Personal Details
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vivek Anand Oberoi |
| Date of Birth | September 3, 1976 |
| Age | 47 years (2024) |
| Birthplace | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Masters in Film Acting (NYU) |
| Height | 5’10” (1.78m) |
| Languages | Hindi, English, Tamil |
| Religion | Hindu |
Family Information
| Relation | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Suresh Oberoi (Actor) |
| Mother | Yashodhara Oberoi |
| Wife | Priyanka Alva (married October 29, 2010) |
| Children | Two (one son, one daughter) |
| Cousins | Akshay Oberoi, Prithviraj Oberoi |
Early Life and Education
Born into a film family in Hyderabad, Vivek’s early years were shaped by his father’s acting career. His mother hails from a Punjabi business family settled in Chennai, which contributed to his fluency in Tamil. Named Vivekanand after the Hindu monk Swami Vivekananda, he later shortened it to Vivek out of respect when entering the film industry.
His education journey included:
- Mayo College, Ajmer
- Mithibai College, Mumbai
- Masters in Film Acting from New York University
Career Evolution
Breakthrough (2002)
Vivek’s entry into Bollywood came through Ram Gopal Varma’s “Company” (2002). Initially considered “too cute” for the gangster role, he prepared by immersing himself in Mumbai’s slums, eventually convincing Varma of his capability. The film earned him:
- Filmfare Award for Best Debut
- Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor
- Critical acclaim for portraying a gangster
Early Success (2002-2004)
Following his debut, he delivered several successful films:
- “Saathiya” (2002) with Rani Mukerji
- “Road” (2002)
- “Yuva” (2004)
- “Masti” (2004)
Critical Acclaim (2006-2009)
His versatility showed in diverse roles:
- Kesu in “Omkara” (2006)
- Maya Dolas in “Shootout at Lokhandwala” (2007)
- “Kurbaan” (2009)
Career Revival (2013)
Made a successful comeback with:
- “Grand Masti”
- “Krrish 3”
South Indian Cinema
Expanded his horizons with villainous roles in:
- “Vivegam” (2017)
- “Lucifer” (2019)
- “Vinaya Vidheya Rama” (2019)
- “Kaduva” (2022)
Personal Life
Relationships
- Previously dated actress Aishwarya Rai
- Made headlines in 2003 regarding conflicts with Salman Khan
- Married Priyanka Alva, daughter of Karnataka minister Jeevaraj Alva, in 2010
Personal Interests
- Devoted follower of Lord Aiyyappa
- Regular pilgrim to Sabrimala
- Vegetarian diet (inspired by Kareena Kapoor)
- Pet lover (owns two boxer dogs named Duke and Ivy)
Social Activism
Oberoi has been involved in various charitable causes:
- WHO’s anti-tobacco spokesperson
- Relief work for 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami victims
- Received Good Samaritan Award from Rotary International
- Active in Chennai and Mumbai charities
Professional Decisions
Notable career choices include:
- Turning down “Guru” (2006)
- Declining his father’s home production launch
- Focusing on character-driven roles
- Expanding into South Indian cinema
Legacy and Impact
Vivek Oberoi’s career demonstrates:
- Versatility in character portrayal
- Successful transition across film industries
- Balance of commercial and critical success
- Commitment to social causes
His journey from a debut in an unconventional role to becoming a versatile actor across multiple film industries showcases his evolution as an artist and his ability to reinvent himself.
This comprehensive look at Vivek Oberoi’s life and career reveals an actor who has consistently pushed boundaries, overcome challenges, and maintained relevance through strategic choices and versatile performances.