Mumbai: Actor Vivek Oberoi on Tuesday addressed long-standing rumours suggesting that he exited the film industry due to a serious accident in 2004 that allegedly affected his ability to perform physically demanding roles. The 49-year-old actor firmly denied the speculation, clarifying that while the accident was severe and life-altering at the time, it did not end or derail his acting career.
In a detailed statement, Oberoi said recent discussions had incorrectly linked the on-set accident to his supposed withdrawal from mainstream cinema. He emphasised that the claims were misleading and did not reflect the reality of his recovery or professional journey.
Clarifying the 2004 accident
Recalling the incident, Vivek Oberoi acknowledged the seriousness of the accident, which resulted in multiple fractures and required major surgery. He revealed that doctors inserted an 18-inch titanium rod in his leg as part of the treatment, underscoring the gravity of the injury.
“Recently, there has been some discussion suggesting that an accident on set affected my ability to perform physically demanding roles, implying that it led to me leaving the industry. The accident was serious. I sustained multiple fractures and underwent surgery,” Oberoi said, adding that such narratives overlook the fact that he returned to full physical fitness soon after.
Recovery and medical support
Oberoi described his recovery phase as both physically and mentally challenging. However, he credited his swift rehabilitation to the expertise of medical professionals, particularly Dr Ali Irani, former physiotherapist for the Indian Cricket Team and Head of Physiotherapy at Nanavati Hospital, Mumbai.
“Thanks to Dr Ali Irani and his team, I was able to regain full mobility in about three months,” the actor said. He noted that their guidance and structured physiotherapy helped him return to demanding activities, including dancing and action sequences, far sooner than expected after such a major injury.
Expressing gratitude, Oberoi said the medical team’s support enabled him to resume his craft without limitations. “They did a fantastic job, for which I remain deeply grateful,” he added.
Continued success after recovery
Contrary to claims that the accident curtailed his career, Oberoi highlighted a series of physically and emotionally demanding roles he performed after recovering. He described the incident as “a blip” in an otherwise fulfilling professional journey.
“Looking back, the accident was but a blip in what continues to be a fulfilling career,” he said, stressing that his post-accident filmography stands as evidence of his complete recovery.
Among the notable films he worked on after the accident are Omkara (2006), Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007), Mission Istanbul (2008), Prince (2010), and Krrish 3 (2013). Oberoi pointed out that these roles required intense physical preparation and action-oriented performances, directly contradicting rumours about his limitations.
Pushing boundaries in his craft
The actor added that his recovery allowed him to push creative and physical boundaries in his work. “It is because of him that I was able to seamlessly perform some of my most challenging roles, pushing the envelope in the craft I love without compromise,” Oberoi said, referring again to his physiotherapist.
He also reaffirmed his continued association with cinema, noting upcoming projects including Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit, signalling his sustained presence in the industry.
A career spanning diverse roles
Vivek Oberoi, son of veteran actor Suresh Oberoi, made his Bollywood debut with Ram Gopal Varma’s Company (2002), earning the Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut for his portrayal of a gangster. He went on to appear in commercially successful and critically discussed films such as Saathiya (2002), Masti (2004), Kyunki Ho Gaya Na (2004), Kaal (2005) and Kisna (2005), among others.
Conclusion
By addressing the rumours head-on, Vivek Oberoi has sought to set the record straight about his career and health. His statement underscores that the 2004 accident, though serious, did not force him out of the film industry nor limit his physical capabilities. With multiple demanding roles behind him and new projects ahead, the actor has reaffirmed his commitment to cinema and his confidence in his physical and professional resilience.