Mumbai: Vivek Oberoi — once one of Bollywood’s prominent actors — continues to be a subject of public discussion despite his rare appearances on the big screen in recent years. While many fans and industry observers have speculated that emotional distress or depression contributed to his gradual withdrawal from mainstream cinema, insights from those close to him reveal a more complex story behind his career slowdown.
Near-fatal accident and long-term injuries
Contrary to the popular belief that Oberoi stepped back from acting due to depression or industry politics, a key reason appears to be a serious accident he suffered in the early 2000s. Celebrity fitness trainer Vinod Channa, who worked closely with Oberoi, said that the actor endured a severe mishap that resulted in multiple injuries, which, in turn, affected his ability to take on films regularly.
According to Channa, Oberoi’s injuries — including ankle and knee trauma — had long-lasting effects that made the physical demands and hectic schedules of film work difficult to sustain. “People thought it was depression, but they didn’t know that he suffered injuries too,” Channa said, highlighting that the misconception about mental health overshadowed the physical struggles he faced after the accident.
The actor himself has publicly revisited that frightening incident from his past. In an earlier interview, Oberoi recounted a near-death experience while shooting for the 2002 film Road, where a violent collision during a night drive in Rajasthan left a deep psychological impact on him. He recalled repeatedly urging the driver to slow down due to poor visibility before the crash occurred, and ever since, he reportedly avoided sitting in the front seat of a car.
Misconceptions about depression and career
While speculations about depression and industry bullying had circulated widely over the years, these narratives only tell part of Oberoi’s journey. Many assumed that he faded away from films because of emotional distress, lobbying dynamics within Bollywood, or a lack of opportunities after early successes. However, insiders argue that these explanations overlooked the intense physical impact of his accident and the cumulative toll it took on his ability to commit to demanding film projects.
Fitness experts who worked with him emphasise that navigating recovery from injuries — especially when lingering pain and mobility limitations are involved — can significantly influence one’s career choices, particularly in a profession that often involves long hours and physical strain.
Beyond acting: entrepreneurship and resilience
Despite stepping away from frequent screen roles, Oberoi has remained a subject of interest due to his influential early work and his activities outside cinema. His fitness trainer praised his capabilities beyond acting, describing him as a gifted individual with notable business acumen. According to Channa, Oberoi’s understanding of entrepreneurship and strategic thinking impressed professionals with formal management backgrounds, indicating that his talents extend far beyond cinematic performance.
Oberoi himself has acknowledged the contradictions he faced during his film career’s peak. He once reflected on a period where his movies were commercially successful and his performances appreciated, yet offers from the industry inexplicably dwindled. He described the emotional and professional challenge of navigating situations where talent and success do not necessarily guarantee sustained opportunities.
The Road to self-reinvention
Looking back on his career and life lessons, Oberoi once framed adversity as a choice between succumbing to despair or using it as a motivating force to take control of one’s future. Facing both physical setbacks and the unpredictable nature of the film industry, he opted to pivot, exploring new ventures and embracing opportunities beyond acting.
Conclusion
Vivek Oberoi’s reduced presence in Bollywood over the years is rooted in a combination of factors, with long-term physical trauma from an early accident playing a significant role — and not simply depression or industry politics. While he continues to make occasional appearances on screen, his journey reflects resilience, adaptability and the pursuit of personal growth beyond the conventional Bollywood trajectory.