ups and downs, Vivek’s story is a testament to the idea that hard work, determination, and the courage to take risks can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Final Thoughts
Vivek Oberoi’s experience with Company is a reminder that rejection can sometimes be a stepping stone to success. By stepping out of his comfort zone and dedicating himself to the character of Chandu, Vivek not only earned a coveted role but also proved his mettle as an actor. His inspiring journey continues to resonate with aspiring artists, offering valuable lessons about persistence, adaptability, and the power of believing in oneself.