Showing posts with label Priyanka Alwa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Priyanka Alwa. Show all posts
Bollywood welcomes Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
8:06 AM
MUMBAI MIRROR (January 19, 2018)
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is on a six-day visit to India, had a power breakfast with business leaders in Mumbai on Thursday. In the evening, he met with members of the Hindi film industry at the ‘Shalom Bollywood’ event held in a SoBo five star on Thursday.
The guests started arriving at the venue around 8.30 pm with Amitabh Bachchan, alongside son Abhishek and daughter-in-law Aishwarya Rai, was among the early birds. Vivek Oberoi with wife Priyanka Alwa, lyricist and Central Board of Film Certification Chief Prasoon Joshi, filmmaker Karan Johar, Tanuj Garg and veteran adman Prahlad Kakkar were on the guestlist too.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis welcomed Netanyahu in his speech, referring to Mumbai as the “entertainment capital of India” and added that the Maximum City will always have a special place in Global Cinema.
“Raj Nayak was amongst the first to address the audience and was followed by Bachchan, who spoke about Indian cinema and it’s growth,” informs a source from the event.
Netanyahu and his wife are reportedly set to return to Israel today.
It was like a fatwa was issued against me from the powers that be-Vivek Oberoi
8:04 AM
The
actor who was once forsaken by the industry on reinventing himself,
finding comfort in philanthropy and how family time is non-negotiable
Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; September 17, 2017)
Once an industry pariah, 41-year-old Vivek Oberoi is “not defined by how people perceive” him any more. The actor, who clocks 15 years in the industry, of which the last few have been less active, recently surfaced playing the negative lead in the web series Inside Edge and the Tamil movie Vivegam, which crossed the Rs 200 croremark at the box office. When Mirror caught up with him at his Juhu home, he’s readying for a TV appearance. We are offered a corner couch in the L-shaped hall on the ground floor of his bungalow. Soon, the actor emerges from a metallic elevator and suggests we conduct the interaction, while he gets his hair and makeup done. Before we settle down, we can’t miss his book collection. Two titles stand out — How to read a film and a coffee table volume, Bollywood. Some would argue that his career would’ve taken a different turn had he read the second before the first.
Oberoi’s latest avatar in Inside Edge, that of a ruthless owner of a sports management company, has resonated with many and marked his second innings of sorts. He claims to be “the first mainstream actor to jump into the medium”. “I realised this is the beginning of the future,” he says of video-on-demand players. Since his character on the show channels a more nuanced evil, it required him to be “measured and deliberate with his body language” and introduce “pauses at odd points in dialogue”. “The idea was to be so confusing that one feels uncomfortable around him. When Karan Anshuman (the creator of the show) narrated the character to me, he was worried it was too dark. But I told him my only reservation was that it wasn’t dark enough.” Another recent success for him is Tamil superhit Vivegam — a project he calls “gratifying” and “challenging”. “I had to speak in a language I didn’t understand and yet be convincing,” he says of the thriller, which stars Ajith Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal.
That we don’t see much of him now is for his “selective approach to work”. His priorities, in order of importance, are family, charity, films and business. “It so happened that between 2012-13, when Vivaan was born, I only saw him growing up in the cradle. I’d return late at night and missed all the landmark moments that I will never get back. I was making so much money, but felt empty,” he says, as the hairdresser sprays his hair to hold it in place. “Give me more height,” he says, requesting the stylist to puff up his hair, raising his palm over his slick hairdo.
Oberoi, who debuted with the noir hit Company, which won the Filmfare award for Best Debut and Best Supporting Actor, straddled genres from the beginning. With Saathiya, he established his ability to sink into romance; with Masti, he played to front bencher seetis. But his dream run came to a halt, following a public bout with superstar Salman Khan and he became “the guy nobody was supposed to work with”. “It was like a fatwa was issued against me from the powers that be,” he says. But not everyone agrees with this. “To what extent Salman blacklisted him from the industry is a matter of conjecture. It’s easy to assume that he used his clout to ask people to exclude Vivek from projects. But then, Salman didn’t get along with Ranbir Kapoor and John Abraham either and they’ve both got work through the years,” says an acquaintance of Vivek’s.
The various setbacks that marred his career seems to be a topic Oberoi is prepared for and he leans in to reflect on them. “When my personal life got messed up, I couldn’t keep my eye on the ball,” he says of his “difficult phase”. “Even if I gave a hit, work wouldn’t follow. Shootout At Lokhandwala became a huge hit, but I sat at home for a year after that.” Apart from projects Oberoi was denied, there were also those he refused which could’ve catapulted him from his slump. “Vivek only chose the worst films. He let go of Hum Tum, Bunty Aur Babli and Om Shanti Om. If your films are successful, people work with you, regardless. Vivek had 9 to 10 flops in a row,” an industry insider tells us. Oberoi is quick to refute that he was ever offered Bunty Aur Babli and says he had valid reasons for refusing the others. “Hum Tum was offered to me on the exact same day that I was supposed to begin shooting for Kisna, which was delayed since I had an accident during Yuva. Some things were just not meant to be.” He refused Om Shanti Om because he was also working on Shootout at Lokhandwala and “didn’t want to play a negative character again”. Director Indra Kumar, who gave Oberoi his first 100-crore hit, Grand Masti, the second in the Masti franchise, feels the actor “hasn’t got his due as luck didn’t favour him”. “If you select wrong subjects, films or directors, your luck will run out. Aamir [Khan] gave seven flops before doing Dil, after which, he never looked back,” says Kumar.
That Oberoi’s public perception has been coloured by media reports brings us to his relationship with the press. Senior journalists who’ve followed his career allege that he’s had ‘attitude problems’. Even before his debut, a reporter remembers Oberoi demanding a frontpage coverage for an interview. “I am sure that if people found me difficult at that time, I probably was,” he says with a smile. But he adds that he’s maintained a symbiotic relationship with the media. “My PR agency may have requested for a prominent display, but I never have. Also, even if an actor does, I don’t think that’s wrong because media houses ask actors to visit Ganesh pandals or other events. It works both ways.”
As the makeup artist covers up his crow’s feet, Oberoi shares his grouse with industry folk. “Everything is personal, be it success or failure,” he says, sounding almost exasperated. “People can be supportive but at the end of the day, the fight is yours. If you break down, the game is over.” Luckily, before Oberoi could crack, he found solace in charity. He remembers the defining moment when he was “wallowing in self pity”, following a string of flops, and his mother took him to the pediatric wing of Tata Memorial Hospital to meet five-year-olds, who were fighting cancer. “Seeing the smiles on their faces, I realised that my problems were nothing, and I had no right to crib about my life.” The actor instantly swore to use his celebrity status to make an impact. His Project DEVI (Development and Empowerment of Vrindavan Girls’ Initiative) has cared for 2000 minors in the last nine years, even earning him a place in Forbes’ Top 40 philanthropists under 40.
Another life-turning event was his marriage to Priyanka Alwa. He remembers the first time they met. It was his parents who set them up. “We chatted for seven hours and there was a 40-minute silence, which didn’t feel uncomfortable,” says the actor, who was sure he had found his partner the very same day. “Marriage can be a window to your ownself. You think ‘I am not like this’ and then your wife says ‘No, you are’ and it helps in course correction or just appreciating who you are.” Before Oberoi leaves for his meeting, he has a question for us. “Tell me, who was the biggest star in 1956?” he asks, almost certain he wouldn’t get an answer. “Forget knowing, would you even care? No matter how big a star you become, how many awards you win, I know now that it doesn’t last.”
Once an industry pariah, 41-year-old Vivek Oberoi is “not defined by how people perceive” him any more. The actor, who clocks 15 years in the industry, of which the last few have been less active, recently surfaced playing the negative lead in the web series Inside Edge and the Tamil movie Vivegam, which crossed the Rs 200 croremark at the box office. When Mirror caught up with him at his Juhu home, he’s readying for a TV appearance. We are offered a corner couch in the L-shaped hall on the ground floor of his bungalow. Soon, the actor emerges from a metallic elevator and suggests we conduct the interaction, while he gets his hair and makeup done. Before we settle down, we can’t miss his book collection. Two titles stand out — How to read a film and a coffee table volume, Bollywood. Some would argue that his career would’ve taken a different turn had he read the second before the first.
Oberoi’s latest avatar in Inside Edge, that of a ruthless owner of a sports management company, has resonated with many and marked his second innings of sorts. He claims to be “the first mainstream actor to jump into the medium”. “I realised this is the beginning of the future,” he says of video-on-demand players. Since his character on the show channels a more nuanced evil, it required him to be “measured and deliberate with his body language” and introduce “pauses at odd points in dialogue”. “The idea was to be so confusing that one feels uncomfortable around him. When Karan Anshuman (the creator of the show) narrated the character to me, he was worried it was too dark. But I told him my only reservation was that it wasn’t dark enough.” Another recent success for him is Tamil superhit Vivegam — a project he calls “gratifying” and “challenging”. “I had to speak in a language I didn’t understand and yet be convincing,” he says of the thriller, which stars Ajith Kumar and Kajal Aggarwal.
That we don’t see much of him now is for his “selective approach to work”. His priorities, in order of importance, are family, charity, films and business. “It so happened that between 2012-13, when Vivaan was born, I only saw him growing up in the cradle. I’d return late at night and missed all the landmark moments that I will never get back. I was making so much money, but felt empty,” he says, as the hairdresser sprays his hair to hold it in place. “Give me more height,” he says, requesting the stylist to puff up his hair, raising his palm over his slick hairdo.
Oberoi, who debuted with the noir hit Company, which won the Filmfare award for Best Debut and Best Supporting Actor, straddled genres from the beginning. With Saathiya, he established his ability to sink into romance; with Masti, he played to front bencher seetis. But his dream run came to a halt, following a public bout with superstar Salman Khan and he became “the guy nobody was supposed to work with”. “It was like a fatwa was issued against me from the powers that be,” he says. But not everyone agrees with this. “To what extent Salman blacklisted him from the industry is a matter of conjecture. It’s easy to assume that he used his clout to ask people to exclude Vivek from projects. But then, Salman didn’t get along with Ranbir Kapoor and John Abraham either and they’ve both got work through the years,” says an acquaintance of Vivek’s.
The various setbacks that marred his career seems to be a topic Oberoi is prepared for and he leans in to reflect on them. “When my personal life got messed up, I couldn’t keep my eye on the ball,” he says of his “difficult phase”. “Even if I gave a hit, work wouldn’t follow. Shootout At Lokhandwala became a huge hit, but I sat at home for a year after that.” Apart from projects Oberoi was denied, there were also those he refused which could’ve catapulted him from his slump. “Vivek only chose the worst films. He let go of Hum Tum, Bunty Aur Babli and Om Shanti Om. If your films are successful, people work with you, regardless. Vivek had 9 to 10 flops in a row,” an industry insider tells us. Oberoi is quick to refute that he was ever offered Bunty Aur Babli and says he had valid reasons for refusing the others. “Hum Tum was offered to me on the exact same day that I was supposed to begin shooting for Kisna, which was delayed since I had an accident during Yuva. Some things were just not meant to be.” He refused Om Shanti Om because he was also working on Shootout at Lokhandwala and “didn’t want to play a negative character again”. Director Indra Kumar, who gave Oberoi his first 100-crore hit, Grand Masti, the second in the Masti franchise, feels the actor “hasn’t got his due as luck didn’t favour him”. “If you select wrong subjects, films or directors, your luck will run out. Aamir [Khan] gave seven flops before doing Dil, after which, he never looked back,” says Kumar.
That Oberoi’s public perception has been coloured by media reports brings us to his relationship with the press. Senior journalists who’ve followed his career allege that he’s had ‘attitude problems’. Even before his debut, a reporter remembers Oberoi demanding a frontpage coverage for an interview. “I am sure that if people found me difficult at that time, I probably was,” he says with a smile. But he adds that he’s maintained a symbiotic relationship with the media. “My PR agency may have requested for a prominent display, but I never have. Also, even if an actor does, I don’t think that’s wrong because media houses ask actors to visit Ganesh pandals or other events. It works both ways.”
As the makeup artist covers up his crow’s feet, Oberoi shares his grouse with industry folk. “Everything is personal, be it success or failure,” he says, sounding almost exasperated. “People can be supportive but at the end of the day, the fight is yours. If you break down, the game is over.” Luckily, before Oberoi could crack, he found solace in charity. He remembers the defining moment when he was “wallowing in self pity”, following a string of flops, and his mother took him to the pediatric wing of Tata Memorial Hospital to meet five-year-olds, who were fighting cancer. “Seeing the smiles on their faces, I realised that my problems were nothing, and I had no right to crib about my life.” The actor instantly swore to use his celebrity status to make an impact. His Project DEVI (Development and Empowerment of Vrindavan Girls’ Initiative) has cared for 2000 minors in the last nine years, even earning him a place in Forbes’ Top 40 philanthropists under 40.
Another life-turning event was his marriage to Priyanka Alwa. He remembers the first time they met. It was his parents who set them up. “We chatted for seven hours and there was a 40-minute silence, which didn’t feel uncomfortable,” says the actor, who was sure he had found his partner the very same day. “Marriage can be a window to your ownself. You think ‘I am not like this’ and then your wife says ‘No, you are’ and it helps in course correction or just appreciating who you are.” Before Oberoi leaves for his meeting, he has a question for us. “Tell me, who was the biggest star in 1956?” he asks, almost certain he wouldn’t get an answer. “Forget knowing, would you even care? No matter how big a star you become, how many awards you win, I know now that it doesn’t last.”
The Serbians are honest and welcome Indians with open arms-Vivek Oberoi
4:25 PM
For centuries, straddling the boundaries between the East and the West, the territory of Serbia has been divided among the Eastern and Western halves of the Roman Empire, then between Byzantium and the Kingdom of Hungary, and in the early modern period between the Ottoman Empire and the Habsburg Empire. These overlapping influences have resulted in cultural varieties throughout Serbia. The country’s capital Belgrade is characteristic of the Balkans, the Mediterranean and the Orthodox Church, and is covered in culturally significant monuments, five of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Actor-businessman Vivek Oberoi who is presently shooting in the European country shares his experiences:
History lessons
This is my first visit to Serbia and I’m happy it’s a 40-day schedule for my Tamil film Vivegam. The production unit worked really hard getting the requisite permission and now we have a very supportive government on our side. I’m a history buff and followed the country’s political and demographical evolution from the Celtic times, through the Ottoman Empire to the Second World War. Serbia was India’s strong strategic partner in the non-aligned movement, when the country was still Yugoslavia. Like us, Serbians are traditional in their thought, have strong family bonds and extremely proud of their heritage and culture.
Brrr, it’s minus 12 degrees!
Shooting in minus 12 degrees is difficult, and night shoots are colder. We get sunlight for eight-nine hours, but as soon as it’s ‘Cut”’, two unit hands run to me with blankets. When we aren’t shooting, I wear jackets and long coats. My wife Priyanka enjoys sipping hot coffee in the cold. We’ve mostly been filming in Belgrade. I’ve had time to explore the city centre and visit the Belgrade Military Museum with its exhibition of tanks down the ages.
The Nikola Tesla Museum houses over a million books, historical exhibits, photo plates of original objects, plans and drawings. It is registered as a part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme register owning to its critical role in the electrification of the world and future technological advancements in this area. The highlight of my trip was a visit to the Belgrade Air Force Base. Not many tourists get permission to enter it, but because of my association with the film, I landed this opportunity. I also went to the church of Saint Sava on the Vracar plateau, one of the largest Orthodox churches in the world. It is dedicated to Saint Sava, the founder of the Serbian Orthodox Church and an important figure in medieval times. It offers a panoramic view of Belgrade’s cityscape.
Fresh from the streets
I love the local cuisine. The markets sell fresh street food and you can buy organic fruits and veggies daily. I could actually taste the difference in the produce here in their size, colour and flavour. The vendors are as beautiful as the region and so helpful. I’d recommend the grilled meat, stuffed cabbage, minced beef and pork preparations with rice stuffed in vine leaves. I love Serbian beans, podvarak, which is roast meat, and moussaka, which is minced pork or beef mixed with eggs and potatoes and baked. Yummy! Priyanka and I took a tour of Belgrade by night. While walking the streets around midnight, Priyanka and I noticed how safe the country was.
I started shooting only recently but the crew has spent almost two months here and no one has ever faced a problem. The Serbians are honest and welcome Indians with open arms. I was surprised to see so many tourists in Serbia. People visit during winter too, in November and December. I did not bump into any fans but the locals are familiar with our film culture. Since, Priyanka and I are both gypsies, we love wearing our boots and backpacking. We’ve travelled extensively through Europe. Next, I’d like to explore stunning Central and Eastern Europe by visiting Montenegro, Croatia, Bosnia and Macedonia. They’re all alluring regions!
I don't dwell in the past; I believe negativity helps no one-Vivek Oberoi
11:31 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; July 13, 2016)
The first thing that strikes
you about Vivek Oberoi is his cheerful disposition and posi tive
outlook towards life. The actor, who stormed B-Town with acclaimed
performances in movies like Company and Saathiya, remains unfazed by the
highs and lows that he has seen in his 14-year career. Despite a
frenetic schedule while promoting his upcoming adult comedy, Great
Grand Masti (GGM), he ensures that he spends time with his son Vivaan
Veer. To make up for lost time, he brings along his adorable
three-year-old for this interview too. When Vivaan points out to the
poster and asks why his 'Daida' looks scared, the actor quickly tells
him that uncles Riteish (Deshmukh) and Aftab (Shivdasani) are also
scared of the pretty girl in the poster, Urvashi Rautela (Yamaha Fascino
Miss Diva -Miss Universe India 2015). Over steaming cups of coffee and
sandwiches, the actor talks to us about the past, present and future.
Excerpts from the conversation...
What's the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the word masti?
I think of my buddies (Riteish and Aftab) and our director Indra Kumar. Since our first association 13 years ago, we've become a family now. Even when we are not shooting together, we hang out with our respective families.
While the first film was a comedy about three friends seeking thrill outside their boring marriages, the sequels are 'Adults Only' comedies.
The franchise follows the trend of how men become naughtier as they turn older. When we were celebrating the success of Grand Masti, I told Induji that the first instalment was better as its story was more engaging and entertaining. He has made the effort and brought the spirit of Masti to GGM. It's funnier and has more emotions.
In this film, all of you are chased by a virgin ghost. What has been your spookiest experience in reality?
During the making of Masti, when we were shooting in Mukesh Mills (Mumbai), I heard weird sounds in the background and that really spooked me out. It was also quite eerie while shooting for GGM in Gujarat. The palace where we were filming had stuffed animal heads mounted on walls. During the day it looked beautiful, but at night it felt like they were watching me and one of them would grab me from behind.
With the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) coming down heavily on adult comedies, do you think the future of this genre looks bleak?
We had a tough time with this film. The Censor Board's justification was that they were following the guidelines of the Cinematograph Act. If the Act is old, it has to change, but until that happens, we have to continue following it. They aren't wrong when they say that. However, I was really glad when I spoke to the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore. He was forthcoming and gave me clarity. I feel this government is taking an initiative towards certification, rather than censorship. I like the respect he gave the film fraternity and the audience by saying, 'We don't want to tell people what to watch and what not to watch'. Moreover, our industry is a soft target, anyone can jeopardise a film by filing a court case just one day before it releases. Many of my industry colleagues have asked me to join in this movement. I'm more than happy to serve my fraternity and industry in every way I can.
Does your son enjoy watching your movies?
He's still too young, but he gets affected when he sees me crying or getting beaten up in a scene. He thinks his Daida is a superhero. If my mom tells me something, he tells her 'Daadi, don't tell Daida that.' He believes I can't do anything wrong.
Does your wife, Priyanka, watch all your movies?
She's not a fan of films like GGM. I respect her opinion but my decisions are my own. She likes Saathiya, Omkara and Rakht Charitra. She's been very supportive. I've placed a bet with her that she will like GGM. This film is funnier than provocative, hence it will attract a larger female audience.
While it's natural for an actor to venture into film production, what prompted you to foray into other businesses?
About five-six years ago, I was going through a difficult time in the industry. There were two things I could do - sit at home and get frustrated or do something else. I'm educated and intelligent. After my first real estate project, I forayed into the tech space. I started working with other companies and bringing in international experts for clean energy in India. Now, I'm looking forward to my maiden production venture in Bollywood. I'm also excited about another project with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's company.
Looking back, do you think the infamous press conference you held about Salman Khan has haunted you for too long?
I don't dwell in the past, and I believe negativity helps no one. I'm someone who has always had a positive outlook towards life. I move on, rather than mull over the past. What I've learnt in my 14-year journey in Bollywood is that no matter how successful you are, nothing is better than humility. The way Amitabh Bachchan saab and Jeetendraji meet you with warmth and humility is exceptional. I want to imbibe that from actors like them. When I praise someone's work, I do not have any vested interest. Likewise, when I celebrate someone's success I feel genuinely happy because it means that the film fraternity is doing well. I was very happy when Tiger Shroff's Baaghi became a hit. I have known him long before he became an actor, so I am proud of him. I love the energy of the new breed and I am happy that they are doing so well.
Does it upset you that your attempts at truce aren't even acknowledged?
No! Unfortunately, some people are stuck in a time warp about an incident that happened 13 years ago. I'm celebrating my life everyday. I have a beautiful family and I wake up to bliss every day. I'm blessed with more than I could dream of. The respect I get is something I had never imagined I would get 10 years ago. I feel so much gratitude.
Given your involvement in projects associated with the present government, is politics on the agenda?
Not really. There was a crossroad in my life where I was offered to contest for parliamentary elections in 2014. But I realised that there is a time in life for everything. Right now, I want to focus on my business projects, work in movies and enjoy time with my family. At the same time, I also want to focus on the social work I've been doing. As for politics, I share good relations with people across parties, not any particular one.
What's the first thought that comes to mind when you hear the word masti?
I think of my buddies (Riteish and Aftab) and our director Indra Kumar. Since our first association 13 years ago, we've become a family now. Even when we are not shooting together, we hang out with our respective families.
While the first film was a comedy about three friends seeking thrill outside their boring marriages, the sequels are 'Adults Only' comedies.
The franchise follows the trend of how men become naughtier as they turn older. When we were celebrating the success of Grand Masti, I told Induji that the first instalment was better as its story was more engaging and entertaining. He has made the effort and brought the spirit of Masti to GGM. It's funnier and has more emotions.
In this film, all of you are chased by a virgin ghost. What has been your spookiest experience in reality?
During the making of Masti, when we were shooting in Mukesh Mills (Mumbai), I heard weird sounds in the background and that really spooked me out. It was also quite eerie while shooting for GGM in Gujarat. The palace where we were filming had stuffed animal heads mounted on walls. During the day it looked beautiful, but at night it felt like they were watching me and one of them would grab me from behind.
With the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) coming down heavily on adult comedies, do you think the future of this genre looks bleak?
We had a tough time with this film. The Censor Board's justification was that they were following the guidelines of the Cinematograph Act. If the Act is old, it has to change, but until that happens, we have to continue following it. They aren't wrong when they say that. However, I was really glad when I spoke to the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Rathore. He was forthcoming and gave me clarity. I feel this government is taking an initiative towards certification, rather than censorship. I like the respect he gave the film fraternity and the audience by saying, 'We don't want to tell people what to watch and what not to watch'. Moreover, our industry is a soft target, anyone can jeopardise a film by filing a court case just one day before it releases. Many of my industry colleagues have asked me to join in this movement. I'm more than happy to serve my fraternity and industry in every way I can.
Does your son enjoy watching your movies?
He's still too young, but he gets affected when he sees me crying or getting beaten up in a scene. He thinks his Daida is a superhero. If my mom tells me something, he tells her 'Daadi, don't tell Daida that.' He believes I can't do anything wrong.
Does your wife, Priyanka, watch all your movies?
She's not a fan of films like GGM. I respect her opinion but my decisions are my own. She likes Saathiya, Omkara and Rakht Charitra. She's been very supportive. I've placed a bet with her that she will like GGM. This film is funnier than provocative, hence it will attract a larger female audience.
While it's natural for an actor to venture into film production, what prompted you to foray into other businesses?
About five-six years ago, I was going through a difficult time in the industry. There were two things I could do - sit at home and get frustrated or do something else. I'm educated and intelligent. After my first real estate project, I forayed into the tech space. I started working with other companies and bringing in international experts for clean energy in India. Now, I'm looking forward to my maiden production venture in Bollywood. I'm also excited about another project with Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani's company.
Looking back, do you think the infamous press conference you held about Salman Khan has haunted you for too long?
I don't dwell in the past, and I believe negativity helps no one. I'm someone who has always had a positive outlook towards life. I move on, rather than mull over the past. What I've learnt in my 14-year journey in Bollywood is that no matter how successful you are, nothing is better than humility. The way Amitabh Bachchan saab and Jeetendraji meet you with warmth and humility is exceptional. I want to imbibe that from actors like them. When I praise someone's work, I do not have any vested interest. Likewise, when I celebrate someone's success I feel genuinely happy because it means that the film fraternity is doing well. I was very happy when Tiger Shroff's Baaghi became a hit. I have known him long before he became an actor, so I am proud of him. I love the energy of the new breed and I am happy that they are doing so well.
Does it upset you that your attempts at truce aren't even acknowledged?
No! Unfortunately, some people are stuck in a time warp about an incident that happened 13 years ago. I'm celebrating my life everyday. I have a beautiful family and I wake up to bliss every day. I'm blessed with more than I could dream of. The respect I get is something I had never imagined I would get 10 years ago. I feel so much gratitude.
Given your involvement in projects associated with the present government, is politics on the agenda?
Not really. There was a crossroad in my life where I was offered to contest for parliamentary elections in 2014. But I realised that there is a time in life for everything. Right now, I want to focus on my business projects, work in movies and enjoy time with my family. At the same time, I also want to focus on the social work I've been doing. As for politics, I share good relations with people across parties, not any particular one.
Vivek Oberoi names his 'little princess' Ameyaa Nirvana
10:37 AM
Seema Sinha (BOMBAY TIMES; May 17, 2015)
Vivek Oberoi and his wife
Priyanka have named their daughter, Ameyaa Nirvana. Born on
April 21, Ameyaa is their second born, first being a son -Viaan Veer
Oberoi. Excited about his new-born, Vivek says, “A father-daughter
relationship is said to be very, very special. And it's so true. Ameyaa
is just three weeks old, but I already feel an intense emotion when it
comes to her. In fact, I was overcome by an immense
sense of responsibility and strength when I held her for the first time
in the hospital.It was almost like taking a vow to protect my little
princess - a bond for life,“ says Vivek.
The couple chose the name from the sacred text, Lalita Sahasranama which contains 1008 names of goddesses. “Ameyaa means, she who is limitless, while Nirvana, which was taken from Bhagavad Gita, means the embrace of the Universe. “Clubbed together, it sounded really beautiful and was the unanimous choice of the entire family,“ elaborates Vivek, who keeps travelling to Bangalore to be with his family. His family will be back in Mumbai mid-June after the completion of 45 days of the baby's birth as per the custom.
The couple were a bit apprehensive about their two-year-old son feeling neglected with the arrival of the new-born, but their fears were put to rest on seeing Vivaan taking care of his baby sister. “He is emotional and excited about her. He says he's her big bhaiyya and she's his chhota baby. He gets worked up when she starts crying and tells his mother to feed her. It is so adorable to see them together,“ says the actor.
Meanwhile, Ameyaa's grandfather, veteran actor Suresh Oberoi has decided to get their Juhu house renovated to welcome his granddaughter, who was born on Akshaya Tritiya. “Dad's getting the whole house cleaned, whitewashed, painted and renovated to give a grand welcome to Ameyaa,“ he informs.
The couple chose the name from the sacred text, Lalita Sahasranama which contains 1008 names of goddesses. “Ameyaa means, she who is limitless, while Nirvana, which was taken from Bhagavad Gita, means the embrace of the Universe. “Clubbed together, it sounded really beautiful and was the unanimous choice of the entire family,“ elaborates Vivek, who keeps travelling to Bangalore to be with his family. His family will be back in Mumbai mid-June after the completion of 45 days of the baby's birth as per the custom.
The couple were a bit apprehensive about their two-year-old son feeling neglected with the arrival of the new-born, but their fears were put to rest on seeing Vivaan taking care of his baby sister. “He is emotional and excited about her. He says he's her big bhaiyya and she's his chhota baby. He gets worked up when she starts crying and tells his mother to feed her. It is so adorable to see them together,“ says the actor.
Meanwhile, Ameyaa's grandfather, veteran actor Suresh Oberoi has decided to get their Juhu house renovated to welcome his granddaughter, who was born on Akshaya Tritiya. “Dad's getting the whole house cleaned, whitewashed, painted and renovated to give a grand welcome to Ameyaa,“ he informs.
All that happened at Sanjay Leela Bhansali's party hosted to celebrate his Padma Shri honour
8:04 AM
Ankur Pathak (MUMBAI MIRROR; January 29, 2015)
A Padma Shri is always a
good reason for a party and Sanjay Leela Bhansali's sister, Bela Sehgal,
threw him a star-studded bash at an upscale restaurant in Bandra. And
from Devdas to Ram, from Annie to Mary Kom, his stars were there to
toast him.
Surprisingly, Ranveer 'Bajirao' Singh was not in his usual
high spirits when the party kicked off. Perhaps he was missing ladylove
Deepika Padukone who was out of town. But according to a guest, SLB
managed to get the actor out of the dumps pretty soon. And when his
Ram-Leela chartbuster, Tattad Tattad, started playing, the bald star
took off his shirt and took to the dance floor. The DJ kept playing his
songs on the loop and though his Mastani was miles away, Ranveer had
Kashi bai for company. Priyanka Chopra jived happily with him to Ram
Chahe Leela. Dippy would have perhaps clapped for PeeCee had she been
around.
Shah Rukh Khan took time out of his film shoot and
dropped by. By now it's an open secret that Bhansali who had worked with
SRK in Devdas, had approached him for Bajirao too. “But the past didn't
matter to the duo who danced together. SRK also insisted SLB have a
glass of wine. The star was also spotted in an intense
conversation with Khamoshi star Manisha Koirala and Kangana Ranaut who
looked like a bluebell blossoming in spring,“ rhapsodised the guest.Shruti Haasan, who features in Bhansali's upcoming film Main Gabbar, brought in her 29th birthday at the same bash. “Since it was already midnight, everyone wished her and it became a dual celebration,“ added the source.
“Towards the end, Bhansali made a thank-you speech in which he said that he hadn't known about the party until 9 pm when he was ushered into the nightspot by Bela and designer Shabinaa Khan.“
Shraddha Kapoor, Richa Chadha, Tanve Azmi and Prasoon Joshi (who also got a Padma Shri) were some of the other guests at the party. Karan Johar, who had a bitter feud with SLB over the cast of Shuddhi, stayed away.
My poetry is an insight into who I really am-Vivek Oberoi
7:41 AM
Vivek Oberoi took a year off when his son Vivaan Veer was born and then came back roaring with Grand Masti and Krrish 3. He talks about his son, his wife Priyanka and Bollywood
Indu Mirani (BOMBAY TIMES; December 12, 2014)
You are expecting your second child. How has fatherhood changed you?
We are truly blessed to have a wonderful son in Vivaan Veer. And as we are expecting our second child, we are over the moon. Everyone's celebrating. Fatherhood makes you so much more patient and relaxed. It's not what you do for your children but what your children do for you. After a long tiring day, when I return home and see Vivaan run up to me smiling, I forget everything and feel like a new person. What children do for you is magical.
What is it about Priyanka that you love the most?
The fact that she is so real. I work in a world where everything is so make-believe. After doing 36 films in 12 years, I've seen it all. What I like about Priyanka is that she and I share this incredibly honest, sacred, real relationship. I remember the first time we met in Florence and I asked her what she thought about this acting thing and she said that's what you do and not who you are. That nailed it for me.
Would you like your son to join Bollywood?
I just want my son to fly. I want to be the wind beneath his wings. I want him to dream without limitations, whatever makes him happy . He's not even two right now. He loves nature. I always want him to have that openness. He smiles from the heart and that pours out from his face and I want him to have that always, no matter what he does.
We've heard you are a closet poet. Do you wish to take this passion further?
I don't really like sharing my poetry. I have been writing for many years. The last time it was published was in school. I write poetry for my wife, anything that I feel inspired about. I wrote when my son was born. It is basically about documenting my feelings and emotions. It's too much of an insight into who I really am. I have never been inspired emotionally to write about my experience in cinema. It's the other things, like joy, loneliness, the darkness you feel. Poetry has been cathartic. But has never had anything to do with cinema.
QUICK FIVE
The most romantic thing you've done for Priyanka
The way I proposed to her. It was in Florence on the same bridge that we spent our first date. There was a live band, a horse-drawn carriage and I was in my tux. I went down on my knees with a ring.
The worst rumour you've heard about yourself
I went on a trip to Sri Lanka with Priyanka and when I was back, there was a rumour that I was spotted in Sri Lanka canoodling with somebody.
Your 3am friends in Bollywood
Riteish and Aftab.
The one thing you don't leave home without
My music.
One actress in Bollywood you are dying to work with
After seeing Mary Kom, I want to work with Priyanka Chopra. She's fantastic. I'm really looking forward to working with her.
We are truly blessed to have a wonderful son in Vivaan Veer. And as we are expecting our second child, we are over the moon. Everyone's celebrating. Fatherhood makes you so much more patient and relaxed. It's not what you do for your children but what your children do for you. After a long tiring day, when I return home and see Vivaan run up to me smiling, I forget everything and feel like a new person. What children do for you is magical.
What is it about Priyanka that you love the most?
The fact that she is so real. I work in a world where everything is so make-believe. After doing 36 films in 12 years, I've seen it all. What I like about Priyanka is that she and I share this incredibly honest, sacred, real relationship. I remember the first time we met in Florence and I asked her what she thought about this acting thing and she said that's what you do and not who you are. That nailed it for me.
Would you like your son to join Bollywood?
I just want my son to fly. I want to be the wind beneath his wings. I want him to dream without limitations, whatever makes him happy . He's not even two right now. He loves nature. I always want him to have that openness. He smiles from the heart and that pours out from his face and I want him to have that always, no matter what he does.
We've heard you are a closet poet. Do you wish to take this passion further?
I don't really like sharing my poetry. I have been writing for many years. The last time it was published was in school. I write poetry for my wife, anything that I feel inspired about. I wrote when my son was born. It is basically about documenting my feelings and emotions. It's too much of an insight into who I really am. I have never been inspired emotionally to write about my experience in cinema. It's the other things, like joy, loneliness, the darkness you feel. Poetry has been cathartic. But has never had anything to do with cinema.
QUICK FIVE
The most romantic thing you've done for Priyanka
The way I proposed to her. It was in Florence on the same bridge that we spent our first date. There was a live band, a horse-drawn carriage and I was in my tux. I went down on my knees with a ring.
The worst rumour you've heard about yourself
I went on a trip to Sri Lanka with Priyanka and when I was back, there was a rumour that I was spotted in Sri Lanka canoodling with somebody.
Your 3am friends in Bollywood
Riteish and Aftab.
The one thing you don't leave home without
My music.
One actress in Bollywood you are dying to work with
After seeing Mary Kom, I want to work with Priyanka Chopra. She's fantastic. I'm really looking forward to working with her.
Vivek Oberoi's wife Priyanka is pregnant with their second child
7:47 AM
Hiren Kotwani (BOMBAY TIMES; November 18, 2014)
It seems like there's really
good news for Vivek Oberoi. He and his wife Priyanka who have a
one-and-a-half-year-old son, Vivaan Veer, are expecting their second
child. She is due in April 2015. When contacted, Vivek's father Suresh
Oberoi declined to comment, saying it's a personal matter for Vivek and
Priyanka. Vivek is currently in Srinagar and is scheduled to return
tonight.
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