Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi is one of the most successful entrepreneurs ever produced. A seasoned actor inverted businessman spoke exclusively LIVEMINT’S SOUK MUKHATHYAY.
From RGV, Indra Kumar and Vishal Bhardwaj to Rchessh Roshan – you worked through different genres. What is your favorite genre?
It is not easy to determine the favorite genre, because the complexity and function of the role in the script, the script itself, dictates how you feel when playing this character. I enjoyed working with all of them and working with them across genres. The funniest thing I had is to work on comedies because they are the lightest, simplest and fun to go through.
The most demanding are always action films and darker roles. It’s not just an action, but it’s also waiting, setting, effort and time that takes. The most fulfilling genres allow you to expand your performance area as an actor.
You worked in the south – all 4 languages. How did it differ from the Hinde industry?
South India has a unique and incredible cinema culture. Given the tradition that in the past they have smaller budgets, especially in Malayalam, filmmakers work extremely hard to build not only scenarios but also on every scene, creatively compensate for the lack of financial budgets.
Also read Vivek Oberoi and family visit Maha Kumbh 2025 in prayer
This remained rooted into their system with money still today, and therefore most South Indian films are deeply engaging and entertaining focus not only on the whole script, but also on the value of each scene entertainment.
Like Manmohan Desai’s & Prakash Mehra’s of the Day, another interesting thing about the South Indian cinema is that his professionalism is on the next level. In Hindi we usually start a day with shooting. When I work in the south, they shot the scene before breakfast. And this commitment starts from the top to the bottom of the pyramid.
What is your view of the OTT Revolution? You were one of the first Bollywood stars to appear on OTT with Inside Edge.
I believe that OTT is simply the biggest point of turnover that the entertainment industry has experienced in decades. He opened a fair place for narration and gave the actors, writers and directors a chance to experiment without much restrictions on the creativity and pressure of the cash register.
Unlike movies that require you to portray your character’s path in a range of two hours, OTT allows episodic narration, giving the actors a wider range to explore complex arches. This is what I liked most on my journey Ott.
I was lucky to be part of Inside Edge at a time when OTT was still uncharted in India. It was a risk, but I have always believed that you are growing when you step out of your comfort zone.
Today, OTT platforms not only provided opportunities for actors, but also for techniques, writers and filmmakers who would not otherwise have the same visibility.
Also read | This actor gave up acting, operates 10,000 crore – it’s not Vivek Oberoi
Do you watch IPL in conjunction with Inside Edge? Which team do you support this season? What are your expectations from IPL 2025?
I grew up and watched cricket, it’s more than just a sport for me. Sachin Tendulkar has always been an idol and my love for the game is also evident in my businesses. My company, BNW Developments, was proud to sponsor the India Masters team in the Masters League International League, where India won victory and saw the cricket wearing our logo on his chest was one of the best return I’ve ever witnessed.
Cricket definitely holds a special place; In particular, IPL is a very engaging platform. I just enjoy watching sport, it is about watching an incredible talent. In fact, BNW connected with Starzplay and Noon, who are broadcast networks for IPL in UAE. And we are amazed at the love we have so far received through these networks and people of UAE.
Vivek Oberoi on ‘What is the Secret?’
From movies to a meeting room, what caused your way to business?
Creativity and business are not separate worlds. My first business exposure was like a child when my father gave me goods for sale during the summer breaks.
This instilled a deep understanding of the creation of values, negotiations and financial responsibilities from a very young age. Acting gives you visibility, but what you do with this visibility defines your link.
What inspired you to enter the luxury real estate space to the UAE?
The UAE placed as an epicenter of global luxury. I saw it as a market for exponential potential, which can act as a launchpad for ideas, not only for returns, but to create something unique.
This is also much before the world in terms of the pace of infrastructure development and innovation. The intention is to build houses that redefine luxury life-nails in terms of aesthetics, but in an experiential, exclusive and long-term investment.
Also read | Vivek Oberoi reveals his starting of 3,400 GBP to add fuel his “passion”
Looking at the overall market market, the report suggests that the total value of real estate transactions across the UAE has reached approximately 893 billion AED (over £2 lakh crore) by the end of 2024.
It was this optimal business environment that has seized BNW development to scalance at 20 billion AUD AED ( £45,000 crore) in less than 3 years, although it was a zero debt company.
How do you export your identity as a public figure with a growing business portfolio?
This is not a separate identity; Both are part of who I am. Everything I do, whether in movies or business, comes from a place of passion and authenticity.
At the end of the day, whether it is a film, launch or a project of real estate, you have to put to work. Success is not just about being in the right place at the right place; The point is that the correct decisions consistently make the right decisions.
Solitario gained recognition in a luxury jewelry store. What was your vision to start?
The world is undeniably moving towards conscious luxury. The diamond market grown laboratory offering a sustainable and conflict alternative is perfectly placed to satisfy this demand.
Solitario was born from this idea-an excellent craftsmanship, top technology and steadfast sustainability. We do not only create jewelry; We create a future where luxury of uncompromising ethics.
Here in India, the diamond market is prepared for even more dramatic growth, with estimates indicating a potential four -fold increase in the next decade.
You have invested in technical and educational companies. What leads your interest in these sectors?
Education is the largest multiplier. It is not just an individual growth; It is a multiplier of impact that increases communities and economics. I worked with the start of education, which provided loans without collateral, and we expanded them to more than 12,000 institutions throughout India.
My business, Ischolar, was born with a single mission to combine high-quality students with students wherever they are, and pass on excellent education using internet interactive tele-educational platforms. It is an initiative of the national importance of highly qualified and qualified teams of educators, technologists and professionals.
OTT has a truly democratized creative content
Tech, on the other hand, is a great equalizer. Whether it is Edtech or technology, they have the power to bridge gaps and create opportunities on a scale.
My investment in these sectors is not just a business – it is about building ecosystems that lead to real change.
Finally a net fortune £1200 crore: What is the secret?
For me it has always been about how to stay curious, intelligent risks and constantly question the status quo. I am firmly believers in “profit with the purpose” – that the real success lies in collective growth, when lifting others when you climb.
I watched what excites me, whether it be a deal, business or exploring new industries. Diversification, both in business and thinking, is crucial. Finally, it is about adaptation, learning and implementation. Building something meaningful and success will follow.
I do not measure my ambitions in money units at a point, there is a marginal usefulness of money. What I am ambitious is a scalable impact.
Catch all commercial reports, intelligence violations and the latest update of the Live Mint. Download Mint News and get daily market updates.
Business Newsnewstrendscinema, Criket and Capital: Vivek Oberoi will honestly build on building pure fortune 1,200 croreMoreLess (Tagstotranslate) vivek Oberoi Clean fortune
