"Mind blowing!" Shot in Bombay, a documentary by Liz Mirmin on the making of the 2007 action crime film Shootout at Lokhandwala, provides an illuminating peak behind the scenes of the Indian film industry, but becomes even more fascinating when it weaves together disparate strands about the controversial events that inspired Shootout and a years-long legal case against one of India's biggest stars.
Approached to make a doc about Indian movies, Mirmin encountered resistance from local filmmakers, who felt Western media outlets have not been fair in their treatment of the industry. Finally, the makers of Shootout at Lokhandwala agreed, and Mirmim arrived on location in January 2007 just in time to observe a production in crisis. Director Apoorva Lakhia was under tremendous pressure to complete the film, despite his lead actor's temperamental nature. Sanjay Dutt's frequent absences from the set might be understandable, since he was simultaneously dealing with the culmination of a 13-year-long criminal trial that might send him to prison for years.
Of course, Dutt was also hours late to the set when he wasn't due in court. All indications are, though, that once he arrived, he did a good job with his role, based on a real-life police chief named A. A. Khan who led the Mumbai Anti-Terrorist Squad in 1991. The police were evidently given free rein to deal with accused suspects, including summary execution. The film's title is taken from a prolonged and bloody stand-off between a handful of gangsters and 500 (!) police officers, which caused a public outcry about whether the police overreacted to the situation, and prompted questioning of long-standing procedures.
Mirmin maneuvers through the landscape with aplomb, deftly introducing a cast of characters that includes the real-life Khan, high-spirited director Lakhia, admittedly greedy producer Sanjay Gupta, the aforementioned Sanjay Dutt, younger star and chief preening gangster Vivek Oberoi and assorted production crew members. The doc is assembled in such a way that it's easy to get to know each person as they are introduced and interviewed, which allows us to get to know the key players individually and adds to the enjoyment of the behind the scenes footage -- we can pick out our favorites and see how they deal with the stresses on set.
In the post-screening Q&A, Mirman said she would be the first to admit the film could be trimmed down. She accumulated 120 hours of footage during more than two months of filming; the problem isn't that individual scenes aren't interesting, it's that we've seen the same point made multiple times, which makes certain sequences feel redundant. For example, we see Sanjay Dutt hold up production multiple times, with a variety of reactions expressed by the crew, from indulgent smiles to thinly-veiled exasperation, but since we never hear from him directly, it feels a bit like piling on.
The running time would be more easily enjoyed from the comfort of one's living room, rather than the stiff-backed chairs in the temporary screening room at the Austin Convention Center. But I don't want to overstate the problem: Mirmim has made an otherwise well-paced, informative documentary that captures the daily boredom and anxiety of moviemaking and brackets that with informative interviews that tackle the influence of organized crime and cultural class differences (and resultant legal justice) in Indian society.
Mirmin was smart enough to engage an entirely local crew, which helped her deal with linguistic challenges. As a foreigner, she says she was also able to get away with asking seemingly innocent questions that locals would never dare ask -- such as asking about a feared terrorist known throughout that part of the world, a man who reportedly was involved with the events in Lokhandwala in 1991.
She also gives background information on the weapon(s) possession charges brought against Sanjay Dutt. In a twist of irony, he was accused of illegally receiving one or more rifles from a gang led by the terrorist cited above. Popular opinion seems to be divided: has he been singled out for prosecution because of his fame, or is he being treated more lightly than someone with the ability to hire high-priced legal assistance?
The doc does not lean too heavily on these subjects, but their inclusion broadens the picture considerably. Shot in Bombay (love that title, by the way) has already been shown in the UK on television, which is probably its natural home, but keep an eye out in case it pops up a festival near you
Vivek in Karan’s next
Author: Subhash K Jha Date: 14 Mar 2008
http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/entertainment/bollywood/article?_EXT_5_articleId=1042090&_EXT_5_groupId=14
Rensil D’Silva, screenwriter for Rang De Basanti, is turning director for an untitled film to be produced by Karan Johar.
The film stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. And now, Vivek Oberoi joins the cast of this romantic thriller.
Says the shy writer, “Strangely, these were the names on my wish list. And they all said yes. It was Karan Johar who had a germ of an idea. I developed it. He’s given me a free hand. Sometimes I get frightened by the trust he has placed in me.” Rensil’s film will be shot entirely in London.
From scratch
Rensil adds, “I’m enjoying the process of making the film from scratch. We start on October 15. We wrap up in March 2009.” Rensil has been directing commericals for the last ten years. Ask him if it’s too soon to direct a film, and he says “A feature film was a natural progression. The preparation for an ad and a feature are the same. I didn’t want to make a feature film until I was convinced of the subject. Such a short life! Might as well give it your best shot.”
I’m no copycat!
People have accused Rensil of copying RDB from various sources. “Someone said RDB was inspired by Jesus Of Montreal where the actor playing Jesus during the period of Lent suddenly imagines he’s Jesus. I hadn’t seen Jesus Of Montreal. RDB can always be traced to some Nigerian or Brazilian film. I’m not a DVD-copier at all. I’m very parti- cular about being original.”
Caught up
Interestingly, Rensil was also scripting Rakeysh Mehra’s second film Dilli 6. “But I don’t know how much of my writing will be retained. I did write it for a while. Then I bowed out and got caught up with other subjects.”
Vivek Oberoi completes love triangle with Saif and Bebo
18th Mar 2008 20.00 IST
By ApunKaChoice
http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20080318-4.html
Vivek Oberoi has joined the cast of a romantic flick to be produced by Karan Johar .
Saif Ali Khan could not get Kareena Kapoor opposite him in his home production to be directed by Imtiaz Ali , but the love birds signed Karan Johar’s production to be directed by screenplay writer Rensil D’ Silva.
The film’s story is apparently an unusual love triangle between two guys and a girl. Saif, Vivek and Kareena will play the respective roles.
The story’s basic idea came from Karan, but it was Rensil who developed it into a proper story. Rensil also finalized the movie’s cast. However, it was Karan who convinced the actors to do the movie. As a result, Rensil says he has got all the actors he wanted for the film.
Rensil, who has directed only ad films so far and has written screenplay for films ( Rang De Basanti , for instance), says he is glad to have got the backing of Karan.
The yet-untitled movie will go on the floors in October this year. It will be completed by the first quarter of the next year. The film will be shot in London.
Vivek's Girl
18-03-2008, 08:39 PM
Vivek joins Saif and Kareena
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com
18 Mar 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/997-vivek-joins-saif-and-kareena.html
For his debut film as a director Rensil D’Silva, screenwriter of the incredible Rang De Basanti, has some very good names involved with his project. The film is not only being produced by Karan Johar, it also is going to star Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The incredible cast will be rounded out by the addition of Vivek Oberoi as the third lead.
Of the cast D’Silva said, “Strangely, these were the names on my wish list. And they all said yes. It was Karan Johar who had a germ of an idea. I developed it. He’s given me a free hand. Sometimes I get frightened by the trust he has placed in me.”
D’Silva, who has been directing commercials for years, said he was ready to do a feature film: “A feature film was a natural progression. The preparation for an ad and a feature are the same. I didn’t want to make a feature film until I was convinced of the subject. Such a short life! Might as well give it your best shot.”
The story of the film is reported to be about a love triangle between the three main leads. It will be shot completely in London and Rensil said, “I’m enjoying the process of making the film from scratch. We start on October 15. We wrap up in March 2009.”
Stay tuned for more news about this exciting cast and project.
Vivek's Girl
19-03-2008, 06:53 PM
Vivek joins Saif and Kareena!
By Subhash K Jha
http://www.santabanta.com/cinema.asp?pid=19397
Rensel d'Silva who wrote what's unarguably one of the finest screenplays of this millennium is all set to direct his first feature film.
The Rang De Basanti (RDB) writer turns director with a film to be produced by Karan Johar. It will star Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Viveik Oberoi…the Omkara trio!
Exults the shy writer, "Strangely these were the names on my wish list. And they all said yes. I was lucky. I can't think of any other three actors for the parts.
It was Karan Johar who had a germ of a idea. I developed it. He's given me a completely free hand. Sometimes I get frightened by the trust he has placed in me.
It's a romantic thriller in the truest sense. We don't have a title for it. We're looking desperately for a title."
Rensel's film is to be shot entirely in London. "Every day I get up and feel more excited.
Unlike an ad where you feel charged for only ten days here I've to remain focused for more than a year. I'm enjoying the process of making the film from scratch. We start on October 15. We wrap up in March 2009."
Isn't it too soon to direct a film? "I've a dual life. I've been directing commercials for ten years. A feature film was a natural progression. The preparation for an ad and a feature are the same.
For me an idea even on a postage stamp is exciting. I didn't want to make a feature film until I was convinced of the subject…such a short life, might as well give it your best shot."
Innumerable eyebrows were raised by the fascist ending for Rang De Basanti. Any regrets?
"None at all! The ending had to have the heroes die. It was the only way to get an emotional response from the audience.
A journalist suggested that instead of getting killed the protagonists in RDB should've exposed the politicians in a sting operation. That was a good suggestion. But we wanted to jolt the people."
People have accused Rensel of copying in RDB from various sources.
"Someone said RDB was inspired by Jesus Of Montreal where the actor playing Jesus during the period of Lent suddenly imagines he's Jesus. I hadn't seen Jesus Of Montreal.
RDB can always be traced to some Nigerian or Brazilian film. Personally I'm not a dvd-copier at all. I'm very particular about being original. You can't copy from a DVD and then crib about piracy."
Initially Rensel was also scripting Rakeysh Mehra's second film Dilli 6. "But I don't know how much of my writing will be retained. I did write it for a while. Then I bowed out and got caught up with other subjects."
Rensel has his fingers crossed. "I hope I'm turning a director for the right reasons, and not for the money."
Vivek's Girl
23-03-2008, 10:58 PM
Vivek comes between Saif & Kareena?
24 Mar 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Vivek_comes_between_Saif__Kareena/articleshow/2891008.cms
Finally, Saif and Kareena’s fans will get to see the golden couple together on the screen.
The film is Karan Johar’s next, but... there’s a new twist to it. Giving them company will be Bollywood’s new whipping boy Vivek Oberoi.
Anyway, love him or hate him, but you can’t ignore the Oberoi boy, maybe that’s why Karan has roped him along with Saif and Bebo to play the third important angle in the film. But Vivek bhai, why play kebab mein haddi between Saifoo and Bebo?
Vivek's Girl
24-03-2008, 11:01 PM
Vivek becomes barrier between Saif-Kareena
By: Bollywood Mantra Staff on 24th March 2008
http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/vivek-becomes-barrier-between-saif-kareena/2408/
Post the success of Jab We Met and after the over displaying of their personal emotions, filmmakers are running after Saif-Kareena to cast the two successful actors and the sizzling pair in their films. Karan Johar has roped in actor Vivek Oberoi opposite Saif-Kareena in his next project.
Karan reveals that Vivek will have an equally important role in the film. Other than the star cast, nothing has been decided and so he has not divulged anything more. Karan has only confirmed the casting of the film. Unfortunately, Saif, Kareena and Vivek were unavailable for the comments.
Saif had already declared that Bebo will be there in all his upcoming home productions. Both of them are the most sought after pair in Bollywood. They are looking forward to Tashan. It will be a deciding factor for the audience whether they are hot off-screen only or has the capability to ablaze the silver screen with their sizzling chemistry. The film is very much in news for Bebo’s bikini scene and the huge star cast. The promos are on and all the actors are seen in a totally new style. April 25 will decide the faith of Tashan.
Vivek's Girl
27-03-2008, 12:41 PM
Plot summary for Mission Istanbul
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1179781/plotsummary
A promising journalist Vikas Sagar (Zayed Khan) is offered a position to head a controversial news station in Istanbul by its owner Owais Husain (Sunil Shetty). With this offer comes the promise of money and many other perks that make this offer hard to refuse, especially since Vikas is currently going through a very painful divorce with his wife Anjali (Shriya Saran). After working for the channel that in turn changes his life, he decides to quit, however it is brought to his attention by a Turkish commando Rizwan Khan (Vivek Oberoi), that others who have quit had been killed for knowing too much. It becomes a battle - which will win, the sword or the pen? Written by Kelli Eyres
It's always comeback climate in tinsel town. After heartbreak and a dizzying vortex of non-stardom, Vivek Oberoi is back in top gear, if Karan Johar's next flick is anything to go by. Post Shootout at Lokhandwala's success, Vivek Oberoi is back in the big league. He will be playing an important character in Karan Johar's untitled next, to be directed by Rensil D'Souza.
Karan Johar, who is currently in Miami shooting for Dostana, confirmed, "Yes, I have signed Vivek for my next film. I was really impressed with his role in Shootout. It is an unusual love triangle between two guys and a girl. Saif, Vivek and Kareena will play the respective roles."
He added, "The basic idea came from me but it was Rensil who developed it into a proper story. The film will go on the floors in October. It will be complete by the first quarter of next year and will be shot in London."
This will be Vivek's second film with Dharma productions after Kaal (2005). He is presently busy shooting the last part of Mission Istanbul which is releasing in June.
Vivek's Girl
30-03-2008, 04:40 PM
wow...tfs for everything!
Vivek's Girl
31-03-2008, 03:29 PM
Vivek Oberoi back after 'Shootout…'
Posted on Monday, March 31, 2008 (EST)
http://news.sawf.org/Bollywood/49463.aspx
After giving a very creditable performance in the 2007 thriller 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' Vivek Oberoi said in a TV interview that he would take a break and catch up with life, and he did just that. But he is now back, and with six packs to boot.
March 31, 2008 (Sawf News) - After giving a very creditable performance in the 2007 thriller Shootout at Lokhandwala Vivek Oberoi said in a TV interview that he would take a break and catch up with life, and he did just that. But he is now back, and with six packs to boot.
The actor has recently bagged Karan Johar's untitled home production to be directed by Rensil D'Silva (screenwriter of 'Rang De Basanti'), where he will be starring in the lead along with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
The film, to be shot in London beginning October 2008, is a sensitive love story with a thrilling twist. Both Saif and Kareena play terrorists who fall in love under a very difficult situation.
Meanwhile, Popcorn Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Limited's Mission Istanbul directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starring Vivek along with Suniel Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran, is set for release in June.
Vivek is reported to have undergone a physical training regimen and a special diet to build six abs for his tough guy role in the film.
Earlier, the actor has won critical acclaim for his performances in films like Company, Saathiya, Kisna, Dum, Masti, Yuva, Kaal, Kyun! Ho Gaya Na, Omkara and Shootout at Lokhandwala.
"Vivek is at an interesting and challenging stage of his career where he is being offered very meaty roles. It’s going to be exciting for us to subtly brand him, giving a new perspective to his stardom," says Vivek's recently hired publicist Dale Bhagwagar.
Rishi Rehan, the lead actor of Pehelaj Nihalani’s film Khushboo, got the right guidance from Vivek Oberoi, a close friend of his cousin.
According to Rishi, “When I had decided to join the industry, Vivek advised me to take personal training instead of joining some school. He also called up E Niwas and asked him to check me out for his films.”
This training did pay rich dividends when he met Nihalani for the first time. The meeting lasted exactly about two minutes and then Rishi was left behind in the hotel while the director left for some other urgent business.
“After two days, his office called my secretary to send me to sign the contract,” laughs Rishi. Guess Rishi would forever be indebted to Vivek for his friendly guidance!
Vivek's Girl
01-04-2008, 03:47 AM
Studio 54 comes to Bollywood
By F Qureshi - BollySpice.com
31 Mar 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1021-studio-54-comes-to-bollywood.html
Lakme's Fashion Week has started off with a bang but it was nothing compared to the grand after-party at Manish Malhota's. The extravagant list of party-animals included Kareena Kapoor hand-in-hand with her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan, Dia Mirza looking ever-so-glamorous in a Little Black Dress, Muzamil Ibrahim sporting a very stylish blazer, Deepika Padukone looking beautiful as ever, clinging onto her new showpiece Ranbir Kapoor, Amisha Patel showing off more than her bad make-up, and Vivek Oberoi who desperately needs to see a barber alongside numerous other celebrities and guests.
Looks like Manish is trying to bring Studio 54 to Bollywood. Good for you dude! We wonder where Vidya Balan was that night.
Vivek's Girl
01-04-2008, 03:47 AM
Studio 54 comes to Bollywood
By F Qureshi - BollySpice.com
31 Mar 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1021-studio-54-comes-to-bollywood.html
Lakme's Fashion Week has started off with a bang but it was nothing compared to the grand after-party at Manish Malhota's. The extravagant list of party-animals included Kareena Kapoor hand-in-hand with her boyfriend Saif Ali Khan, Dia Mirza looking ever-so-glamorous in a Little Black Dress, Muzamil Ibrahim sporting a very stylish blazer, Deepika Padukone looking beautiful as ever, clinging onto her new showpiece Ranbir Kapoor, Amisha Patel showing off more than her bad make-up, and Vivek Oberoi who desperately needs to see a barber alongside numerous other celebrities and guests.
Looks like Manish is trying to bring Studio 54 to Bollywood. Good for you dude! We wonder where Vidya Balan was that night.
Vivek's Girl
01-04-2008, 05:05 PM
Vivek Oberoi is the second lead in my film" - Rensil D'Silva
By Bollywood Hungama News Network, April 1, 2008 - 12:33 IST
http://www.indiafm.com/news/2008/04/01/11141/
Post the success of Rang De Basanti, its screenplay writer Rensil D'Silva has surely entered the big league. The talented writer got his big break, when Karan Johar asked him to direct a film for his banner Dharma Productions.
We at Bollywood Hungama had told you earlier that Rensil's yet untitled film would star the hot-n-happening couple Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor along with yet another lead actor. Now it seems Rensil has finally found his second male lead. Bollywood Hungama spoke to Rensil to get the facts straight from the director's mouth, “Yes it's true that I have found my second male lead and it's going to be Vivek Oberoi who will be playing that role. The film is a romantic thriller and Vivek has a very important role in the film. The film is Karan's idea and I have written the story”
Who else form part of the supporting cast? “We have approached Om Puri and he has liked the script. So he is virtually on board.”
So, Vivek who was earlier seen in Dharma Productions' Kaal is back in KJo's camp. We also quizzed the director on his shooting plans, “We plan to start shooting sometime in mid-October. The film would be entirely shot in London”
Considering Karan's films are known for their music, who would be composing the music this time around? “As of now it is Salim-Sulaiman”, signs off Rensil.
Vivek's Girl
01-04-2008, 05:09 PM
Bollywood : Vivek Oberoi is hot property again
http://www.newsline365.com/2008460/vivek-o...property-again/ (http://www.newsline365.com/2008460/vivek-oberoi-is-hot-property-again/)
Vivek Oberoi has been signed for major releases this year after his impressive performance in Shootout at Lokhandwala, last year.
News is just in that he has been signed to play the lead in Karan Johar’s next venture along with Saif ali khan and Kareena Kapoor.
The movie is to start shooting in London from October 2008. It is to be directed by Rensil D’ souza the screenplay writer of hit film, Rang De Basanthi.
The movie is a delicate love story with an unusual twist. Kareena and Saif play terrorists who fall in love.
Meanwhile, Vivek is also starring in Popcorn Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Limited’s Mission Istanbul directed by Apoorva Lakhia along with Suniel Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran, which is set for release in June.
“Vivek is at an interesting and challenging stage of his career where he is being offered very meaty roles. It’s going to be exciting for us to subtly brand him, giving a new perspective to his stardom,” says Vivek’s recently hired publicist Dale Bhagwagar
Talking about long hair and stubble, another actor that comes to mind is Vivek Oberoi, but this time round, we aren’t suggesting any bhai bhai rishta between him and Abhishek Bachchan.
Dare we! In fact, Vivek has grown his baal for his role in Mission Istanbul.
And most filmi log — even the sophisticated Karan Johar types — say that he is looking like a ‘Rockstar’! Someone’s making music, and thankfully, this time, he’s on the right ‘note’!
Vivek's Girl
01-04-2008, 05:11 PM
Vivek is at an interesting and challenging stage of his career
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Tuesday, April 01, 2008]
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/37624.html
Vivek Oberoi has appointed celebrity publicist Dale Bhagwagar's PR agency Dale Bhagwagar Media Group for his image management and media works.
The actor has recently bagged Karan Johar's untitled home production to be directed by Rensil D'Silva (screenwriter of 'Rang De Basanti'), where he will be starring in the lead along with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
Meanwhile, Popcorn Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Limited's 'Mission Istanbul' directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starring Vivek along with Sunil Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran, is nearing release.
Earlier, the actor has won critical acclaim for his performances in films like 'Company', 'Saathiya', 'Kisna', 'Dum', 'Masti', 'Yuva', 'Kaal', 'Kyun! Ho Gaya Na', 'Omkara' and 'Shootout at Lokhandwala'.
"Vivek is at an interesting and challenging stage of his career where he is being offered very meaty roles. It's going to be exciting for us to subtly brand him, giving a new perspective to his stardom," says the agency's spear header Dale Bhagwagar.
The PR strategist's agency which completed a decade in the imaging and branding business this year has been instrumental in shaping images of more than fifty film personalities. Some of the names include Hrithik Roshan, Shilpa Shetty, Priyanka Chopra, Esha Deol, Shiney Ahuja, Randeep Hooda and Ashok Amritraj.
Vivek's Girl
02-04-2008, 04:13 PM
Vivek Oberoi On A Roll!
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com
2 Apr 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1028-vivek-oberoi-on-a-roll.html
Vivek Oberoi’s career is on a roll! The talented actor, who started out with a bang with his incredible performance in Company and continued to do critically acclaimed work in Saathiya, Masti, Omkara and Shootout at Lokhandwala to name a few, is set to make even more waves in 2008. He is currently working on Mission Istanbul, has just signed an exciting new project and hired a new publicist.
Mission Istanbul is set to release later this year and co-stars Zayed Khan, Suniel Shetty and Shriya Saran. The action film is directed by Apoorva Lakhia, who directed Vivek in his outstanding turn as Maya Dolas in Shootout at Lokhandwala.
As we reported earlier, his new project is in a film directed by Rensil D'Silva, who penned the outstanding script of Rang De Basanti. Along with Vivek, the film stars Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. The film is being produced by the Karan Johar banner, Dharma Productions and Karan confirmed the casting saying, “Yes, I have signed Vivek for my next film. I was really impressed with his role in Shootout . It is an unusual love triangle between two guys and a girl. Saif, Vivek and Kareena will play the respective roles.”
Vivek has also hired Dale Bhagwagar as his new publicist and Dale said, “Vivek is at an interesting and challenging stage of his career where he is being offered very meaty roles. It's going to be exciting for us to subtly brand him, giving a new perspective to his stardom." The Dale Bhagwagar Media Group represents such illustrious stars as Hrithik Roshan, Shilpa Shetty, Priyanka Chopra, Esha Deol, Shiney Ahuja, Randeep Hooda and Ashok Amritraj.
We cannot wait to see Vivek in both of these intriguing projects and look forward to many great performances in the years to come!
After a heartbreak and a dizzying vortex of non-stardom, Vivek Oberoi is back in top gear, if Karan Johar’s next flick is anything to go by.
Post Shootout at Lokhandwala ’s success, Vivek Oberoi is back in the big league. He will be playing an important character in Karan Johar’s untitled next, to be directed by Rensil D’Souza.
Karan Johar, who is currently in Miami shooting for Dostana , confirmed, “Yes, I have signed Vivek for my next film. I was really impressed with his role in Shootout . It is an unusual love triangle between two guys and a girl. Saif, Vivek and Kareena will play the respective roles.”
He added, “The basic idea came from me but it was Rensil who developed it into a proper story. The film will go on the floors in October.”
Vivek's Girl
03-04-2008, 12:20 PM
Salman to take on Vivek in July!
April 3, 2008 1:40:19 PM IST
Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network
http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/apr/03-salman-to-take-on-vivek-in-july-040805.asp
Though Vivek Oberoi was a late entrant to Bollywood, as compared to his much senior colleague Salman Khan, there are many similarities between the two. They both made a stunning entry into Bollywood with their respective projects, COMPANY and MAINE PYAR KIYA (though Salman's debut was with BIWI HO TO AISI). The ups and downs in their career and personal lives have been quite similar and coincidentally due to the same individual!
In fact, last year saw both Salman Khan and Vivek Oberoi overcoming their personal traumas and come up trumps via PARTNER and SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA respectively, it got their careers back on track, and that too in a lean 2007.
However, it seems that fate has something else in common for both of them. Yes, two very important projects of their lives, Salman Khan's GOD TUSSI GREAT HO and Vivek Oberoi's MISSION ISTANBUL are both listed for release on 11th July 2008. While release dates are unstable like nascent oxygen, here's wishing both of them another similar fate, that is big success!
Vivek's Girl
05-04-2008, 10:19 PM
Vivek Oberoi's brand image to get a paradigm shift
April 2, 2008 12:23:13 PM IST
Bollywood Trade News Network
http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/a...digm-030801.asp (http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/apr/02-vivek-oberoi-brand-image-to-get-a-paradigm-030801.asp)
Vivek Oberoi recently bagged Karan Johar's Untitled home production to be directed by Rensil D'Silva (screenwriter of RANG DE BASANTI), where he will be starring in the lead along with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. Meanwhile, Popcorn Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Limited's MISSION ISTANBUL directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starring Vivek along with Sunil Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran, are nearing release.
In such a strategic stage of his career Vivek Oberoi has opted to appoint celebrity publicist Dale Bhagwagar for his image management and media works. 'Vivek is at an interesting and challenging stage of his career where he is being offered very meaty roles. It's going to be exciting for us to subtly brand him, giving a new perspective to his stardom,' says Dale Bhagwagar.
Earlier, the actor has won critical acclaim for his performances in films like COMPANY, SAATHIYA, KISNA, DUM, MASTI, YUVA, KAAL, KYUN! HO GAYA NA, OMKARA and SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA.
Vivek's Girl
07-04-2008, 02:42 AM
When Vivek got slapped at a party
Author: Upala KBR Date: 07 Apr 2008
http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/entertain...XT_5_groupId=14 (http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/entertainment/bollywood/article?_EXT_5_articleId=1077389&_EXT_5_groupId=14)
Oberoi misbehaves with dinner host’s gal, gets slapped
Last week, Vivek Oberoi got into trouble at a dinner party hosted at a friend’s home — by flirting with the host’s girlfriend!
Zor ka thappad
Says an eyewitness present, “Last week, Vivek and his Mission Istanbul (MI) director Apoorva Lakhia were at a common friend’s party in Bandra. They’d been shooting continuously for MI for 10 days at Madhusudhan Mills and this was a welcome break.
After a few drinks, VO started flirting with the host’s girlfriend, a foreigner. At first, she politely ignored his overtures but then, he kissed her. She replied with a resounding slap.”
Won’t party with this guy!
The shocked host pushed the actor. The source adds, “Apoorva tried to intervene but the duo got into a scuffle. It was some time before Apu grabbed Vivek’s arm, dragged him out of the host’s place and drove him home.”
The morning after, Vivek showed no repentance. The source says, “Everyone thought Vivek would apologise for his boorish behaviour.
Surprisingly, four days have passed and Vivek still behaves as if the incident wasn’t his fault. Apu has sworn not to go with Vivek to any party again.”
A bit boring
Apoorva Lakhia tries to laugh away the story. “I really do not understand where this news has come from but it’s totally ridiculous and untrue.
I have been shooting 6 am-7 pm shifts with Vivek and Zayed (Khan) at Madhusudhan Mills since March 28 for Mission Istanbul so that pretty much sums it up.
I guess for some very secure people it’s cool to kick a guy when he’s down but it’s getting a bit boring, don’t you think?”
Vivek’s publicist said there was no truth to the story, “Nothing of this sort happened.”
Vivek's Girl
07-04-2008, 01:51 PM
Vivek, media's new blue-eyed boy?
April 7, 2008 2:35:05 PM IST
Bollywood Trade News Network
http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/apr/07-vivek-medias-new-blue-eyed-boy-040804.asp
Vivek Oberoi is preparing to approach the court for a false defamatory article in a newspaper, which claimed he misbehaved with a lady at a party and got slapped.
It was reported in a tabloid this week that the actor got into trouble at a dinner party hosted at a friend's house. The report claimed, Vivek got drunk and flirted with the host's foreign girlfriend, kissed her and got slapped. The piece, which stemmed from another speculatory write-up in a trade magazine called Film Information, quotes an "eyewitness" and carries a denial about the incident from Apoorva Lakhia (the director of Vivek's forthcoming film MISSION ISTANBUL) who is stated to have accompanied the actor at this party.
Vivek's publicist Dale Bhagwagar strongly refuted all the claims saying, "Nothing of this sort ever happened. Vivek is an extremely well behaved and cultured boy, though often misunderstood. All this talk about him being involved in a thing like this is simply rubbish and a figment of the newspaper's over-creative imagination."
When probed, if Vivek would challenge the newspaper to produce the mentioned 'eyewitness' in court, Bhagwagar laughed and remarked, "Where is the question of an 'eyewitness' when no such party or function ever took place. The incident as well as the whole story about this party, drinking, flirting and slap is all fictitious," Bhagwagar reiterated.
Asked why so many such stories and denials by actors are doing the rounds of the media nowadays, Bhagwagar commented, "It's a vicious circle of demand and supply. I guess, the media just does it to fill their pages on a daily basis. The irony is, innocent actors often get dragged and defamed in the process".
Vivek's Girl
08-04-2008, 03:48 PM
Poor Vivek slapped loud for misbehaving
Zeenews Bureau
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=43...&sid=ENT&ssid=1 (http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=435404&sid=ENT&ssid=1)
Mumbai, April 08: Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi got into a big trouble, last week, when he was given a tight slap, at a party, for misbehaving with a foreigner, who was hosting the occasion for her boyfriend in Bandra.
Vivek Oberoi had gone with the director Apoorva Lakhia to a common friend’s party and misbehaved with the host’s girlfriend who was cordially attending the guests. According to sources, the girl did manage to ignore his misbehaviour for sometime, but when he went ahead and kissed her, she replied with a resounding slap in the witness of all the guests.
The scene went out of control when Apoorva tried to intervene and the duo ended up fighting. Apoorva then drove Vivek back home. However, till now, there are no reports of Vivek apologising to the girl. He seems to be so calm and quiet about the whole incident and is just not bothered to repent his act.
Vivek and Apoorva had decided to attend the party to let their hair down after continuously shooting for 10 days at Madhusudhan Mills. But sadly, the party turned to be a disaster. According to the reports, Apoorva and Vivek have completely denied the news regarding anything of this sort.
Vivek's Girl
08-04-2008, 03:50 PM
Vivek Oberoi slapped for Kissing
By: Bollywood Mantra Staff on 07th April 2008
http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/vivek-...or-Kissing/2495 (http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/vivek-oberoi-slapped-for-Kissing/2495)
It was really an embarrassing moment for Vivek Oberoi when he received a tight slap from a foreigner who was hosting her boyfriend’s party in Bandra.
Last week, Vivek dropped with director Apoorva Lakia to a common friend’s party and misbehaved with the host’s girlfriend who was cordially attending her guests. At first the girl ignored his misbehavior but when he crossed his limit of decency and kissed her, she gave him a loud slap in the witness of all attendees.
The situation worsened when Apoorva got involved in the affair and the duo ended up with strong brawl. Apoorva then drove Vivek back home. They attended the party to refresh themselves after continuously shooting for 10 days at Madhusudhan Mills but the party turned to be a disaster. Vivek instead of repenting his misbehavior behaved quite normally and didn’t even bother to say sorry to the girl. On the other hand, director Apoorva Lakhia tries to laugh away the story by saying that he really does not understand where this news has come from but it’s totally ridiculous and untrue. Vivek’s publicist also said, “Nothing of this sort happened.”
Vivek Oberoi to file case for kissing rumor
By: Bollywood Mantra Staff on 10th April 2008
http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/vivek-...ing-rumor/2516/ (http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/vivek-oberoi-to-file-case-for-kissing-rumor/2516/)
Actor Vivek Oberoi is going to file case against those who spread the wrong news of his being slapped at a party for kissing a foreigner girl.
He vehemently declared that no such incident happened and media is just trying to create some juicy story out of his life. He will file defamatory case against them for spreading wrong news about him and diminishing his reputation. Apoorva Lakhia, the director of mission Istanbul also ruled out occurrence of any such incident and laughed at media’s false reporting.
Vivek's publicist Dale Bhagwagar disproved the claim against Vivek and said that he is a well-behaved man and nothing of such thing happened, no such party was organized where Vivek and Apoorva were invited. To Dale, it is an imaginary story of media and Vivek had no connection to this incident. The newspaper also mentioned of eyewitness, Bhagwagar laughed and remarked, "Where is the question of an 'eyewitness' when no such party or function ever took place. The incident as well as the whole story about this party, drinking, flirting and slap is all fictitious."
Vivek's Girl
10-04-2008, 04:43 PM
One tight Slap for Vivek Oberoi!
by Rajiv Dutta
http://www.indiatarget.com/cgi-bin/detailnews.cgi?id=6818
Last week, Vivek Oberoi got into trouble at a dinner party hosted at a friend's home - by flirting with the host's girlfriend!
Says an eyewitness present, "Last week, Vivek and his Mission Istanbul (MI) director Apoorva Lakhia were at a common friend's party in Bandra. They'd been shooting continuously for MI for 10 days at Madhusudhan Mills and this was a welcome break.
After a few drinks, VO started flirting with the host's girlfriend, a foreigner. At first, she politely ignored his overtures but then, he kissed her. She replied with a resounding slap."
The shocked host pushed the actor. The source adds, "Apoorva tried to intervene but the duo got into a scuffle. It was some time before Apu grabbed Vivek's arm, dragged him out of the host's place and drove him home."
The morning after, Vivek showed no repentance. The source says, "Everyone thought Vivek would apologise for his boorish behaviour.
Surprisingly, four days have passed and Vivek still behaves as if the incident wasn't his fault. Apu has sworn not to go with Vivek to any party again."
Apoorva Lakhia tries to laugh away the story. "I really do not understand where this news has come from but it's totally ridiculous and untrue.
I have been shooting 6 am-7 pm shifts with Vivek and Zayed (Khan) at Madhusudhan Mills since March 28 for Mission Istanbul so that pretty much sums it up.
I guess for some very secure people it's cool to kick a guy when he's down but it's getting a bit boring, don't you think?"
Vivek's Girl
11-04-2008, 12:57 PM
Vivek: The third angle of the Saif-Kareena story!
April 11, 2008 3:42:05 PM IST
Abid, Bollywood Trade News Network
http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/apr/11-vivek-the-third-angle-of-the-saif-kareena-040810.asp
The OMKARA trio of 'Langda Tyagi', 'Dolly' and 'Keso' are back once again! After Kareena Kapoor and the 'Chotey Nawab' Saif Ali Khan, it's the SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA hero, Vivek Oberoi who finds a place for himself in Karan Johar's much-awaited project.
Yes, we are talking about one of the upcoming Dharma Productions ventures, which is to be directed by Rensil De Silva, the acclaimed writer of Aamir Khan's Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directed superhit, RANG DE BASANTI (2006).
As per sources, Rensil De Silva is all set to commence the shooting of the film from around mid-October and intends to wrap it up in six months flat. The reason is that Karan Johar wants the project to be completed by March 2009.
Vivek's Girl
14-04-2008, 01:54 PM
Vivek comes in between Saif and Kareena
By: Abid, Glamsham
Monday, April 14 2008
http://entertainment.oneindia.in/bollywood/gupshup/2008/saif-kareena-vivek-film-140408.html
The Omkara trio of 'Langda Tyagi', 'Dolly' and 'Keso' are back once again! After Kareena Kapoor and the 'Chhote Nawab' Saif Ali Khan, it's the Shootout At Lokhandwala hero, Vivek Oberoi who finds a place for himself in Karan Johar's much-awaited project.
Yes, we are talking about one of the upcoming Dharma Productions ventures, which is to be directed by Rensil D'Silva, the acclaimed writer of Aamir Khan's Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra directed superhit, Rang De Basanti (2006).
As per sources, Rensil D'Silva is all set to commence the shooting of the film from around mid-October and intends to wrap it up in six months flat. The reason is that Karan Johar wants the project to be completed by March 2009.
Vivek's Girl
15-04-2008, 08:18 PM
news about his up-coming movie Mission Istanbul
'George W Bush' acts in Mission Istanbul
15th Apr 2008 16.00 IST
By ApunKaChoice
http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20080415-2.html
Apoorva Lakhia’s action thriller on international terrorism has a cameo by a man strikingly similar in appearance to the US president.
When you are making a film on terrorism, there ought to be an appearance by the man who has waged his controversial “war on terrorism”. The man, US President George W Bush, will have some screen time in Apoorva Lakhia ’s film Mission Istanbul.
The character in the film is played by the Bush look-alike, Brent Mendenhall, who is quite famous for his impersonations of the American president.
The sequence in the film shows Bush on an India visit when he gets to know that two men (played by Zayed Khan and Vivek Oberoi ) have gotten hold of a very secret intelligence information from an Arabic news channel.
Brent Mendenhall is presently shooting the film in Mumbai’s Madhusudan Mills.
As the Bush impersonator, he has traveled worldwide and given performances in films, television shows, and corporate meetings, where he is called in to give a humorously rhetorical speech after serious negotiations between business parties.
This is Mendenhall’s first visit to India.
Vivek's Girl
16-04-2008, 12:40 AM
Vivek breaks his silence
Author: Upala KBR Date: 16 Apr 2008
Speaks on all the controversies surrounding him
http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/entertainment/bollywood/article?_EXT_5_articleId=1090654&_EXT_5_groupId=14
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/4374/imagegalleryvh7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Here’s To A Truce: Vivek Oberoi
Controversies seem to dog Vivek Oberoi wherever he goes. Ever since he entered B-Town, he has been in the news for all the wrong reasons.
What made it worse was that the actor never defended himself. His family and friends say that VO is the most misunderstood person in B-Town.
For the last year, he has been hiding behind a wall of silence (or indifference) but today, he’s looking at the positive side of things.
He has signed Karan Johar’s next production, Mission Istanbul is almost complete and a “big film” is in the pipeline. Here, in a heart-to-heart, the actor clears the air. Read on…
Recently there was a rumour of you flirting with your dinner host’s gal and getting slapped. Comment.
Someday if I ever write a book on The Craziest Rumours That I Have Heard About Myself this would be No 173. Jokes aside, it’s absolutely untrue. The story was upsetting as it made me out to be a sleazeball. I have tremendous respect for women. Anybody who knows me can vouch for that. My mother (Yashodhara) — is my hero. I would never do anything that would make her ashamed of me.
It wasn’t you?
I heard it was about some other actor but whoever the actor might have been, if he did what he did, he deserved to get slapped. Alcohol or no alcohol there is no excuse for misbehaving with a girl.
You’ve had link-ups with women ever since your break-up with Aishwarya…
Well, I hope so. After all, I am a normal, single man (laughs) When I was in both my serious relationships (Gurpreet Gill and Aishwarya Rai) I was very committed. But now that I am single, I am allowed to date, ain’t I? I enjoy the company of women but I don’t misbehave with them. Without meaning to sound arrogant I think I am decent looking and charming enough to have female attention.
Your apology to Salman has been called a gimmick...
I was on a high after the success of Shootout At Lokhandwala so I didn’t need to indulge in such stunts. It wasn’t out of necessity that I did it (apologised to Salman.) I felt that it was the right thing to do. It would be cowardly to publicly accuse someone, then privately say ‘hey I am sorry.’
I wanted to crush that little ego that was lurking inside me. If I am wrong, I am wrong and I let the world know that. That gives me strength. It’s unfair to call it a publicity stunt. Anything I do is taken as contrived. I am being constantly attacked. I can’t spend my life clarifying every rumour. It’s a bhed chaal, ‘let’s get out and get this guy’.
Maybe because you did charity and spoke about it too often…I have decided that even though I am the brand ambassador of many causes, I won’t speak about them, as I don’t want the causes to suffer. I get bashed for everything I do. I have been fortunate to do God’s work in many ways and thought that by speaking about it, I would get more people involved, which did happen.
But then it backfired — if I built houses for the tsunami victims, people said I did it for publicity; when I sponsored children for heart surgery, they said I did it for publicity! Dudes, life is a lot more than that!
You also got bashed for attending Teji Bachchan’s funeral. Was it wise, given your history with Ash?
It was sad and in bad taste that it was made out to be such a media story. The Bachchans are such a dignified family and she (Teji) was such a dignified lady. Abhishek and I share a warm relationship, and we have respect for each other. We have worked and hung out together.
I am really fond of him and I am sure he is of me too. Apart from being my colleague and a part of the fraternity I was also informed about it (Teji’s funeral). Apu (Apoorva Lakhia) is also a common link and they were aware that I was coming. I went there (Teji Bachchan’s funeral), paid my respects and the gesture was reciprocated.
This is what we do in our industry. In the past, as a part of the film industry, I might have been the bad son but I have mended my ways. I believe it’s a fraternity and family and I am doing everything that I can to set things right and that’s why I share good relations with people today.
After Kaal, you are working for another Karan Johar production.
Yes. Karan’s not only one of the biggest producers we have in the industry, but also creatively one of the finest and best directors to work with. Karan and I are friends aside from being professionals and he’s always advising me on clothes, fashion, looks, styling etc.
I have been conscious about my looks only recently. I had this phase when I didn’t really care how I looked. Friends like Karan have made me aware. Now I feel good about myself. It feels good to be in great shape, to look good and dress up. Karan’s a big part of that. He’s my fashion godfather.
Are you trying to get close to SRK via Karan?
Work is work, and relationships are relationships. The reason that I am doing Karan’s film is because Rensil’s script is fantastic. If my sole objective were to get close to Shah Rukh, which is silly as I already share a certain degree of closeness with him, then I would have done Om Shanti Om, which was his film.
Shah Rukh (or God, as I fondly call him from the time we did Saathiya) and I have always shared a lovely relationship. Shah Rukh and Gauri have always welcomed me to their home and have been there for me. I love partying with them and it’s a great equation we share. I will attend Shah Rukh’s IPL match in Kolkata on April 20 to cheer Shah Rukh and his Kolkata Knight Riders.
It was said that Sanjay Dutt was upset with you because you tried to flirt with his wife Manayata.
These were unfortunate, baseless and untrue rumours. That’s not my upbringing. I have too much love, respect and awe for Sanju sir. He’s too gracious and large-hearted to believe such rubbish. It’s the people in between who try to feel important by creating mischief.
You have completely disassociated yourself from everyone in the industry. Why?
I decided to retreat behind silence because whatever I did, or didn’t do, I was attacked. I am happy to be working with people who are like family to me. I have developed these amazing relationships with many people from my fraternity who have begun to see who I really am.
I have gone through this entire evolution and I share a fantastic rapport with many people now. I feel now that I have had enough, people have had enough, so they just let me be. I am putting my head down and working hard.
Did you chicken out of doing stunts for Mission Istanbul?
It’s the opposite. Action director Allan Amin nicknamed me Tiger ever since I shot the first action sequence for Company in Kenya. He asked me to jump from one building to another with a road in between — no cable, safety net or box — and even before he could set it up, I had leapt across.
He told me I am a tiger who needs to be kept in control. Now only when safety’s ready does Allan allow me to do stunts. I am an adrenaline junkie. They have to curb me.
Apparently, your dad hiked your fees from Rs 75 lakhs to Rs 3.5 crore for Loot, upsetting producer Sunil Shetty.
It’s a ridiculous rumour. My father doesn’t even talk money or negotiate anything. It’s unfair to drag him into this. I have a fantastic relationship with Anna, and he has too much respect for my father.
I have a company, Serge Entertainment, which takes care of my contracts and fees. Dad does nothing but play golf. After 30 years of working so hard in this industry and acting in over 300 films dad deserves to live like a king, play golf and enjoy what he does.
Do you feel that there’s a certain section working against you?
Isn’t it obvious? It’s not just about a section, but a trend. All I am saying is give me a chance — what have I done so bad and drastic that people come after me all the time? I feel hurt and upset that I am being misrepresented all the time.
I am human. I live with people who love me. I have friends and family who read things about me and feel hurt. When I come back home to find my mom and sister upset, I get upset and unhappy.
Please continue…
I was 24 when I came to this industry. I saw more fame, stardom and money in six months than most people had seen in their lifetime. I had it all in six short months and I made a few mistakes.
But it was one big mistake (referring to the Salman Khan press con) that I made at 26 that turned my life upside- down. I am still paying for that…
Why did you do it?
I was crazily in love and didn’t think everything out. I made a mistake. I publicly and privately apologised for it because I thought if I have insulted someone publicly at a press conference then I should publicly apologise for it. If this makes me a bigger person, teaches me a lesson in humility and reduces my bad karma. I believe in karma and that I more than paid for it.
Vivek's Girl
20-04-2008, 03:12 PM
Star-studded Eden a spectacle not to be forgetten easily
Sunday, April 20, 2008 : 1850 Hrs
http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/007200804201865.htm
Kolkata (PTI): A sell-out crowd not only savoured every bit of the Indian Premier League match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Deccan Chargers here on Sunday, but also enjoyed the company of several filmstars apart from Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi as well as Priyanka and Robert Vadhra.
The presence of a slew of filmstars such as Shah Rukh Khan, owner of the Kolkata Knight Riders, along with wife Gauri, Arjun Rampal, Vivek Oberoi and Juhi Chawla made one feel like the film industry had taken a day off.
There were also the likes of film-maker Karan Johar and music director Bappi Lahiri cheering the players
Vivek Oberoi is planning to foray into Malayalam movies. According to the latest reports, the actor will share the screen space with Malayalam Super star Mohanlal for the new Malayalam film directed by Major Ravi, titled ‘Kargil’.
The movie based on a plot surrounding the army operations in 'Kargil', will be an Onam offering from the team. ‘Kargil' will be produced by Santhosh Damodharan in the banner of Damor Films.
Vivek has been a familiar name in the Kerala circuit right from his debut days, with Mohanlal in the movie 'Company' which was a big hit. Thereafter the actor has been a regular in Kerala circles. He has also been a regular pilgrim during the sabarimala season.
Major Ravi’s earlier Malayalam ventures like 'Keerthi Chakra' and ‘Mission 90 Days’ were all based on his personal experiences while serving as a Major in the army.
Vivek's Girl
22-04-2008, 04:18 PM
Vivek Oberoi roams in Mollywood
Baiju NT [April 22, 2008, 4:42:27 PM]
http://malayalam.galatta.com/entertainment/malayalam/livewire/id/Vivek_Oberoi_roams_in_Mollywood_14870.html
Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi who always roams through Kerala as a regular pilgrim during the Sabarimala season, is now planning to roam in Mollywood as well.
Reports say that the best debut actor award winner for his movie Company directed by Ram Gopal Varma, will share the screen with super star Mohanlal in his new film Kargil directed by Major Ravi.
After earlier ventures like Keerthi Chakra and Mission 90 Days, Major Ravi depicts a plot based on his personal experiences surrounding the army operations in Kargil. The movie will be released in Onam and produced by Santhosh Damodharan under the banner of Damor Films.
Vivek's Girl
26-04-2008, 12:34 AM
Its Malayalam films for Vivek Oberoi
25 Apr, 2008 06:00 am ISTlINDIATIMES MOVIES
http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/2979583.cms
Vivek Oberoi is planning to foray into Malayalam movies. It is believed that the actor will share screen space with Malayalam super star Mohanlal for the new Malayalam film directed by Major Ravi, titled Kargil.
The movie is based on a plot surrounding the army operations in Kargil. It will be produced by Santhosh Damodharan in the banner of Damor Films.
Vivek has been a familiar name in the Kerala circuit right from his debut days, with Mohanlal in the movie Company which was a big hit. Thereafter, the actor has been a regular in Kerala circles. He has also been a regular pilgrim during the sabarimala season.
The actor has a knack of rubbing people the wrong way. For his Mission Istanbul, he charged Sunil Shetty whose company, popcorn Entertainment is producing the movie, a sum of 3 crores. Most film makers have not repeated the actor, be it Subhash Ghai, Mani Ratnam or Ram Gopal Varma.
Currently, the only film that he has in his kitty is Apurva Lakhia’s Mission Istanbul. Perhaps, the actor is not getting enough offers in Bollywood and is looking at the Malayalam film industry. The last Bollywood film that he was seen in was Fool and Final in 2007 which did not do well at the box office. Vivek Oberoi or his secretary were unavailable for comment
After earlier ventures like Keerthi Chakra and Mission 90 Days, Major Ravi depicts a plot based on his personal experiences surrounding the army operations in Kargil. The movie will be released in September.
bollywoodfan92
27-04-2008, 01:56 PM
Hey after watching Yuva and Saathiya i have decided i like Vivek.. But what happened between him and Rani...I read somewhere that he is the only actor that Rani does not want to work with again. So yeah i am really curious...what happened?
VIVEK DECLINES MALAYALAM FILM WITH MOHANLAL
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News
http://smashits.com/news/bollywood/movie-t...h-mohanlal.html (http://smashits.com/news/bollywood/movie-talk/6672/vivek-declines-malayalam-film-with-mohanlal.html)
Not in the distant past, the media was abuzz about reports that Vivek Oberoi will be playing the lead role with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in his new film 'Kargil' directed by Major Ravi (of 'Keerthi Chakra' and 'Mission 90 Days' fame). But according to Vivek Oberoi's new publicist Dale Bhagwagar, the actor has declined the offer. He adds, "Vivek has already worked with Mohanlal in 'Company'. He was indeed offered this one too. But he's not doing it." According to sources close to Oberoi, the actor has recently bagged Karan Johar's untitled home production to be directed by none other than Rensil D'Silva (screenwriter of 'Rang De Basanti'), where he will be starring as the lead character along with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
Besides, we have learnt that Popcorn Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Limited's 'Mission Istanbul' directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starring Vivek Oberoi along with Sunil Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran, is nearing release. This is to recall that Vivek has already won critical acclaim for his performances in films including 'Company', 'Saathiya', 'Kisna', 'Dum', 'Masti', 'Yuva', 'Kaal', 'Kyun! Ho Gaya Na', 'Omkara' and 'Shootout at Lokhandwala'.
It was the main buzz when news spread about Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi playing the lead role with superstar Mohanlal in Kargil. But now, it has been reported that the actor has refused to take up the role.
"Vivek has already worked with Mohanlal in Company. He was indeed offered this one too. But he's not doing it," the actor's new publicist Dale Bhagwagar said. Vivek won the best debut actor award for his performance in Company, directed by Ram Gopal Varma.
Just like his previous directorial ventures Keerthi Chakra and Mission 90 Days, Major Ravi’s Kargil depicts a story based on his personal experiences surrounding the army operations in Kargil. The movie is expected to be released during Onam.
Kargil is produced by Santhosh Damodharan under the banner of Damor Films.
Vivek's Girl
30-04-2008, 05:42 PM
Vivek gets choosy, declines to work with Mohanlal
Zeenews Bureau
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=43...&sid=ENT&ssid=1 (http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=439104&sid=ENT&ssid=1)
Mumbai, April 26: Bollywood actor, Vivek Oberoi, who is lately more seen off the screen than on it and has had no releases this year, still seems to be quite choosy about the movies he works in.
The actor has recently turned down a role to act with Malayalam superstar Mohanlal in his new film `Kargil` directed by Major Ravi (of `Keerthi Chakra` and `Mission 90 Days` fame).
Speaking to Zeenews, Vivek’s publicist Dale Bhagwagar said,” Vivek has already worked with Mohanlal in `Company`. He was indeed offered this one too. But he`s not doing it."
Well, going by Vivek’s nose-diving career graph, seeing him exhibit his dancing skills at award ceremonies, one wonders whether he is spoiled for choice. Though there are talks that Vivek has managed to bag a role in Karan Johar’s upcoming venture to be directed by Rensil D`Silva, however, nothing has been finalised till now.
However, the actor does have a flick- Mission Istanbul- that is nearing release. Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film shall be Vivek’s first release of the year.
The Bollywood actor with a soft corner for the south, thanks to his Madras-born mom, is Vivek Oberoi.
The latest buzz is that Vivek has been signed on to co-star with Mohanlal in Major Ravi’s third film on the Indian Army, Kargil. For Vivek, acting with Lal is not new, as they have shared screen space in Company years ago.
This time, however, Vivek’s challenges are more than just having to match his acting skills with someone of Mohanlal’s calibre. Vivek will have to speak in Malayalam too! While that is a wait and watch scenario, Kargil will be a bilingual film - made in Hindi and Malayalam. Major Ravi has been waiting for long to start the shoot. After his classic Major Mahadevan act in Ravi’s directorial debut Keerthichakra, Mohanlal is playing a sequel of sorts in Kargil. Meanwhile, it is to Ravi’s credit that his second film was with Mammooty playing an army officer in Mission 90 Days.
Looks like the mantle of showcasing the Indian Army effectively on screen has taken on by Major Ravi, who has assisted Priyadharshan in more than one film after his retirement from the Indian army. For Vivek, this film will mark his third experience of working with a south Indian director. Vivek has also signed on for director Selvaraghavan’s 7G Rainbow Colony to be made in Hindi.
Vivek's Girl
30-04-2008, 05:43 PM
Hey after watching Yuva and Saathiya i have decided i like Vivek.. But what happened between him and Rani...I read somewhere that he is the only actor that Rani does not want to work with again. So yeah i am really curious...what happened?
i really dont knw much about that...
pluto28
01-05-2008, 10:29 AM
hey viveks girl...do u hav any idea y vivek-fanclub.tk site is not working..
is it only for me or everyone?
Vivek's Girl
01-05-2008, 12:37 PM
no..its not just u..it for everyone...the website is having some technical probs and it should be back on real soon...till then..here is another vivek forum...http://vivek.plusboard.de/ this link gives updates about the website :)
pluto28
02-05-2008, 11:52 AM
oh thanku very much
pluto28
02-05-2008, 11:58 AM
tat site is in german language..can i translate it to english?
Vivek's Girl
02-05-2008, 12:58 PM
i dont think u can...but the topics/threads r in english...for updates about the other forum...click on chit chat....and then click on www.vivekoberoi.forum5.com - latest news !..it should have some news about the forum..also for all the lastest vivek news...go here http://z11.invisionfree.com/Vivek_Oberoi/index.php?act=idx....
pluto28
03-05-2008, 11:20 AM
oh..thanku
Vivek's Girl
03-05-2008, 03:20 PM
I've had enough, beta!
Posted On Tuesday, April 29, 2008
http://www.mumbaimirror.com/net/mmpaper.aspx?page=article§id=30&contentid=2008042920080429021254644969c8d14
Vivek Oberoi and his father Suresh Oberoi have parted ways, but strictly on a professional level. Suresh will not be managing Vivek's career any more.
Vivek and Suresh took this decision about a month ago. Surge Management Company has replaced Suresh Oberoi.
When contacted, Oberoi Sr confirmed the news saying, "Yes, this is true. I am no longer handling Vivek's work now. How long could I go on doing this? I want to do several things in my life. I want to play golf, want to do more social service, and then, I would like to return to acting probably by end of this year. I might even produce a film."
Oberoi Sr also attributes the decision to the fact that a lot of young filmmakers are making films today. He says, "The young guys hesitate a bit while talking to me. Surge Entertainment is full of young people, nearly the same age as Vivek and have a similar mindset."
But why this professional split all of a sudden? Oberoi Sr replies, "It is not sudden. I tried appointing some people earlier to handle his work, but things didn't work out. Those guys whom I approached were interested in managing work of several other actors and busy with too many shows. Surge Entertainment is handling Vivek's work exclusively."
Oberoi Sr tells us what prompted him to appoint another agency to manage Oberoi's career. He says, "Often when I'm playing golf, I get calls asking me to either cancel the date or change the shoot location. Main kahin baitha hoon, to phone aa jata hai, 'Will Vivek do a show for us?' It was becoming too much to handle."
Oberoi Sr explains how he zeroed in on Surge Entertainment to step into his shoes. He says, "I was really impressed with Amit who has done the promos of films like Don and Taare Zameen Par. I asked him if he would like to handle celebrity management. He said that he would give it a try. Amit has a team now, one section of the team deals with cutting of the promos and the other handles Vivek's work exclusively."
Vivek started off with Ram Gopal Varma's Company and then went on to deliver a big hit, Mani Ratnam's Saathiya. Oberoi Sr adds, "I have handled Vivek's work right from day one. I used to take his pictures to producers. I still remember the day when I took Vivek's picture to Ramu's office. Ramu asked me if Vivek was really 22 years old. Then, he came home and saw some of his videos. He wanted to give some shagun to Vivek, then and there. He borrowed Rs 10, gave it to Vivek, and then made it a point to return Rs 10 with Vivek's fee for Company."
"Coming back to the fact that I no more handle Vivek's work now, I would like to say that Vivek still takes my advice. I am very much around," says Oberoi Sr
Vivek's Girl
07-05-2008, 02:32 AM
Vivek hotter than Costner?
Author: Upala KBR Date: 05 May 2008
Hollywood star’s female fans ended up with Mr Oberoi in Turkey!
http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/entertainment/bollywood/article?_EXT_5_articleId=1115248&_EXT_5_groupId=14
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/3/imagegallerynb9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Vivek Oberoi (Left); Kevin Costner (Right)
While shooting for Sunil Shetty’s Mission Istanbul, director Apoorva Lakhia and actor Vivek Oberoi along with the rest of the cast stayed at the Les-Ottomans Hotel in Istanbul.
At the same time, Hollywood actor and director Kevin Costner was also staying in the hotel.
The Academy Award-winner was in Istanbul with his rock band, Modern West, for a concert at the WOW Convention Center — the first in a series of events, Hollywood Stars in Turkey.
After it became known that that Costner was staying at the hotel, a lot of his fans showed up at the hotel to catch a glimpse of the star.
Two of these fans saw Vivek Oberoi there, and they ended up partying and spending a lot of time together. The girls even accompanied VO to the Mission Istanbul shooting and soon the actor became a butt of everyone’s jokes for dating two girls together!
Taken aback
Vivek laughs off the incident saying, “It’s embarrassing to even talk about this. I did make lots of friends in Istanbul as I love seeing a new place and going out and partying but we all did it as a group.
Kevin Costner was staying in the hotel we were in and there was a group of Turkish girls who had come there. I thought they had come to meet him but to my utter shock they turned out to be my fans!
Adds Vivek,“Saathiya was a hit in Turkey. Hindi films are a craze in Istanbul since Raj Kapoor’s time and fans would even drive down to meet us.”
hazzy
07-05-2008, 08:13 AM
it seems you bf is doing quite fine:tounge_sm
Vivek's Girl
08-05-2008, 04:57 PM
ohhh..yes..he is doing great! :thumbs_up
Vivek's Girl
09-05-2008, 07:29 PM
NOTE: THERE IS A VID ON THIS LINK!
Vivek Oberoi in the limelight
5/9/2008 8:52:32 PM
http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=8171
Actor Vivek Oberoi reveals hether he likes being in the news for the wrong reasons. Though he's been out of the limelight for quite some time, he loves being in news, here's actor Vivek Oberoi like never seen before. TIMES NOW correspondent Amrita Puri chats up the actor to find out whether he likes being in the news for the wrong reasons.
Here's a detailed excerpt of the interview cited below:
Amrita: You're always in the news for some reason or the other? What's your take on it?
Vivek: What's the point of commenting on such issues? People make up their own news. If I'm part of it, I'm part of it and if I'm not, then I'm not. I've heard the most ridiculous things about myself.
Amrita: What's the funniest rumour that you've heard about yourself?
Vivek: I've heard many crazy things. Ive once read that I'd gone to a funeral wearing make-up, so that I looked good at the funeral. I really get completely confused at such rumours and they really baffle me.
Amrita: Is it good to be in news for also the wrong reasons?
Vivek: No, really no. I'm more of a 'Mast Maula' guy, I only like to be in news before or during the release of a film, which I professionally owe my producers being a part of the film and the promotions. I'm really fortunate to be a part of Karan Johar's film with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. I love the character and the script. It's a character that I've never done or experienced before, and it's not a negative character either.
(Interviewed by Amrita Puri)
Vivek's Girl
09-05-2008, 07:37 PM
Not only Ranbir but Ajay, Vivek and Nana in Rajniti
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com
9 May 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1162-not-only-ranbir-but-ajay-vivek-and-nana-in-rajniti.html
We reported earlier that for the story for his next film, Rajniti, Prakash Jha was going to base it around Rajiv Gandhi's life. There have also been reports that Jha was going to do a modern day Mahabharat. Well, it seems that Jha is going to use elements of the Mahabharat, parts of Rajiv’s life and modern day politics and combine them all into one.
For this highly eclectic film the cast list is a who’s who of Bollywood stars. Jha revealed, “There's Ajay Devgan who will play a modern-day Karan. And believe it or not, Nana Patekar, who was fantastic as the corrupt politician in Apharan, has been cast as Krishna. Ajay and Nana are old friends. We share a fantastic comfort level.”
The director also has talented Vivek Oberoi and Manoj Bajpal as part of the incredible line up and about them he said, “These are actors I've not worked with before. I'm looking forward to directing them.”
For the pivotal role of Rajiv aka Arjun, Jha wanted Ranbir Kapoor and would have no other, in fact he said if Ranbir had not agreed he would have dropped the project. Fortunately, Ranbir has said given his nod and the film can go to the floor.
With such an illustrious cast and an intriguing story this film is one to keep an eye on! We will be sure to report all the up to date news on Rajniti, including who else joins the cast, so keep watching this space for more!!
Vivek's Girl
12-05-2008, 11:58 PM
Now Vivek says no to Prakash Jha for RAJNITI
Joginder Tuteja, IndiaGlitz [Monday, May 12, 2008]
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/38477.html
It was recently reported in the media that Vivek Oberoi was to play a leading role in Prakash Jha's film 'Rajniti' along with Ajay Devgan, Nana Patekar, Ranbir Kapoor and Manoj Bajpai.
But according to Vivek's publicist Dale Bhagwagar, the actor wouldn't be able to participate in the film. "Indeed, Vivek was offered 'Rajniti' and wanted to do the film too. But since he had already committed the required dates to the Karan Johar production to be directed by Rensil D'Silva (screenwriter of 'Rang De Basanti'), he couldn't be part of 'Rajniti'."
"However, Vivek has been an admirer of all Prakash Jha movies and is keen to work with the director in future," added Bhagwagar.
In Rensil's film, Vivek will be starring in the lead along with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
Meanwhile, Popcorn Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Limited's 'Mission Istanbul' directed by Apoorva Lakhia and starring Vivek along with Sunil Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran, is nearing release. The actor sports a very different get-up to go with an intense look in this film where he even flexes a lot of muscle.
Vivek's Girl
13-05-2008, 12:00 AM
Vivek Oberoi says no to Rajniti
12 May, 2008 02:39 pm ISTlINDIATIMES MOVIES
http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3032533.cms
The actor first said no to a Malayalam film starring Mohanlal, the great actor down South. While we really don't know why, Vivek Oberoi has now said no to Prakash Jha's Rajniti – a movie starring Ajay Devgan, Ranbir Kapoor, Nana Patekar and Manoj Bajpai.
Apparently it's a 'date issue' that has made doing this motion picture impossible for Vivek. The dates have clashed with Karan Johar's production to be directed by Rensil D'Silva. So while he has missed out on shooting with the likes of Ajay et al, Vivek is happy sharing screen space with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
Besides Mission Istanbul , let's hope big banners such as Dharma and acting with popular actors like Saif and Kareena help Oberoi resurrect his otherwise sliding career. Jha's Rajniti looks promising, and let's hope for Vivek's sake, it's not his 'big loss'
Vivek's Girl
14-05-2008, 11:33 PM
Vivek's different look
13 May 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/Viveks_different_look/articleshow/3033284.cms
Was Vivek Oberoi offered Prakash Jha’s film Rajniti along with Ajay Devgan, Nana Patekar, Ranbir Kapoor and Manoj Bajpai?
Sources close to the actor say he was offered the role but due to prior commitments Vivek had to let go of this film. “Indeed, Vivek was offered Rajniti and he was very keen to do the film.
But since he had already committed the required dates to Karan Johar’s production to be directed by Rensil D’Silva (screenwriter of Rang De Basanti), he couldn’t be part of Rajniti.”
Apparently, Vivek has been an admirer of all Prakash Jha movies and is keen to work with the director in future. In Rensil’s film, Vivek will be starring along with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
Vivek is also readying for his next release Mission Istanbul directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film also stars Suniel Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran. The actor sports a very different get-up to go with an intense look in this film where he even flexes a lot of muscle.
Vivek's Girl
14-05-2008, 11:33 PM
Vivek's different look
13 May 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Entertainment/India_Buzz/Viveks_different_look/articleshow/3033284.cms
Was Vivek Oberoi offered Prakash Jha’s film Rajniti along with Ajay Devgan, Nana Patekar, Ranbir Kapoor and Manoj Bajpai?
Sources close to the actor say he was offered the role but due to prior commitments Vivek had to let go of this film. “Indeed, Vivek was offered Rajniti and he was very keen to do the film.
But since he had already committed the required dates to Karan Johar’s production to be directed by Rensil D’Silva (screenwriter of Rang De Basanti), he couldn’t be part of Rajniti.”
Apparently, Vivek has been an admirer of all Prakash Jha movies and is keen to work with the director in future. In Rensil’s film, Vivek will be starring along with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
Vivek is also readying for his next release Mission Istanbul directed by Apoorva Lakhia. The film also stars Suniel Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran. The actor sports a very different get-up to go with an intense look in this film where he even flexes a lot of muscle.
Vivek's Girl
15-05-2008, 01:38 AM
Priyagold Fresh Fizzy Fruit Drink casting by Vivek Oberoi
zyE9_uywGGY
Vivek's Girl
15-05-2008, 03:52 AM
VO wants Rs 5 crore
Author: Tushar Joshi Date: 15 May 2008
http://www.mid-day.com/web/guest/entertainment/bollywood/article?_EXT_5_articleId=1131478&_EXT_5_groupId=14
Vivek Oberoi has quoted a hefty price to act in director Shyam Benegal’s next, Chamki Chameli
Vivek Oberoi is being considered for Shyam Benegal’s project titled Chamki Chameli.
However, talks have taken a beating after Vivek quoted a sky-high price — Rs 5 crore.
A source reveals that Benegal was stunned to hear the price and is considering other options if Vivek doesn’t budge.
“Vivek initially asked for the script and when he was given one he went ahead and quoted his price.
Benegal was quite shocked and has told Vivek that he will get back to him.”
Won’t match that
We are told that the Benegal initially had Jimmy Sheirgill and Urmila Matondkar in mind for the lead roles, but later spoke to Oberoi after his work in Shootout at Lokhandwala. Now that the actor has already quoted a price, Benegal isn’t ready to match that.
A source close to Vivek confirms that he’s in talks with Benegal for the film and adds, “It’s an honour for Vivek to be considered by a prolific maker like Shyam Benegal for his film.”
But he added, “It’s premature to comment on the outcome, as details are still being worked out and yet to be finalised.”
Vivek's Girl
15-05-2008, 03:56 AM
Vivek not part of Rajniti
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com
14 May 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1169-vivek-not-part-of-rajniti.html
The cast list of Prakash Jha’s film Rajniti is quite impressive but there is one actor who has had to turn it down because of conflicting dates. Vivek Oberoi was very keen to be part of the project but because of his work for his next exciting film he had to say no to Rajniti.
Vivek’s publiscist Dale Bhagwagar said, “Indeed, Vivek was offered Rajniti and wanted to do the film too. But since he had already committed the required dates to the Karan Johar production to be directed by Rensil D'Silva (screenwriter of Rang De Basanti), he couldn't be part of Rajniti.” The film for D’Silva also stars Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
Adding, “However, Vivek has been an admirer of all Prakash Jha movies and is keen to work with the director in future.”
Vivek’s new film Mission Istanbul is getting ready to blast into theatres this summer on July 25th. The action thriller also stars Sunil Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran and was directed by Apoorva Lakhia.
Well! Director Apoorva Lakhia seems to have accomplished an impossible mission by getting the two actors to not only stand in a frame together, but to shake a leg too in his film, Mission Istanbul! The heroes are Abhishek Bachchan the husband of Ash and Vivek Oberoi, the former “admirer” of Ash.
Abhishek of course is making a special appearance in the film and special it certainly is. The past (Vivek) and present (Abhishek) of the beautiful Aishwarya Rai Bachchan dancing together is something the audiences will wait to see with bated breath. “I am going to shoot the song that Abhishek and Vivek will dance together in towards the end of May. It is the highlight of the film,” says Apoorva Lakhia.
Vivek's Girl
19-05-2008, 11:08 PM
John Abraham & Vivek At Tiger Conservation
May 19, 2008
By Kkomal Seth & Gautam Seth
http://ww.smashits.com/events/3401/1/John-...nservation.html (http://ww.smashits.com/events/3401/1/John-Abraham-Vivek-At-Tiger-Conservation.html)
John Abraham & Vivek Oberoi at the press meet of Tiger Conservation in India and unveiling of the 'Tiger Wall of Hope' at the J W Marriott, Juhu, Mumbai on 18th May 2008 NOKIA INDIA JOINS HANDS WITH WWF-INDIA FOR TIGER CONSERVATION Mumbal, May 182008: Nokia, the leading mbblle communications company in India, today announced its partnership with WWF-Indla, one of the largest conservation organizations in the country, to be involved in WWF-Indla's Tiger conservation programme. lbis announcement was jointly made by Mr. Ravi Singh, Secreta!}' General and CEO, WWF¬India, and Mr. D Shivakumar, VP and Managing Director, Nokia India, at an event held In Mumbai today. Mr. Ravi Singh, WWF-Indla, said, 'We are proud to partner with Nokia in India. Globally, Nokia has been involved in several conservation initiatives with the WWF Network and we are happy to see this relationship extend here. lbis is an important step in bringing corporate institutional support for conservation, significantly tiger conservation, in India. lbis is an Important beginning at this critical time for conservation In our country." "Nokia is a household name in India. Our commitment to India, to our consumers and to society is a priority for uS.lbis initiative is one such commitment," said Mr. D. Shivakumar, VP and Managing Director, Nokia India. .WWF is a tremendous organization and it is our proud privilege at Nokia to be associated with them on this important initiative" he added. Mr. Ravi Singh quoted "The tiger population in India has seen an alarming decrease with their habitats shrinking and several threats including poaching taking a toll on their survival. To create a healthy ecological balance we need to work towards building long term sustainable models for wildlife conservation such that our future generations can experience the joy and beauty of our varied flora and fauna, " Speaking on the scope of the partnership, Mr. Singh added, "lbe tiger conservation project encompasses to address the issues of alternative livelihood for local communities, environmental awareness and communications. lbe project will also look at some of the critical issues that South Western Ghats are facing today, including biodiversity loss and human wildlife conflict "
Taurani brothers on different 'Race'
Posted at Wednesday, 21 May 2008 22:05 IST
http://www.saharasamay.com/samayhtml/artic...px?newsid=99451 (http://www.saharasamay.com/samayhtml/articles.aspx?newsid=99451)
Mumbai, May 21: After the success of 'Race,' Taurani brothers have parted ways producing movies separately.
Ramesh Taurani has signed Vivek Oberoi for his next movie while Kumar Taurani is producing a movie with Rajkumar Satoshi which features Ranveer Kapoor in lead role.
However, Taurani brothers say that the move aims to make more movies and they will present the movies under the names of Tips banner only.
But as it said that there is no some without fire, there could be something fishy behind the whole story.
he looks like wowwww with tat cut smile..thanku viveks girl
Vivek's Girl
27-05-2008, 12:50 AM
ur welcome
Vivek's Girl
27-05-2008, 12:51 AM
Andpersand travels Turkey with cast of Mission Istaanbul
Story By: Businessofcinema.com Team updated on: 26/05/08
Mumbai: In its upcoming issue, The Wander Years, themed on travel, Andpersand '&' Magazine, the flagship publication of the Maxposure Media Group, explores wanderlust as unconventionally as possible.
As Vivek Oberoi, Zayed Khan, Niketan Dheer, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Apoorva Lakhia and designer Gaurav Gupta spill the beans on their exploits in the beautiful city of Istanbul, in a feature titled Talking Turkey, readers discover the confluence of cultures that thrives here. Interesting vignettes, experiences, and actions of these people pepper Andpersand's pages, as the readers learn as much about them, as they do about Istanbul.
And in true Andpersand sense of doing things differently, the issue intrigues its readers with a second 'cover' inside – a 'sneak peek' into the magazine's next cover boy, who is already creating waves. With his head bowed down, this hot, brawny boy plays peek-a-boo with Andpersand readers, leaving them guessing as to who he is. Readers can also win a date with him if they guess correctly who it is. This second cover is a part of Andpersand's philosophy of giving readers something new and interesting every month.
Just like the lead feature of the upcoming issue. Seeing Istanbul through the eyes of Bollywood actors, the readers learn about their quirks and pet peeves. 'The boys' really let their hair down, as Vivek and Zayed speak about getting drunk in Istanbul, while Niketan and Shabbir explain the beauty of the city – the sights, the sounds and the women. Gaurav Gupta narrates how his sojourn to the city was as much a lesson in self-discovery as it was an aspect that shaped his life.
This travel issue focuses on several other facets of journeying too – couch surfing, slum tourism, space laws, hitchhikers, luxury hotspots, and many more such pieces – all speaking of travel, albeit differently.
pluto28
27-05-2008, 04:00 AM
vivek-oberoi-fanclub.tk
d site is back..its working
Vivek's Girl
27-05-2008, 07:16 PM
Singin’ a smokin’ song
27 May 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Mumbai/Singin_a_smokin_song/articleshow/3073893.cms
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/8617/photoxk8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Vivek Oberoi entertains a child (TOI Photo)
In lieu of World Anti-Tobacco day later this week, the Cancer Patient’s Aid Association hosted a musical evening where musicians and celebrities spread the message of anti-smoking and that smoking is injurious to health.
It being an event for a good cause, the performers that included Shankar Mahadevan, Loy Mendonca, Ehsaan Noorani, Shweta Pandit and Baba Sehgal, did not charge a penny for their time and efforts. This one was straight from the heart!
There were squeals of excitement from the audience when chief guest Vivek Oberoi came onto the stage. Not only did he talk about the ill-effects of smoking, but he also sang and danced with the little children from the CPAA. It was quite cool to see the little kids holding up banners that read ‘Smoking is uncool’.
Tara Sharma and her hubby Roopak Saluja joined the song and dance on stage, holding a banner that read ‘Every cigarette takes you 8 minutes closer to death’. Shilpa Saklani, Farah Khan and Tanuja Chandra were also present to lend their support.
crazy_83
28-05-2008, 09:27 AM
Mission Istanbul Star Cast At The IIFA Press Meet
[Wednesday, May 28, 2008]
Its high time to celebrate the joy and enthusiasm of the very much in demand awards i.e. IIFA’08 which is to be scheduled at Bangkok this year.
The spirit of enthusiasm and the power to cherish at the evening is now unstoppable. Each personality whether from bollywood or abroad are really looking forward to it impatiently. So there will be bollywood sitara’s who would set the stage on fire.
Dress designers from bollywood are all set with their favorites to hit the ramp, where designs of Alta Moda, Sabyasachi, Rohit Bal, Vikram Phadnis and Manish Malhotra will be showcased. Leading Indian stars will walk the ramp with their favorite designers. Vidya Balan will add elegance to Sabyasachi’s designs, Kareena Kapoor will join hands with Manish Malhotra, and the cast of forthcoming film “De Talli” will walk the ramp for Vikram Phadnis. Love Story- 2050 couple- Priyanka Chopra and Harman Baweja will be showstoppers for Rohit Bal.
The event had the cast of “Mission Istanbul” the forthcoming film at BJN Banquets, Andheri on 27th May 2008; alongwith Zayed Khan, Vivek Oberoi,Vikram Phadnis, Manish Malhotra, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Nikitan Dheer.
It’s obvious by now that the IIFA that is to be starting from 6th- 8th June will have a remarkable event and every individual present there will have a gala of time.
http://image1.indiaglitz.com/hindi/gallery/Events/iifa2805/iifa01.jpg
http://image1.indiaglitz.com/hindi/gallery/Events/iifa2805/iifa02.jpg
http://image1.indiaglitz.com/hindi/gallery/Events/iifa2805/iifa12.jpg
http://image1.indiaglitz.com/hindi/gallery/Events/iifa2805/iifa22.jpg
http://image1.indiaglitz.com/hindi/gallery/Events/iifa2805/iifa29.jpg
MOUNTAIN DEW's connection with MISSION ISTANBUL
May 28, 2008 1:43:58 PM IST
Joginder Tuteja, Bollywood Trade News Network
http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/may/28-mountain-dews-connection-with-mission-istanbul-050803.asp
In-film advertisement and brand promotion is certainly reaching its height. So much so that now an entire tag line for a film is being borrowed verbatim from the punch line of the brand which is being promoted.
Unbelievable but true! And this is very much on-your-face in a unique tie-up which has happened between upcoming action film MISSION ISTANBUL and soft drink MOUNTAIN DEW.
Everyone has heard of the famous punch line of the drink - DARR KE AAGE JEET HAI - in countless advertisements that have been made for this drink. Now get set to hear and see a lot more of that as the promotion of MISSION ISTANBUL catches up heat. And that's because the film is called, hold your breath, MISSION ISTANBUL - DARR KE AAGE JEET HAI!
In the hindsight, it seems to be just the apt way for the film to be named like this if one goes by the action genre of the film. A non-stop high voltage entertainer directed by Apoorva Lakhia (SHOOT OUT AT LOKHANDWALA, EK AJNABEE), the man who does have the pulse for making action flicks, MISSION ISTANBUL is a multi starrer which travels continents in it's pursuit to tell a story which has an international setting.
As is the case with majority of action flicks, MISSION ISTANBUL too is a multi starrer with men like Sunil Shetty, Vivek Oberoi, Zayed Khan, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Nikitin Dhir along with Abhishek Bachchan (in a special appearance) dominating the star cast.
In fact the film's climax sequence is said to be the highlight since it required Zayed Khan put on 11 kg, weigh 75 kgs and hence look convincing enough to take on bad man Niketan Dheer, who is 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighs 86 kg.
Action in the film is scored by Javed, Ejaz and George Aguilar (from USA) who in the past has also choreographed action sequences for TA RA RUM PUM, FANAA and JO BOLE SO NIHAL.
Vivek's Girl
29-05-2008, 02:44 AM
Cast and crew of Mission Istanbul at the IIFA Press Conference
When we tell Vivek Oberoi that off late we have seen him extend a lot of support to Shah Rukh Khan by cheering for Kolkata Knight Riders, he says, “I supported KKR only because of Shah Rukh. Though they couldn’t make the semis, I liked their last match. Dada’s batting was a pleasure to watch,” he says.
Does that mean that he was not supporting Mumbai? “Apart from Kolkata, the only other team I supported was Mumbai. I was heartbroken when Mumbai was knocked out. I didn’t want them to lose under Sachin Tendulkar. The whole country discuss about Sachin - his form, his personal life, his wealth. I kind of emulate him nowadays. I look at him and say ‘I want to be like that’. Like he lets his bat do the talking, I want my work to speak for itself. Whatever people say, they can say. My films will communicate what I want to communicate.” So what are the films that he has in his kitty? “My next release is Mission Istanbul. After that there is this big film for which I am training in martial arts. But I am not allowed to talk about it. Then there is Karan’s film, which I am doing with Saif and Kareena where I play this really nice guy. I am very excited to play a decent, good chap after a long time,” he says smiling.
Soon, he adds, “I pick films at leisure. We all spend so much of time of make money, but then don’t get the time to spend it. I want time to spend that money, spend time with my family. I love water sports, I love adventures, I love going on holidays with my family. I need time for all these things. I have a list of things written in a diary of that I want to do before I turn 35.”
His fans will soon be able to witness him perform at the IIFA awards on June 8.
“IIFA is special. I am performing to the music of Mission Istanbul. My performance in 2004, where I paid a tribute to Mr Bachchan, got me a lot of appreciation,” he says.
Does marriage figure in his list of things? “I will get married when I find someone who sweeps me off my feet. Right now I am so happy, so single. I have so much freedom. I want to do the boy thing for some more time,” he ends.
Vivek Oberoi should get award for fastest changeover or makeover from OK OK looking to YUCK looking… he seems to be getting bad to worse. Recently Vivek Oberoi was seen with his long tresses in most horrible form ever.
Any stylish reading this, please get in touch with Vivek Oberoi - he desperately needs U and UR style advice.
Besides, Mr Oberoi you can use ur VIVEK (mind) to look into mirror and THINK… THINK… and then try for some cleaning up - make sense?
Vivek's Girl
29-05-2008, 11:51 PM
Vivek Oberoi looks elsewhere for Bollywood fame
http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archives/12679/vivek-oberoi-looks-elsewhere-for-bollywood-fame.html
Vivek Oberoi looks elsewhere for Bollywood fame
A lot was expected from actor Vivek Oberoi after his powerful debut in Company, however the actor has failed to live up to the critics and is now abiding his time by playing second fiddle.
Vivek will be seen in Vashu Bhagnani’s Kal Kisne Dekhaa, but not as the main lead hero. That accolade will be given to Vashu’s son Jacky, who will be making his entry into Bollywood with this film.
When Vivek was asked about this, he responded by saying, “Jacky Bhagnani would be launched in Kal Kisne Dekhaa which is a romantic thriller. The film would also introduce Vaishali Desai in the lead role. In addition, there is a surprise element in the form of Rishi Kapoor who would play a role he has never done before.”
However all is not lost for the young Oberoi… if acting is not giving him his just rewards then maybe producing will. Vivek informs, “I am turning producer with a film, which will be presented by Tips films. This film would be a comedy of error with romance in the background and the star cast is yet to be finalized. We will commence shooting within two months. Then for another movie of mine with Ashtavinayak’s, I have signed Govinda. It is a multi-starrer, romantic-comedy which will go on floors by October.”
Vivek Oberoi likes to play it cool. So he sports the classic combo of white and blue and teams it with printed sneakers and wavy, long hair.
This is my new long haired look for Mission Istanbul. It has been styled by Falguni Peacock and my director Apoorva Lakhia,” says the actor who made a mark as Maya Dolas in Shootout at Lokhandwala.
Vivek is super thrilled about Mission Istanbul and says, “We had a blast shooting in Istanbul for the movie. There is so much action in the movie and Zayed and I are boys at heart, so we were living out our childhood action fantasies.”
So did he undergo any special training for the role? “Oh yes, Zayed and I had to undergo special training for the role and also pile on some muscle. We used to eat a lot and then work it out because we had to be bulky.”
Now that he immortalized Maya Dolas with his impeccable performance, what is his character like in Mission Istanbul? “In MI I play Rizwan Khan, who is a crazy character. The other characters in the movies are very serious, like Zayed is a journalist, but my character is larger than life and nothing surprises him. He makes the impossible possible and he is quite nonchalant about his own daredevil attitude. Zayed’s character is always stunned by all the incredulous antics of my character,” he reveals.
As part of MI’s promotions at IIFA, the cast will be walking the ramp at the IIFA Fashion Extravaganza. “We worked really hard on MI and I am glad we are getting IIFA’s huge platform to showcase it. I am embarrassed to walk the ramp but I will have to do it to as part of the MI style showcase. I am really excited about the stage performance though.”
Elaborating on the performance he says, “Shiamak Davar is choreographing it and it is a twelve minute medley of all the songs of MI. They are all dance numbers. We are currently rehearsing for the sequence. I love dancing and the energy of being on stage.”
Speaking about his style sense, he laughs saying, “I am a very simple guy and I have no sense of style. I like to keep it casual and will only wear a suit when I have to go to a wedding. I think power dressing is all about the attitude. You can look and feel equally powerful as you walk into a room wearing either flip flops or the most expensive shoes in the world. Comfort is what is important,” the actor signs off.
Vivek's Girl
30-05-2008, 09:02 PM
Now Zayed and Vivek in an item song
May 30, 2008 1:28:58 PM IST
http://www.glamsham.com/movies/scoops/08/may/30-now-zayed-and-vivek-in-an-item-song-050803.asp
Appearing in item songs is soon fading out be a territory reserved for just women. And that's because men too are turning on the heat while being more than willing to be a part of item boy brigade.
Shah Rukh Khan and Hrithik Roshan opened the doors with KRAZZY 4, Tusshar didn't have any problems doing so for SUNDAY, Sanjay Dutt has appeared in WOODSTOCK VILLA as well and now Zayed Khan and Vivek Oberoi are doing it as well. The only difference here is that while all the aforementioned men only have a special appearance in the respective films, Zayed and Vivek do it for their own film MISSION ISTANBUL.
The two young men along with Shabbir Ahluwalia (SHOOT OUT AT LOKHANDWALA) and Nikitin Dheer (JODHAA AKBAR) can be seen pumping up the jam for the title song of MISSION ISTANBUL which is currently on air. A song that has the quartet all fired up while lip synching to a tune that delivers a punch, 'Mission Istanbul' has a bevy of foreign girls giving company to these men.
Incidentally, of what one has seen of the song, it doesn't feature the most glamorous part of MISSION ISTANBUL - Shreya Saran (of SIVAJI fame). Well, men are certainly ruling the scene in this Apporva Lakhia action thriller!
Viveik Oberoi: fiery but sensitive
source: http://www.gulfnews.com/eplus/People/10216715.html
http://www.gulfnews.com/images/08/05/28/29_ep_vivek_4.jpg
By Krita Coelho, Feature Writer
Published: May 29, 2008, 00:10
Viveik Oberoi on work, his passion for vintage cars and his special relationship with Dubai.
If you haven't seen or heard anything about the dashing Viveik Oberoi in the past few months, consider it the calm before the storm. The man is on a mission to build a macho image for himself with his forthcoming release Mission Istanbul.
Apart from all the action, you can look forward to breathtaking photography – given that Turkey is such a beautiful place. No wonder Viveik exudes confidence about the film's prospects.
The actor hopes this film gets the same overwhelming response in Dubai as Company and Shootout at Lokhandwala did. After all, Dubai is so much like home for the actor that he feels he does not come here enough.
He cannot stop gushing about the ambience and the people. "Everyone's been so kind, loving, accepting and very warm. When I go around here everyone calls me Maya Bhai (his character in Shootout at Lokhandwala).
Dubai is also special to Viveik because of the support he received for his efforts to help the tsunami victims.
"I had launched a very ambitious project to rebuild homes and rehabilitate victims. The people in Dubai were behind me all the way. They gave me so much of confidence and strength. The project turned out to be a huge success."
Love and longing
That Viveik wears his heart on his sleeve was more than evident during the Aishwarya Rai saga. Now the passionate actor seems more mellowed down, but one cannot help broaching the subject of love and relationships with him.
Viveik, of course, wants to steer clear of anything to do with his ex's.
Some time ago there were reports of Viveik saying he does not want to get into a relationship again. He denies this.
"I did not say never again. I believe in love. I am an absolute romantic. I love poetry and I love romantic movies. I watch chick flicks a lot and I am upset that they are called chick flicks because I am a real man's man. When I went to see Taare Zameen Par I ran out of tissues. I had gone with my mom. She is my movie partner and after a long time she gave me her dupatta to wipe my tears."
For Viveik "life is about assimilating relationships and putting them together like a necklace of pearls." For now, this actor is happy to be single and focused on his work. "I believe that someone somewhere is waiting for me," he says.
Reel and real
Spurred into action by this comment, we wonder if Viveik's character Keshu Phirangi in Omkaara close to his real life persona as was widely speculated? Completely untrue, says the actor, except for the fact that he loves with all his heart.
"Keshu is an emotional fool and I don't think I am anything like him. When I love someone I love with all my heart and when I believe in someone, I do it with all my heart." Perhaps there is a message there.
Continuing on the same vein, Viveik is sometimes accused of shying away from single–hero movies, a charge he is quick to refute. "I do not have that single hero and multiple hero approach. I look out for interesting films and interesting characters. When I look at a role, I look at it from the point of view that I should like playing that character because I put in a lot of work. I do just one film at a time." I
t's the in-thing for actors to research their characters these days in order to get into the skin of the character. So does Viveik do that too? "Not always. Certain characters do not need research. The character I played in Saathiya was so close to my heart that I got into the skin of the character effortlessly."
For Omkaara, however, Viveik learned to play the guitar. He visited slums to prepare for Shootout at Lokhandwala.
"For Shootout I did a lot of research as I was playing a real life character – notorious gangster, Maya Dholas. I went to the jails and met policemen who actually caught such people and who were a part of the shootout when Maya was killed. I went to places where he lived and spoke to people whom he worked with."
Chilling out
Did you know Viveik has a passion for vintage car racing? He plans to buy a classic beauty soon. "My dad is against the idea. He says he will have to take care of it since I travel most of the time. But there is so much beauty and romance in vintage cars. I feel these cars represent so much of history," says Viveik.
And when he is not playing with cars there are always the pet dogs. "I talk to my dogs. It's not only baby talk. I have full length conversations with my dogs Lord Duke and Lady Ivy (both boxers). My mom thinks I am mad. I think I tend to overdo it sometimes."
Angry young man
For a man who is never short of words, Viveik says "clarifications are tedious" especially when they involve justifying your position to the media or other people. He's even less bothered about the ‘rifts' the media creates between actors.
"There are very conscientious people in the media and there are also those who love yellow journalism and constantly speculate about things. I believe that the truth will always shine in the end," says Viveik.
What gets his goose, however, is any tomfoolery with his philantropic work. "When I was working during the tsunami I was not taken seriously by the media. I was working in an emergency situation and they were pestering me for interviews. I did not oblige, which upset many. I made it a rule that anyone wanting my interview would have to wait till the end of the day and work with me at the refugee camp," he says.
He adds,"There was a journalist from the New York Times who actually worked with me and then wrote a beautiful piece. I got so many donations after that. The Indian-based journalists said they had important things to do and many places to go. So I told them that my work is more important than their articles. They slammed me by saying I am a publicity hound. The beauty of it is that despite the bad publicity people came to help me."
Things Viveik's thankful for:
* My family, my pillars of strength.
* My fans for standing by me.
* God for blessing me with good health.
* My critics for always pushing me to do better .
* The values I learned from my parents.
* The love and the pain that I've gone through as it helped me grow.
* My mom's food.
* The opportunities I got.
* All the people who have helped me.
Apoorva Lakhia is all excited about his forthcoming film Mission Istanbul. Shot in exotic locales in Jaipur, Istanbul as well as aamchi Mumbai, the director assures us that this film is one promising package. Lakhia spoke to us about the reason behind his choice of actors for the film and why he felt they suited the characters.
Zayed is the central character in the story. He plays a journalist who finds himself in deep-waters after voicing his decision to quit his job abroad. “I rounded in on Zayed since we were looking for some one who has never played such a role before. I approached him at the right time as he too was looking forward to doing something completely different,” explained Lakhia.
In Mission Istanbul, Suneil Shetty, is the head of a controversial news channel in Istanbul. His character always manages to get what he wants. In the film, Suniel has a knack for manipulating people without having them realize it. Says Lakhia, “When I thought of the character, the first person that came in mind was Suneil. He was just perfect for such an intimidating yet respectable character.”
Mission Istanbul also has Vivek Oberoi playing the role of a Turkish commando who has an air of austerity. His role is matter-of-factly and very unemotional. “I have good comfort level with him after working in Shootout at Lokhandwala together. We make a good combination,” says the director.
Niketan Dheer is the ‘anti-hero’ role. Apoorva spotted him in Jodha- Akbar and thought that this larger-than-life lad would add an interesting element to the film. So Dheer was pulled on board.
Every film requires a female protagonist and Shriya Saran fill up the void for MI. She plays a reporter married to Zayed. Things don’t work out between her and hubby Zayed which leads them seeking an annulment of their marriage. “I saw her in Awaarapan and Sivaji and loved her in both the films. She also managed to capture my attention with some of her cold-cream advertisements,” said Lakhia.
Vivek's Girl
02-06-2008, 03:49 AM
Vivek Oberoi – the new stunt star
02 Jun, 2008 06:28 am ISTlRuma Malia/INDIATIMES MOVIES
http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3088599.cms
Much has been said about Vivek Oberoi’s fitness training sessions and the long-haired look for Apoorva Lakhia’s ‘Mission Istanbul’. Vivek, who was last seen playing a tough underworld henchman in ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’ has escalated his status of someone who is more than just an action hero – to that of a stunt star with ‘Mission Istanbul’.
Shot in the hilly terrains of Turkey, the film required the two leading heroes, Vivek and Zayed Khan to undertake some difficult stunts. In what can be called a stupendous feat, the duo jumped down from a 40-storeyed tower, that too without a safety net. And if that wasn’t all, Vivek and Zayed who had delivered the perfect shot in the first take, decided to go ahead and do the shot seven times since it gave them an adrenalin-high.
Confirming about his dare-devil stunt, Vivek told Indiatimes Movies, “The film has quite some stunts and mostly, it was our director Apoorva who would first attempt the stunt since he is the adventurous sorts and only if he was sure, we would go ahead with it. In certain cases, he opted for duplicates. But when it came to jumping from the 40-storeyed tower, Apoorva wasn’t really up for it. However, for me and Zayed, it seemed like the best opportunity to establish our credentials as stunt heroes. And so, we did it.”
He added, “Though we had developed goose bumps before the first take, grappling from the height was so much fun, that we decided to give six more takes”.
Now with an attitude like this, we are sure you would agree if we said that Vivek Oberoi has not just grown to join the league of Akshay Kumar, SRK and Aamir when it comes to sporting a six pack but also in terms of being professional to the point of perfection.
Vivek's Girl
02-06-2008, 08:56 PM
Vivek on the type of girl he would like to meet
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com
2 Jun 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1243-vivek-on-the-type-of-girl-he-would-like-to-meet.html
One of Bollywood’s best actors, Vivek Oberoi, is enjoying his career and also his single status. Recently, while at IIFA promoting his new film Mission Istanbul, he gave Indiatimes Movies some thoughts on being single and the type of girl he would like to meet.
About relationships Vivek said, “I have been in two serious relationships, two of them back to back for seven and half years...mere sar takh gaya yaar (my head is tired). I mean it’s difficult and unless the person’s amazing and makes you feel like heaven on earth. Normally things in a relationship the first year is damn amazing after that it gets very difficult.”
However now he is having a ball as a single man, “Now that I have lived the single life for the last two to three years I am thinking why didn’t I do this before. It’s amazing. I mean I enjoy myself,” he said with a big smile.
Vivek also revealed that in the next five years he wants to do every thing on his “list of things to do before I am 35”: “I’ve got five years more now. I’ve turned 30 now and the pressure’s on from home.”
Though being single is fun, Vivek is also a romantic and does want to meet a that special someone. “I want to meet someone who’s very simple, out of the ordinary, who makes my life extraordinary. Someone who’s simple, has a sense of humor, is a nice person, a nice human being who thinks about things other than just herself. She’s not like self obsessed, thinking only about her. Who’s not glamour struck or not so involved with this world. Who will have time for herself, time for me and time for the relationship.
Vivek's Girl
03-06-2008, 04:13 AM
I want a very simple girl: Viveik Oberoi
Tuesday, 03 June 2008
http://entertainment.in.msn.com/bollywood/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1429275
Viveik Oberoi is back to his usual active self. Come June 6, and he will be performing at IIFA in Bangkok. And that will bring Viveik Oberoi face-to-face with Bachchan khandan, including his ex-girlfriend Aishwarya Rai.
Ask if he is all set to face the Bachchans, and he says, "IIFA is beyond that. It's a global platform for us to showcase the Indian films and talent."
Vivek will next be seen in Apoorva Lakhia's 'Mission Istanbul'. And he has Abhishek Bachchan as his co star. So how was it to shoot with him and he said, "no comments."
He instead chooses to talk about his character in the film. "I love the character Rizwan Khan. He is like the ultimate dude. Long hair, gungees and madhead. He lives to achieve the impossible. In this film Vikas Sagar, Zayed's character, is stranded in an alien land. He appears from nowhere and helps him. He is good guy, who deals with bad guys in a very bad way."
Dream girl
Though he accepts to be excited about this action flick, Vivek says he is looking forwards to Karan Johar's production, with Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan. "Oh... that will be amazing. It's a cute character," he says.
Apparently, Vivek says that he has been getting a lot of mails to bring Saathiya's lover boy Aditya back on screen. "I am an absolute romantic. And would love to bring Adi back."
But Vivek has been single for a while, ask him if he is keen to change his statuts and he says, "I am happy being single, but at the same time, would love to be involved only if the I can find my kind of girl." And how would she be like, "I want a very simple girl", he quips.
Vivek Oberoi has been part of mafia movies for so long, he could make Sopranos star James Gandolfini blush. Quite a misleading image for an actor who is as mushy and romantic as a classic Mills and Boons novel. With a string of flops, couple of major heartbreaks and lots of puns at his cost, the man gets as dreamy eyed as a 16-year old when he talks about love. Vivek was seen getting philosophical about his future ladylove who, according to him, is yet to arrive, and who is supposedly going to sweep him off his feet. The actor admitted to being cautious this time around and is confident of being third time lucky. Listen to his criteria for the perfect woman, his strong belief in love marriages and more.
OMG :omg_smile everytime i saw it i fly fly from my chair... :heart:
Vivek's Girl
05-06-2008, 08:06 PM
oh..i knw...here is another pic
http://i28.tinypic.com/e7zar6.jpg
hazzy
06-06-2008, 01:22 AM
LOL you and your Vivek....:tounge_sm
crazy_83
06-06-2008, 01:24 AM
Viveik's losing it!
06 Jun, 2008 04:00 am ISTlReshma Kelkar /INDIATIMES MOVIES
Losing weight has become a new trend in Bollywood. Kareena got a size zero for Tashan . Himesh lost his flab and transformed himself into a smart look for Karzzzz . Sunny Deol lost weight to look fit for his forthcoming film The Man . Even John Abraham had to get into shape for Ashayien . And the newest star to join the bandwagon is Viveik Oberoi.
It`s Tips that has got Viveik to get into a full on gym routine for an untitled film that will mark Kookie Gulati's directorial debut. Kookie, who used to direct music videos, is all set to get behind the camera, this time for a film. It is going to be an action film and boasts of presenting Viveik in an all new look.
When contacted, Kookie confirms, "Yes we signed Viveik as main lead who has an interesting role in the film. It is an action thriller thus Viveik has to go through lot of training. As far as his look is concern, he is loosing weight for this specific lean and fit look."
Viveik says, "this is one of my most exciting projects. I have never done anything like this. i am so excited, but I cannot disclose anything as there are a lot of things that need to be tied up before I can talk about the film. But I assure you, nobody will be disappointed."
This is not Viveik's first action film; he has done action thrillers several times. So how different it is going to be? "It is totally different than what he has done earlier in his career. He is going through the rigorous training since past 5 to 6 days. We have called professional martial art trainers from UK and Thailand to train him."answers Gulati.
And who will be Viveik`s love interest in the film? It is learned that rather going for a known face, Kookie has decided to go for a new girl opposite Viveik. He plans to commence this film in July.
Jeetendra releases music of ‘Mission Istanbul’ in Bangkok
June 6th, 2008 - 7:17 pm ICT by IANS - Email This Post
By Arpana
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/jeetendra-releases-music-of-mission-istanbul-in-bangkok_10057328.html
Bangkok, June 6 (IANS) The music of Bollywood director Apoorva Lakhia’s next film “Mission Istanbul”, which deals with terrorism, was released here by yesteryears Bollywood star Jeetendra. The music album was released on the occasion of the International Indian Film Academy awards festival that honours Bollywood films around the world and began in 2000. Amitabh Bachchan is the brand ambassador of IIFA.
“The music of the film is given by four composers - Anu Malik, Mika, Shamir Tandon and the new guy Chirantan Bhatt. He has composed the title song and the Abhishek Bachchan song,” Lakhia told media.
There are total six songs in the album and Vivek Oberoi is going to perform on “Apun Ka Saath” at the awards function on June 8.
“I am quite nervous about my performance because the song is not picturised yet and Mika called me up to say that I have to give my best shot,” said Vivek.
“After ‘Ganpat’, this song is going to rock too,” Vivek, who might not attend the green carpet premiere of ‘Sarkar Raj’, told the media here.
“Most likely I would be rehearsing. I have come late and so, I will have to catch up with rehearsals for my performance,” he added.
The entire cast and crew of the film was present here for the music release function. Zayed Khan, Niketan Dheer, Shabbir Ahluwalia, and newcomer Shweta Bharadwaj were present.
In fact, the lead actors did a jig and Vivek even crooned his rap numbers for the media and fans.
Vivek's Girl
06-06-2008, 07:33 PM
VIVEK @ IIFA
CREDIT TO VIVEKS_ANGEL FOR GIVING ME THE LINKS :)
Before being typecast, I jump out: Vivek Oberoi
IANS
Saturday, June 07, 2008 16:15 IST
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1169489
PART 1
BANGKOK: His last film was an action thriller and the next titled 'Mission Istanbul', with focus on terrorism, is in the same genre. But Vivek Oberoi says that he won't allow himself to be typecast.
"Whenever I feel that I am becoming stereotyped or typecast, I jump out and do something new," Vivek, who was last seen in "Shootout At Lokhandwala" in the role of gangster Maya Dolas, said here.
Vivek is in Bangkok to participate in the 9th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards. The music of his film "Mission Istanbul" was launched here, and he is scheduled to perform at the gala on Sunday night.
Commenting upon his back-to-back action releases, Vivek said: "It's not a conscious decision to do action films. Apoorva offered me the role and the script was fantastic, so I accepted it. The USP (unique selling proposition) of the film is that it is technically brilliant. It has a new idea and concept. It has a global perspective on terrorism and how India is involved in that global framework."
The actor says that he has fallen in love with his character in the film.
"I am really excited about this movie. I love my character. It was fun playing him. Everything you imagine as a young kid while watching action movies, all those fantasies came true.
"Music of the film has been used very intelligently. It's not that suddenly the narrative stops, and a song is inserted. It is used in the backdrops. The story has international flavour so we didn't want to create any breaks. It is a non-traditional script."
Vivek's Girl
08-06-2008, 03:47 AM
PART 2
Vivek says unless he gets a substantial role in Hollywood, he won't take a chance there.
"Every actor wants to have a global platform. If I find the role challenging and exciting I will do it. I wouldn't want to be Indian taxi driver in a Hollywood film."
Reportedly, there was a competition between Vivek and is co-star Zayed Khan to outdo each other in the action scenes of "Mission Istanbul".
But the actor says: "It was camaraderie. We had to jump from 44th storey of a building and we were like, 'Okay we have to jump from there and we said it's cool and we jumped'. We ended up doing it six or seven times till the graphic expert came and asked us to stop, saying you guys are going to burn the ropes."
"My next (film) is for Tips which is really a big extravaganza. I am shooting the film in South Africa. Then I am doing a film for Karan Johar, which is being directed by Renzel D'silva with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The role is very interesting and a complete departure from what I have been doing till now."
Vivek's Girl
08-06-2008, 03:49 AM
Before being typecast, I jump out: Vivek Oberoi
June 7th, 2008 - 5:26 pm ICT by IANS - Email This Post
By Arpana
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/world-news/before-being-typecast-i-jump-out-vivek-oberoi_10057613.html
Bangkok, June 7 (IANS) His last film was an action thriller and the next titled “Mission Istanbul”, with focus on terrorism, is in the same genre. But Vivek Oberoi says that he won’t allow himself to be typecast. “Whenever I feel that I am becoming stereotyped or typecast, I jump out and do something new,” Vivek, who was last seen in “Shootout At Lokhandwala” in the role of gangster Maya Dolas, told IANS here.
Vivek is in Bangkok to participate in the 9th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards. The music of his film “Mission Istanbul” was launched here, and he is scheduled to perform at the gala night Sunday.
Commenting upon his back-to-back action releases, Vivek said: “It’s not a conscious decision to do action films. Apoorva offered me the role and the script was fantastic, so I accepted it. The USP (unique selling proposition) of the film is that it is technically brilliant. It has a new idea and concept. It has a global perspective on terrorism and how India is involved in that global framework.”
The actor says that he has fallen in love with his character in the film.
“I am really excited about this movie. I love my character. It was fun playing him. Everything you imagine as a young kid while watching action movies, all those fantasies came true.
“Music of the film has been used very intelligently. It’s not that suddenly the narrative stops, and a song is inserted. It is used in the backdrops. The story has international flavour so we didn’t want to create any breaks. It is a non-traditional script.”
Vivek says unless he gets a substantial role in Hollywood, he won’t take a chance there.
“Every actor wants to have a global platform. If I find the role challenging and exciting I will do it. I wouldn’t want to be Indian taxi driver in a Hollywood film.”
Reportedly, there was a competition between Vivek and is co-star Zayed Khan to outdo each other in the action scenes of “Mission Istanbul”.
But the actor says: “It was camaraderie. We had to jump from 44th storey of a building and we were like, ‘Okay we have to jump from there and we said it’s cool and we jumped’. We ended up doing it six or seven times till the graphic expert came and asked us to stop, saying you guys are going to burn the ropes.”
“My next (film) is for Tips which is really a big extravaganza. I am shooting the film in South Africa. Then I am doing a film for Karan Johar, which is being directed by Renzel D’silva with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The role is very interesting and a complete departure from what I have been doing till now.”
Vivek's Girl
08-06-2008, 03:50 AM
Music of 'Mission Istaanbul' flagged off at IIFA 2008
IndiaGlitz [Saturday, June 07, 2008]
http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/hindi/article/39167.html
The IIFA 2008 was kicked off yesterday at Bangkok in the presence of the Bachchan family, other top Bollywood actors and technicians and invitees from the government of Thailand and other celebrities from the host country.
'Mission Istaanbul' which is a joint production of Savile Row Co, Balaji Motion Pictures and Popcorn Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd. is one of the movies to be premiered at the IIFA world Premiers which is one of the attractions in the total package of this years IIFA.
For this multi starrer film Vivek Oberoi has gone for an image make over adopting long hair.
The other actors in the film directed by Apoorva Lakhia are Zayed Khan, Shriya Saran, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Nikitin Dheer, Suniel Shetty and a new actress Shwetta Bharadwaj.
The music album of 'Mission Istaanbul' containing six songs for which T-Series holds the rights was released at the IIFA Weekend 2008 by the veteran hero of Bollywood Jeetendra who is also known as the jumping jack.
Four talented music directors which include a debutante have composed the music of the new film.
The experienced music maker Annu Malik, Shameer Tandon, singer and composer Mika and the new kid on the block Chirantan Bhatt used their skills to compose the songs.
'Mission Istaanbul' also marks the collaboration of Annu Malik and the famous Turkish singer Ege for the romantic song "Jo Gumshuda".
The singer from Turkey has made this song very unique and touching with his soulful sound.
When Annu Malik who is known for his great soothing romantic tracks used the incredible talent of Ege, the result is a great song with an entirely new flavour that incorporates the elements of the Indian songs and the poignant singing style of the vocalist from Turkey.
Balaji Motion Pictures and PoPCorn Motion Pictures bought the rights of a very famous international song titled "World Hold On", a music track that has the credit of being remixed in thirty six different versions till now to use it in 'Mission Istaanbul'.
Shameer Tandon used the original song to create a new version mixing Indian lyrics with Turkish sounds and coming out with a fantastic new song which still keeps the soul of the original track intact.
The song composed by singer/composer Mika is a typical Bollywood style song.
The song featured on Vivek Oberoi's character in the film just like the song "Aye Ganpat" that revolved around the character played by Vivek in 'Shootout at Lokandwala stays true to the music style of Hindi Cinemas.
The song is expected to turn out to be a hot choice of the youngsters.
The new music director Chirantan Bhatt tries to prove his mettle with the title track which is very vibrant and gels with the true attitude of 'Mission Istaanbul'.
Chirantan has also worked on producing a groovy item song titled as "Nobody Like You".
'Shootout At Lokandwala' proved to be blockbuster and helped Vivek Oberoi to end his steak of box office duds at a time when he was desperately looking out for a super hit.
He certainly likes to see 'Mission Istaanbul' to rise more higher.
The actor who made a dashing entry into Bollywood with the super hit 'Company' directed by Ram Gopal Varma will be performing to the tune of the song "Apun Ka Saath" from the new film at the awards function on June 8 at IIFA Awards 2008.
Vivek's dreams of a hugely successful movie is all said to get a good thrust with the great music of 'Mission Istaanbul'
Vivek's Girl
08-06-2008, 03:53 AM
NOTE: THERE IS A VID ON THIS LINK
Vivek on a 'mission'
6/7/2008 8:36:56 PM
http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=9456
At the ongoing IIFA awards TIMES NOW caught up with actor Vivek Oberoi who is all excited about his latest film "Mission Istanbul". TIMES NOW correspondent Sriparna Mitra catches up with the actor.
Vivek Oberoi is in Bangkok because he is nominated for an award, and double it to that he is is performing live on stage on a song 'Ganpat', from his film "Shootout at Lokhandwala".
When asked about the camaradere with Zayed Khan, the actor said that they both fight for competition and always want to do things better than the other and enjoy doing that way.
Vivek is very excited about his forthcoming film "Mission Istanbul". He also went on to sing a few words from one of the songs, "Apun ke saath koi ladega, sar saale ka vahin phatega. Goli jo padegi bheje mein, kaun maaik laal rokega."
Vivek's Girl
08-06-2008, 03:55 AM
Though he's often seen in action films, the actor likes to do diverse roles
by Arpana
http://www.masala.com/3639-viveik-spells-out-his-mission
His last film was an action thriller and the next titled "Mission Istanbul", with focus on terrorism, is in the same genre. But Viveik Oberoi says that he won't allow himself to be typecast.
"Whenever I feel that I am becoming stereotyped or typecast, I jump out and do something new," Viveik, who was last seen in "Shootout At Lokhandwala" in the role of gangster Maya Dolas, told IANS in Bangkok.
Viveik is in the Thai capital to participate in the 9th International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards. The music of his film "Mission Istanbul" was launched here, and he is scheduled to perform at the gala night on Sunday.
Commenting upon his back-to-back action releases, Viveik said: "It's not a conscious decision to do action films. Apoorva offered me the role and the script was fantastic, so I accepted it. The USP (unique selling proposition) of the film is that it is technically brilliant. It has a new idea and concept. It has a global perspective on terrorism and how India is involved in that global framework."
The actor says that he has fallen in love with his character in the film.
"I am really excited about this movie. I love my character. It was fun playing him. Everything you imagine as a young kid while watching action movies, all those fantasies came true.
"Music of the film has been used very intelligently. It's not that suddenly the narrative stops, and a song is inserted. It is used in the backdrops. The story has international flavour so we didn't want to create any breaks. It is a non-traditional script."
Viveik says unless he gets a substantial role in Hollywood, he won't take a chance there.
"Every actor wants to have a global platform. If I find the role challenging and exciting I will do it. I wouldn't want to be Indian taxi driver in a Hollywood film."
Reportedly, there was a competition between Viveik and is co-star Zayed Khan to outdo each other in the action scenes of "Mission Istanbul".
But the actor says: "It was camaraderie. We had to jump from 44th storey of a building and we were like, ‘Okay we have to jump from there and we said it's cool and we jumped'. We ended up doing it six or seven times till the graphic expert came and asked us to stop, saying you guys are going to burn the ropes."
"My next (film) is for Tips which is really a big extravaganza. I am shooting the film in South Africa. Then I am doing a film for Karan Johar, which is being directed by Renzel D'silva with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The role is very interesting and a complete departure from what I have been doing till now."
Indo-Asian News Service
Vivek's Girl
08-06-2008, 03:57 AM
"I love my character" - Vivek Oberoi
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com
7 Jun 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1268-i-love-my-character-vivek-oberoi.html
After seeing the trailer, Vivek Oberoi’s new film Mission Istanbul looks to be an action packed thrill ride. The film, which opens on July 25th, also stars Zayed Khan, Suniel Shetty, Nikitin Dheer, Shabbir Ahluwalia and Shriya Saran. After last year’s amazing performance in Shootout at Lokhandwala, it surprised many he was going to be seen once again in the action genre.
However, Vivek said that he loved the script and his character and that is why he decided to do the film: “It's not a conscious decision to do action films. Apoorva offered me the role and the script was fantastic, so I accepted it. The USP (unique selling point) of the film is that it is technically brilliant. It has a new idea and concept. It has a global perspective on terrorism and how India is involved in that global framework."
Adding, “I am really excited about this movie. I love my character. It was fun playing him. Everything you imagine as a young kid while watching action movies, all those fantasies came true.”
The music, which is used more as background music than the traditional soundtrack was launched at the International Indian Film Academy’s weekend in Bangkok. “Music of the film has been used very intelligently. It's not that suddenly the narrative stops, and a song is inserted. It is used in the backdrops. The story has international flavour so we didn't want to create any breaks. It is a non-traditional script," he revealed to IANS.
Both he and Zayed had to perform some dangerous stunts for the film and they had so much fun doing one, they did it seven times. “We had to jump from 44th story of a building and we were like, 'Okay we have to jump from there and we said it's cool and we jumped'. We ended up doing it six or seven times till the graphic expert came and asked us to stop, saying you guys are going to burn the ropes."
Much to the delight of his fans, Vivek also has some new projects lined up. “My next is for Tips which is really a big extravaganza. I am shooting the film in South Africa. Then I am doing a film for Karan Johar, which is being directed by Renzel D'silva with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor. The role is very interesting and a complete departure from what I have been doing till now."
Vivek Oberoi gives Ash a miss at IIFA
By: Bollywood Mantra Staff on 09th June 2008
http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/vivek-oberoi-gives-ash-a-miss-at-iifa/2794/
The Bahu of Bachchan family, Aishwarya Bachchan was the cynosure of the high profile event as she is an important member of IIFA's brand ambassador, Amitabh Bachchan. She caught everyone’s attention while she walked the green carpet with hubby Abhishek Bachchan. Everyone desired to get a glimpse of her but one identified personal who has avoided any face to face interaction with her was her ex beau Vivek Oberoi.
Sarkar Raj was one of the main attractions of the event and many Bollywood stars attended the premiere of the film. Among the attendees were Shabana Azmi, Javed Akhtar, David Dhawan, Ajay Bijli, Zayed Khan, Neil Nitin Mukesh and Mumtaz with her daughters while one star who requires special mention and who has given the show a miss was Ash’s ex flame Vivek Oberoi who was present at IIFA for Mission Istanbul showcasing with his other co-stars Zayed Khan, Vivek Oberoi, Shriya Saran, Shabbir Ahluwalia, Nikitin Dheer, Shweta Bharadwaj.
It is reported that Vivek had intentionally skipped the Sarkar Raj premiere as he was reluctant to face Ash and revive the old story which he dumped long back
Vivek's Girl
11-06-2008, 06:00 AM
Vivek Oberoi gets his due
Posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008 (EST)
http://news.sawf.org/Bollywood/51131.aspx
When Vivek Oberoi bagged the IIFA 'Best Actor in a Negative Role' award for 'Shootout at Lokhandwala' he got his due, something he gets rarely despite being a talented actor with a commanding screen presence.
http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/7283/vivekoberoi11jun2008fi2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Vivek Oberoi performs a IIFA Awards. Photo Credit: Dale Bhagwagar Media Group
June 11, 2008 (Sawf News) - When Vivek Oberoi bagged the IIFA 'Best Actor in a Negative Role' award for Shootout at Lokhandwala he got his due, something he gets rarely despite being a talented actor with a commanding screen presence.
When it comes to intense action roles Vivek is in league with Ajay Devgan.
Vivek's live performance at the Awards night received a thunderous applause.
The crowd cheered as he performed to a song from the upcoming Apoorva Lakhia film Mission Istanbul. The number which went Apun Ke Saath Jo Bhi Ladega…, is sung and composed by Mika Mehndi, who gave Vivek his famous wacky Oye Ganpat song for Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007) last year.
The audience seemed to have loved the song even more than they did Oye Ganpat. Interestingly, while this song was premiered at the film festival this week, it is yet to be shot for the film.
After giving a very creditable performance in Shootout at Lokhandwala Vivek Oberoi said in a TV interview that he would take a break and catch up with life, and he did just that. But he is now back, and with six packs to boot.
The actor's next project will be Karan Johar's untitled home production to be directed by Rensil D'Silva (screenwriter of 'Rang De Basanti'), where he will be starring in the lead along with Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
The film, to be shot in London beginning October 2008, is a sensitive love story with a thrilling twist. Both Saif and Kareena play terrorists who fall in love under a very difficult situation.
Popcorn Motion Pictures and Balaji Telefilms Limited's Mission Istanbul starring Vivek along with Suniel Shetty, Zayed Khan and Shriya Saran, is set for release on July 11.
Vivek is reported to have undergone a physical training regimen and a special diet to build six abs for his tough guy role in the film.
Vivek has earlier won critical acclaim for his performances in films like Company, Saathiya, Kisna, Dum, Masti, Yuva, Kaal, Kyun! Ho Gaya Na, Omkara and Shootout at Lokhandwala.
Ash-Abhi invite Vivek in their room
By: Bollywood Mantra Staff on 13th June 2008
http://www.bollywoodmantra.com/news/ash-abhi-invites-vivek-in-their-room/2820/
When the Bachchans look behind, they find that they had made a lot more foes than friends in the last couple of years and now they are trying their level best to dump their past and make more and more friends and carry only good memories forward. With this aim in view, they put a step forward of liaison. They invited Kareena Kapoor and Vivek Oberoi for a get-together in their room.
Abhishek and Kareena almost stopped working together after Abhishek’s breaks up with her sister Karishma Kapoor after engagement. The Kapoors still cannot forget this misfortune. And for Vivek, the case is almost the same. He was deeply disheartened when Ash kicked him out of her life and married Abhishek. Though Vivek tried to normalize the incident by attending Teja Bachchan’s funeral, still Ash’s betrayal pinches him inwardly.
At IIFA when Abhi invited both Kareena and Vivek to the party in their room, they both turned down their friendship call by not attending the informal get-together. Instead, Kareena preferred to just hang around with her friends, Saif, Manish Malhotra, Karan Johar and Shabina Khan. While Vivek in order to escape from media’s awkward questions, hung out with his Mission Istanbul gang in his room.
Let Vivek live his life now, Salman says
Published by Tony at 12:16:33 am on June 14, 2008
http://www.radiosargam.com/films/archives/12963/let-vivek-live-his-life-now-salman-says.html
Let Vivek live his life now, Salman says
Controversial Bollywood star Salman Khan has finally made a statement in regards to his stormy relationship with fellow actor Vivek Oberoi.
Salman asked for Vivek Oberoi to be left alone to live his life now, while presenting his TV game-show Dus Ka Dum. Salman made the comment after celebrity guest Harbhajjan Singh offered jokingly to ‘nab’ Vivek for him. “VO ko ab apni zindagi jeene do,” came the response.
This is the first time that Salman has publicly made some sort of statement about Vivek Oberoi, who a few years back called a press conference in anger at Salman’s antics. Salman’s then girlfriend Aishwarya Rai had ditched him for Vivek after which Salman became a little angry.
Vivek's Girl
15-06-2008, 05:16 AM
End of the road for Bollywood musicals
By Elizabeth Gibson on Friday, June 13, 2008
http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2008/6...c977eb1859.aspx (http://www.business24-7.ae/Articles/2008/6/Pages/06132008_563dade1f6fd44ddad756fc977eb1859.aspx)
A decade ago, the Bollywood formula to box-office success was a fairly simple one: A dash of romance, a few action sequences and a whole lot of dancing around trees while singing your heart out.
Step into present day and the equation seems to have changed. Bollywood has turned the spotlight away from India's traditional song and dance fare to movies with a Hollywood sensibility and international appeal.
Contemporary films tackling terrorism, corruption, action thrillers and science fiction won all the attention at the gala ahead of the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) awards last week in Bangkok.
"Ten years ago you would find what you define as Bollywood, song and dance and running around trees – kitsch cinema," says Sabbas Joseph, director of Wizcraft, which organises the IIFA Awards. "Indian cinema has grown beyond that. It's constantly changing. We'd like people from around the world to see Indian cinema in its holistic form, not just traditional Bollywood."
Does this mean a certain death to the great institution of Bollywood musicals? Legendary Bollywood director Ramesh Sippy certainly seems to think so. The man who immortalised his name in the history books with his cult classic film Sholay (1975) said at IIFA: "It used to be 10 songs in every film, but now they're like Western films, kind of in the background. It's making it more acceptable to Western audiences, but also Indians who are almost Western themselves."
Action director Apoorva Lakhia agrees with Sippy's perception: "Indian cinema is ready for anything. It's a fantastic place, especially for young filmmakers with bright ideas. They're breaking out of the cliché of the song and dance routine and are willing to experiment."
The new global face of the $2.3-billion Indian film industry includes Lakhia's new film Mission Istaanbul, a thriller that toys with the themes of terrorism and media conspiracies – a prime example of the grittier realities that new Bollywood directors want to take on. But where that leaves the traditional song-and-dance formula is still up for debate.
Actor Amitabh Bachchan credits his career to the traditional style, even though his movie Sarkar Raj does without the musical frills. However, Bachchan does not want to see Indian film's heritage lost. "We're happy we haven't changed that style. This is the way it needs to be acknowledged and loved," he says.
And while new types of film leave song and dance behind, music remains central to any Indian film's success, with soundtracks put out in advance laying the ground for every movie release.
"We love our heroes dancing," admits Lakhia, who trained in New York and makes shorter films fit for Western consumption, but still realises the importance of music in Indian films.
At the showcase of Mission Istaanbul in Bangkok, his leading men all took to the stage to reveal their promotional film, a boy-band style video in which the macho cast dances with sweat dripping from their torsos.
Unsurprisingly, it is a style that transcends cultural divides. The film's leading man Vivek Oberoi says his newer movies have garnered fans across the world. "I receive a lot of fan mail now from European people, from American people, so it's a really interesting cultural mix."
For stars like Oberoi, the greater the variety of films they can work on in India, the less they feel the need to chase the Hollywood dollar.
"In terms of working abroad, every actor wants to achieve a global platform, but the content is more important," says Oberoi.
Indeed, globalisation is changing the face of Bollywood, but Sippy still feels that cinema is all about storytelling and acting. He believes that while there are lessons to be learned from Indian classics, he's pleased to see cinema evolve.
"We learn from the past and in some way it's recreated," says Sippy.
"But you cannot just be giving them the same old thing. I do wish though films would be the way they used to be, but it's never going to be like that again." (With inputs from Bindu Rai)
Vivek's Girl
15-06-2008, 12:36 PM
PIC OF VIVEK ON LINK!
Bollywood leading ladies stay away from Vivek Oberoi
Posted on 15 June 2008 (EST)
http://news.sawf.org/Bollywood/51201.aspx
In a press conference five years back, Vivek Oberoi accused Salman Khan of harassing and threatening him over his relationship with Aishwarya Rai, who was then dating Vivek after having broken off with Salman.
June 15, 2008 (Sawf News) - In a press conference five years back, Vivek Oberoi accused Salman Khan of harassing and threatening him over his relationship with Aishwarya Rai, who was then dating Vivek after having broken off with Salman.
Following the accusations, which evoked no public response from Salman, Vivek's Bollywood career suffered, as he was ostracized by Salman backers in the film industry.
Vivek has since apologized for his intemperate accusations but his efforts to make amends have evoked no response from Salman.
Vivek is a talented actor with a string of intense performances to his credit, in films like Saathiya, Yuva and Company. Ironically he is still struggling to find projects, with no films on hand following Mission Istanbu.
A lot of filmmakers would be ready to sign him up provided they could find an A-list actress to work with him. It is not entirely a coincidence that Vivek was not romantically paired in Shootout at Lokhandwala (2007) and yet to be released Mission Istanbul.
Most top actresses, and even some actors, excuse themselves out of the Vivek projects for fear of antagonizing Salman.
An industry source explained to us why Vivek is out of work,
"When Tushar Hiranandani, who scripted Vivek starrers Masti and Pyaare Mohan, turned director with Ram, Rahim Aur Romeo he signed up Vivek to play one of the three lead roles in the film. Fardeen Khan was attached to play the second lead. For the third and most important lead role, Vivek recommended Govinda, who stays in the same Juhu locality as Vivek and is well known to him. Vivek was confident Govinda would not turn him down.
"The producers asked Vivek to speak to Govinda, which Vivek did, and Govinda agreed to meet up with the producers. However, Govinda is known to be close to Salman. When the producers met up with Govinda, the actor turned politician stumped them by asking for an outrageous paycheck of Rs 7 crore. Shocked the producers left without signing him on."
"Govinda tactfully managed to keep both Vivek and Salman happy. He knew well that no producer would get ready to pay him such a fee. The makers then approached Javed Jaffrey who immediately gave his nod for the same part at a throwaway price." added the source.
"But the problems were far from over for the makers. When they set out to sing up an A-list actress opposite Vivek, they met with no success. Vidya Balan flatly refused to do the film, on hearing she would be paired opposite Vivek. She gave the age old excuse of dates being the problem. The hunt is still on!" the source laments.
Another industry insider revealed to us, "When K.S. Adhiyaman (Hum Tumhare Hain Sanam) decided to remake his Tamil super-hit Thoondil in Hindi, he finalized Vivek for the main lead. However, he too is facing difficulty in getting a top actress to play Vivek's love interest. Actresses like Priyanka and Bipasha have declined the film, despite the script having a powerful role for the female lead. Adhiyaman is still searching for a lead actress opposite Vivek for his romantic film."
pluto28
15-06-2008, 01:13 PM
woww thanku crazy83 for d rare pics...can u plz tel whr did u get thm frm?
Viveks_Angel
15-06-2008, 02:27 PM
@crazy_83
the pics are beautiful... thx for that... i want to know it too ^^
crazy_83
16-06-2008, 12:36 AM
Thank u all :regular_s:regular_s
below is link for rare pics
http://jassi2000.blogspot.com/2006/08/vivek-obeori-rare-photos.html
crazy_83
16-06-2008, 09:22 AM
MISSION ISTAANBUL |YAAR MERA DILDAARA | VIDEO SONG PROMO
http://youtube.com/watch?v=27lYpUY4Aeg
Vivek's Girl
16-06-2008, 03:42 PM
MISSION ISTAANBUL | WORLD HOLD ON | NEW VIDEO SONG PROMO |HQ
V6GE7LAihyQ
Vivek's Girl
17-06-2008, 12:49 AM
"I made a lot of mistakes" - Vivek Oberoi
By Taran Adarsh, June 17, 2008 - 09:05 IST
http://indiafm.com/news/2008/06/17/11566/index.html
While on MISSION ISTAANBUL, its lead actor Vivek Oberoi has turned a new leaf. "I made a lot of mistakes, I rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, I got carried away. I went through hell, personally and professionally. The media turned its back on me. Some of the projects I was associated with, evaporated into thin air. Everything I did, backfired," Vivek reminisces as we get into the flashback mode.
"But," he continues in the same breath, "I realized that the problem was with me, not anyone else. If almost everyone was talking ill of me, if almost everyone had trained their guns on me, it only went to prove that I was at fault, it only meant that I need to mend ways. As you sow so shall you reap."
Vivek also admits that the Salman Khan episode -- calling the entire media to his house to malign Salman -- is something he repents. "I used a public platform to malign him. When I felt I must apologize, I did so publicly, not discreetly," he admits honestly.
Quiz Vivek whether he'd work with Salman, Abhishek or Ash, pat comes the reply, "Of course, I would. I am a professional and so are they." Meanwhile, Vivek begins shooting for Tips' new film shortly, followed by Karan Johar's new project.
Vivek's Girl
17-06-2008, 12:57 AM
Songs on Abhishek, Vivek
By Taran Adarsh, June 17, 2008 - 08:58 IST
http://indiafm.com/news/2008/06/17/11565/index.html
The next few days will be extremely hectic for the makers of MISSION ISTAANBUL. Reason being, two separate songs will be filmed, almost simultaneously, on Abhishek Bachchan and Vivek Oberoi at different locations of Mumbai [Abhishek makes a special appearance in the movie]. That's one of the reasons why the release has been pushed ahead by two weeks.
"We need time to promote these songs. Besides, I don't want to hurry up on its post-production," director Apoorva Lakhia confirms. That justifies the shift in its release date, from July 11 to July 25… With MISSION ISTAANBUL getting shifted to July 25, EMI, starring Sanjay Dutt, will be shifted ahead as well [it was confirmed for July 25]. For those who're unaware, both MISSION ISTAANBUL and EMI are produced by the same names.
When there are two actors in a film, ego hassles and insecurities are a given. Especially if both are trying to make a mark with that film.
So is the case with Vivek Oberoi and Zayed Khan in Misson Istaanbul.
In the just-released promos of the film, Zayed has far more prominence than Vivek, and not surprisingly, the latter is a bit worried about his role in the film now.
Overshadowed
Sources close to the actor reveal that Vivek is upset with director his Shootout At Lokhandwala director Apoorva Lakhia. VO believes that Lakhia’s friendship with Zayed has resulted in him being sidelined.
During the launch of the film, Apu made MI sound like Vivek’s film however, in the promos Zayed overshadows Vivek hugely. Even at the recently held IIFA there was talk about how Oberoi has been reduced to a supporting actor and ZK was hogging the limelight.
A source reveals, “Vivek has been telling friends how he feels betrayed by Lakhia.”
Thank-you gestures
While Vivek is sulking, Zayed is quite happy with the way the film and his role has turned out. Accirding to an industrywalla, “Zayed planning to buy an expensive watch for Apoorva, as a thank-you gesture. Meanwhile the director has gifted himself a sports bike to celebrate the completion of the film.
Also, the director and the actor jodi will soon start work on another film along with Amitabh Bachchan.” No wonder this bonding has Vivek all worked up.
Director says:
Lakhia denies that Vivek is upset with him. He says, “This is just a rumour, we are one big happy family!”
Actor says:
Zayed admits that he’s planning to gift a watch to the director, “Something that he has been wanting to do. I want to gift it to him for the outstanding work he has done in Mission Istaanbul. On Vivek being upset, ZK says, “He shouldn’t be. The film has shaped up 99 per cent of how it was narrated to both of us.”
Vivek's Girl
17-06-2008, 05:01 AM
"I made a lot of mistakes" - Vivek Oberoi
by Saurav Mittra
http://www.indiatarget.com/cgi-bin/detailnews.cgi?id=7182
While on MISSION ISTAANBUL, its lead actor Vivek Oberoi has turned a new leaf. "I made a lot of mistakes, I rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, and I got carried away. I went through hell, personally and professionally. The media turned its back on me. Some of the projects I was associated with evaporated into thin air. Everything I did, backfired," Vivek reminisces as we get into the flashback mode.
Vivek also admits that the Salman Khan episode calling the entire media to his house to malign Salman is something he repents. "I used a public platform to malign him. When I felt I must apologize, I did so publicly, not discreetly," he admits honestly.
crazy_83
17-06-2008, 09:06 AM
vivek's performance in sansui tv awards
http://www.zshare.net/video/13650418a7eb9cdf/
pluto28
17-06-2008, 11:02 AM
thanks a lottt
Vivek's Girl
17-06-2008, 04:00 PM
shriya-mission istanbul
biX2yQUfmDI
Viveks_Angel
17-06-2008, 07:52 PM
OMG... thank you sooooooooo much ^^
Vivek's Girl
18-06-2008, 12:39 AM
ur welcome :)
Vivek's Girl
18-06-2008, 12:42 AM
Abhi, Vivek to dance together\
18 Jun 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Abhi_Vivek_to_dance_together/articleshow/3137731.cms
They seem to have forgiven, and are ready to forget too. Their grouse over a woman, that is.
Vivek Oberoi and Abhishek Bachchan are now easy enough with each other to be able to share screen space. The two have agreed to dance together for an item number in Apoorva Lakhia’s upcoming film, Mission Istanbul. Zayed Khan will also be part of the song.
It may be recalled that Vivek was involved with Aishwarya Rai (now Bachchan) before she got married to Abhishek. Vivek and Abhishek had vehemently refused to shoot in the same frame in Lakhia’s last film, Shoot Out at Lokhandwala.
Says our source, “Things are fine between the two now. The ice was broken to quite an extent when Vivek attended Abhishek’s grandmother, Teji Bachchan’s funeral last December. Things really improved between the two when Abhishek took the initiative and messaged Vivek on his wonderful performance at an awards function held in Bangkok early this month.”
So, the stage is set for the dushman-turned-dosts to rock. The item number will be shot in Mumbai in the next few days.
Vivek's Girl
18-06-2008, 12:53 AM
Abhishek to dance with Vivek? Not true!
By Aly Kassam - BollySpice.com
17 Jun 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1296-abhishek-to-dance-with-vivek-not-true.html
Sections of the media have been reporting that Vivek Oberoi and Abhishek Bachchan will feature in a promotional video for the upcoming film Mission Istanbul. Abhishek has a special appearance in the film which stars Vivek Oberoi and Zayed Khan in lead roles. The film is directed by Abhishek's good friend, Apoorva Lakhia (Shootout at Lokhandwala).
Certain reports indicate that the two, who share a personal history together (Vivek dated Aishwarya before she married Abhishek), will feature together in a video. However, this rumour is entirely untrue. Yes, promotional videos will be shot on both these actors, but they will appear in separate videos. A source told Mumbai Mirror, "Both of them agreed immediately. Lakhia is a very good friend of both."
The two songs will me simultaneously shot on the actors which has led to the film being shifted ahead by two weeks in order to provide promotional time for the two videos. Apoorva Lakhia tells IndiaFM, "We need time to promote these songs. Besides, I don't want to hurry up on its post-production." Wise choice, Apoorva!
And for those who were hoping to see Abhishek and Vivek in the same frame, there's always a next time!
Vivek's Girl
18-06-2008, 04:36 AM
Vivek Oberoi 'went through hell'
IndiaFM | Wednesday, 18 June , 2008, 10:25
http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14696792&cid=2359
While on Mission Istanbul, its lead actor Vivek Oberoi turned over a new leaf. "I made a lot of mistakes, I rubbed a lot of people the wrong way, I got carried away. I went through hell, personally and professionally. The media turned its back on me. Some of the projects I was associated with, evaporated into thin air. Everything I did, backfired," Vivek remembers.
"I realized that the problem was with me, not anyone else. If almost everyone was talking ill of me, if almost everyone had trained their guns on me, it only went to prove that I was at fault, it only meant that I need to mend ways. As you sow so shall you reap," adds the actor
Vivek also admits that the Salman Khan episode, calling the entire media to his house to malign Salman, is something he repents. "I used a public platform to malign him. When I felt I must apologize, I did so publicly, not discreetly," he admits.
On whether he'd work with Salman, Abhishek or Ash, he says he would. "I am a professional and so are they."
Meanwhile, Vivek begins shooting for Tips' new film shortly, followed by Karan Johar's new project.
Vivek's Girl
18-06-2008, 03:11 PM
Abhishek recommends Vivek Oberoi
Harshita Kohli, Hill Road Media
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
http://www.starboxoffice.com/newsDetails.aspx?xfile=2008/June/News_20080617_158
Who would have thought that an ex lover and your husband could be friends?
But that’s exactly what the latest Bollywood news suggests. Abhishek Bachchan and Vivek Oberoi are all set to share screen space in Apoorva Lakhia’s Mission Istaanbul. And what’s most surprising is that it was Bachchan Jr. who recommended VO.
“Abhishek and Vivek seem to have reached an understanding of sorts. And their recent meeting in Bangkok for the IIFA awards was a real turning point. Abhishek was always meant to do an item song in Mission but with the recent response that Vivek received at the awards ceremony Abhishek asked Apoorva to involve Vivek in the video too,” says a source from the film, “This will be the firs time that the two will share screen space together. When Vivek performed at the IIFAs he got a roaring response from the audiences. And so Abhishek felt that it was only in the benefit of the film to include him in the video.”
In fact although the entire film was canned, Lakhia kept Bachchan’s item song for the end as he didn’t want there to be any issue between Abhishek and Vivek. But when Abhishek himself told Apoorva, the director was pleasantly surprised.
“Abhishek and Apoorva are very close. Abhishek is always a part of Apoorva’s film in one form or the other. So Abhishek felt no qualms in asking Apoorva to include Vivek in the frame as well. And Apoorva who has always been a supporter of Vivek felt this was a genuine step in the right direction to put an end to any kind of misunderstanding that is still being projected between the two. In fact once this was decided Abhishek even invited Vivek to the Bachchans’ room after party at the IIFAs,” says the source.
The video is being shot in Mumbai on June 19 followed with the film release on July 25.
Viveks_Angel
18-06-2008, 04:49 PM
but what is real???
will they share screen space or not... i`m confussed :sarcastic
Vivek's Girl
19-06-2008, 02:30 AM
i knw...i really dont about this whole thing..i guess we will have to wait and see...
Vivek Oberoi ready to kick butt with new action thriller!
Posted on Friday, June 20, 2008 (EST)
http://news.sawf.org/Bollywood/51315.aspx
'Mission Istanbul' star Vivek Oberoi, who was left without a follow up job when Renzil D'souza's Next was postponed, is now ready to kick butt on a new project for Tips Films, an action thriller to be directed by Kookie Gulati.
June 20, 2008 (Sawf News) - Mission Istanbul star Vivek Oberoi, who was left without a follow up job when Renzil D'souza's Next was postponed, is now ready to kick butt on a new project for Tips Films, an action thriller to be directed by Kookie Gulati.
Kookie earlier worked as Assoicate Director on on Tips Films Ishq Vishk (2003) and as song director on Pyare Mohan (2006).
Production for the film to be shot in South Africa will start within a month and Vivek is already working on his new makeover for the film, which involves shedding some weight.
The film will feature three leading ladies, all of whom will be newcomers, because of the dictates of the story line. The filmmakers feel the public image of a known leading lady would have interfered with her characterization in the film.
Vivek will work on Renzil D'souza's Next, which additionally features Saif Ali Khan, Kareena Kapoor and Om Puri, after completing the Tips Films thriller. The film had to be postponed because Saif was busy with his untitled home production directed by Imtiaz Ali, which features him opposite Deepika Padukone. The film is being currently shot in London. Additional shooting stints are planned in San Francisco and New Delhi.
Abhishek Bachchan is the item boy in 'Mission Istanbul'
20th June 2008 11.01 IST
By Agencies
http://www.apunkachoice.com/scoop/bollywood/20080620-1.html
Yes, Abhishek Bachchan will soon dance in an item number for the forthcoming thriller Mission Istanbul .
There has been much talk about this dance number but there was no official announcement till Abhishek himself decided to let the cat out of the bag.
“Yes, I will be making an appearance in the movie. For some reason, Apoorva Lakhia (the director) considers me his lucky mascot. So he asked me to do this and I agreed,” says Abhishek.
However, there is yet to be a confirmation whether Vivek Oberoi would be dancing with him.
“I am not doing any such number as yet,” Vivek is reported to have said recently.
The song will be sung by Mika , who also sang the popular Aye Ganpat number from Shootout At Lokhandwala .
‘Mission Istanbul’ also stars Zayed Khan , Sunil Shetty and Shreya Saran and is an action thriller based on the subject of international terrorism. The film tells the story of a journalist who gets his hands on top-secret information on dreaded terrorists.
pluto28
21-06-2008, 12:54 PM
official website of the movie
missionistanbulthefilm.com/#
crazy_83
22-06-2008, 10:38 AM
Viveik and Zayed’s betting nightmare
Delivering stunts and that too in the face of chilling foreign winters is no easy task they say, or atleast that’s what director Apoorva Lakhia believes. So after his Mission Istanbul heroes did some impressive sequences, the director decided to call it a day with some mood cheerers that back fired and resulted in Zayed Khan and Viveik Oberoi running around in shorts across the city’s main square!
Revealing about the incident, Apoorva told Indiatimes Movies, “It was one night where everyone let their hair down and soon, things got really spruced up. The height happened with Viveik and Zayed challenging each other to win a race to (Istanbul’s) Main Square and back, that too only in shorts. While the bet ended up in a tie, it was quite exciting to watch the two run as if the entire city was on fire. In fact, Falguni Thakore, our designer, even ended up recording the entire episode on a video that later left the two falling from their chair with amusement.”
When we quizzed Zayed over it, the amused actor said, “Oh yes, that’s one episode that will go down in the history of ‘Making of Mission Istanbul. It was a fun night and Viveik and myself got carried after having one too many. And trust me, it is one bet we regretted the minute we started out for it. It was extremely chilly and to top it, we were running around shirtless.” Ask the actor what happened after the bet ended up in a tie and he simply says, “Well, we got back to celebrating a combined win!”
Vivek Oberoi and Apoorva Lakhia are at loggerheads because Vivek feels that he has been sidelined in Mission Istanbul
Reportedly, Vivek Oberoi is not too happy with his role in Apoorva Lakhia's upcoming film, Mission Istanbul. The latest is that Oberoi and Lakhia have fallen apart completely.
Now, Oberoi is not on talking terms with Lakhia, who gave him a new lease of life with Shootout At Lokhandwala at a time he most needed.
However, Oberoi has not stopped shooting with Lakhia and is completing the film in all respects. Says a source, "Oberoi is a professional and he is going through the remaining work on the film quite smoothly."
Talking about the equation between Lakhia and Oberoi reaching an all-time low, our says, "The problem started sometime ago when Oberoi suddenly started feeling that Zayed Khan has been given more importance in the film and its publicity, and thus, a cold war ensued.
Lakhia and Oberoi did not mingle much at an awards event held in Bangkok in the first week of June. The two also had a confrontation recently."
So, what exactly overturned the boat completely? Our source reveals, " Oberoi called up Sunil Shetty (co-producer of Mission Istanbul) to complain and that was the last straw.
He complained that he deserved more prominence in the publicity as he is a bigger star than Zayed Khan.
Naturally, Lakhia felt terribly upset at Oberoi's whining."
When contacted, Oberoi said, "I am shooting for my solo song (a follow up on Ae Ganpat song) on Apu's set at the Film City and we are having a blast."Apparently wanting to safeguard his film, Lakhia was only slightly forthcoming. He said, "Mission Istanbul has two lead actors, and we are publicising it accordingly. Oberoi has not spoken about his discomfort to me yet."
We then contacted Shabbir Boxwalla (Director of Shetty's company, Popcorn Productions) who said that they could have even included Shetty in the publicity campaign since he also has a role in the film.
He said, "But Sunil didn't think that was necessary since his role is not a big one. Mission Istanbul is a film where both Oberoi and Zayed have equally good roles and hence they both are in every frame of the publicity together."
When told that Oberoi had complained to Shetty about his star status being sidelined, Boxwalla shot back, "Everybody is a star. You get to know the real star only on a Friday."
Mission Istanbul is being co-produced by Popcorn Productions and Balaji Telefilms.
The latest is that Oberoi and Lakhia have fallen out. Now, Oberoi is not on talking terms with Lakhia, who gave him a new lease of life with Shootout At Lokhandwala, at a time he most needed.
However, Oberoi has not stopped shooting with Lakhia and is completing the film. Says a source, “Oberoi is a professional and he is going through the remaining work on the film quite smoothly.”
Talking about the equation between Lakhia and Oberoi reaching an all-time low, our source says, “The problem started sometime ago when Oberoi suddenly started feeling that Zayed Khan has been given more importance in the film and its publicity, and thus, a cold war ensued. Lakhia and Oberoi did not mingle much at an awards event held in Bangkok couple of weeks ago. The two also had a confrontation recently.”
So, what exactly overturned the boat completely? Our source reveals, “Oberoi called up Suniel Shetty (co-producer of Mission Istanbul) to complain and that was the last straw. He complained that he deserved more prominence in the publicity as he is a bigger star than Zayed. Naturally, Lakhia felt terribly upset at Oberoi’s whining.”
When contacted, Oberoi said, “I am shooting for my solo song (a follow up on Aye Ganpat...) on Apu’s set at the Film City and we are having a blast.”
Apparently wanting to safeguard his film, Lakhia was only slightly forthcoming. He said, “Mission Istanbul has two lead actors, and we are publicising it accordingly. Oberoi has not spoken about his discomfort to me yet.”
We then, we contacted Shabbir Boxwalla (director of Shetty’s company, Popcorn Productions) who said that they could have even included Shetty in the publicity campaign since he also has a role in the film. He said, “But Sunil didn’t think that was necessary since his role is not a big one. Mission Istanbul is a film where both Oberoi and Zayed have equally good roles and hence they both are in every frame of the publicity videos together.”
When told that Oberoi had complained to Shetty about his star status being sidelined, Boxwalla shot back, “Everybody is a star. You get to know the real star only on a Friday.”
‘I’m dating interesting women’
Prithwish Ganguly
Thursday, June 26, 2008 23:59 IST
http://www.dnaindia.com/report.asp?newsid=1173805
Life is an exciting skywalk for bachelor boy Vivek Oberoi, finds out Prithwish Ganguly
Early morning strollers on the newly-minted skywalk in Bandra were in for a surprise as they spotted a hunk leaning on the railings, enjoying the breeze.
It was Vivek Oberoi indulging in casual chitchat,“It’s like walking down memory lane for me. I used to walk over such bridges in my childhood when I’d travel to South Mumbai for my studies.”
He adds, “This skywalk is making Bandra look more pretty. I just hope that the authorities as well as the people walking on it keep it clean.”
The release of Vivek’s forthcoming film Mission Istaanbul has got him excited. He has just shot for a music video that has been sung by Mika Singh. He says, “If you loved Aye Ganpat in Shootout at Lokhandwala, this song too will top the charts in no time.”
Vivek plays the role of a Turkish commando in Apoorva Lakhia’s film. “I love strong challenging roles. From Maya in Shootout to Rizwan Khan in Mission these characters have power. But actually I love characters that are ‘good-bad’. Every person has shades of goodness and evil in him. I like to play characters that are real.”
But isn’t he treading the dangerous path of stereotyping himself by repeatedly playing such roles. “Well, you’ve hit the nail on its head. I’m really scared about this. I don’t want to get typecast as an actor. So in my next two films—one with Karan Johar and one with Tips—I’m doing something very different.”
And what about doing a romantic film? “Well, trust me many women are asking me when I would be doing a Saathiya or Yuva again. I’m surely looking forward to romancing on screen,” he smiles.
And romance in real life? “I’m single and I am loving it. People may call me a flirt. But I’m just dating interesting women. I’m a diehard romantic. I do believe that someone is meant for me.
But I can’t stay at my home and wait for that person to walk into my life,” he ends.
crazy_83
27-06-2008, 11:29 PM
Forgiveness is earned ...I respect her today
Vivek Oberoi talks about Aishwarya Rai, Salman Khan, Abhishek Bachchan
People feel that you have changed as a person.
Yes, I had to change. I had gone wrong. I had screwed up big time. It was time to sort things out.
• How did the change come about?
I sat back and took a long look at my career. I pondered on the mistakes, which I have made. I went out and tried to correct them. I thanked people who I had forgotten to thank and I apologised to those whom I thought deserved an apology.
• Yeah. You apologised to Salman.
And I apologised publicly.
• Why publicly? You could have done it in private.
No. I had made a mistake on national television (referring to the press conference he had called). So a public apology was needed.
• Has Salman forgiven you yet?
I took time to apologise too. Forgiveness is earned. When he feels that he can forgive me, he will.
• Will you go and talk to him if you bump into him now?
Why should I irritate him and get into his space? I have done my bit. When he feels that he can forgive me, I am sure that the equations will change.
• You attended Teji Bachchan’s funeral. It took everyone by surprise. Did you hesitate before going to the Bachchan household?
I spoke to my dad. He said, ‘Son, follow your heart’.
• We heard that Abhishek Bachchan sent you a SMS message saying that your performance at the IIFA was rocking.
Oh yes. That was very sweet of him. Even Amitji was very encouraging.
• So, the cold war between Bachchans and you is over?
There was never any cold war. I am not big enough to have a cold war with anybody. I am just a guy who is trying to restructure his career.
• At the IIFA or at Teji Bachchan’s funeral, did you come face to face with Aishwarya Rai?
I can answer that. But today, she is married and I respect her status in someone else’s life. It would be ungentlemanly on my part to answer this. I respected her in the past and I respect her today.
• A few minutes ago, you said that you were influenced to call that press conference against Salman? Who influenced you? Aishwarya?
Oh boy, you are going back again there. You aren’t listening. It can be a bunch of things that influenced me and I wouldn’t list them down and play the blame game. I was 24. I was vulnerable. Let’s leave it at that.
• You even ran into problems with Sanjay Dutt and Manyata?
All those stories were false. I have met Manyata only once at Sanju’s place.
• Who is Jacqueline Fernandes?
(Laughs) Jacqueline is a lovely girl.
• And you are dating her?
We have met few times. We are just good friends.
• That sounds so clichd.
Some clichs sound good (laughs).
• Coming back to your work. Why have you appointed Surge to look into your work when your Dad was so good at it?
It’s time for him to holiday with my mom and play golf. I have given a lot of stress to my parents due to my professional and personal life. It’s time they beat their stress
• I have done my bit. When Salman feels he can forgive me, I am sure that equations will change – Vivek
Life teaches us lessons. Hard lessons. And no one in Bollywood knows that more than Vivek Oberoi today. In his relatively short career of six years, Vivek has managed to see the highs of highs and the lowest lows. Has it changed the man? Definitely yes. Will it help the actor? It sure looks like it. But now with his career seeing a massive upswing, we ask the actor about his life in the present, past and future…
Let’s start with the IIFAs…your performance on the awards night on
Mission Istaanbul received a huge response especially from the women….
(laughs) I am myself confused about it… I’m still trying to figure that one out! But all I can say is that I was very happy. When you hear those screams and claps and all that appreciation… then all the effort you have put into that performance seems all worth it at the end of the day when you hear that kind of response from your fans and the audience.
Speaking about Mission Istaanbul you’ve worked very hard physically for this role. Was it difficult?
I have worked very hard for it and I am hopeful that it shows on the screen. Physically I had to look bigger because the character I am playing Rizwan Khan… the thing about him is that he can easily knock of 4-5 people without any problem. There is this one scene that I have with Zayed Khan where he is running down the streets of Istanbul being chased by many people ready to shoot him… and then all of a sudden a hand comes and pulls him into a corner and then they show that the person is Rizwan Khan. And then when those 6 people chasing Zayed reach him he steps out and in 30 odd seconds he disarms them and breaks their bones… I remember when Apoorva had narrated the story to me he had told me that I want you to fight in a special way where you lock peoples’ limbs and break them and you don’t use weapons… woh khud he eek weapon hai Rizwan Khan.. so yea it was fun to do something that I have never done before.
I think the best way to describe him is that when we as kids saw films we saw those heroes on screen who were larger than life and we would get very excited.
So do you like playing characters that are larger than life or would you rather play roles that closely resemble everyday life?
I feel you want to have both ends of the spectrum. I don’t know about other actors… I am very greedy. I want everything. When I read a script I try and identify with each and every character in that film. Sometimes I turn around and say ‘I wish I was a girl so I could play that character.’ Sometimes its fun to play a realist … something that I did in Saathiya which was a very real love story. And now after a long time I have got yet another role which is also a very nice love story. And then there is also a film I am doing for Tips which will be shot in South Africa is larger than life character caught in larger than life problem in a very real looking world. So I think it’s a balance between the two… because you have a lot of fun in doing both kind of roles.
While you have done different genres wasn’t it difficult turning away scripts to avoid being typecast? How do you convince yourself to wait for the right role and not get carried away in numbers?
I think a couple of years when I was insecure and I thought it was a numbers game… you have to have a strategy… you need an agenda, a game plan… my thinking was very coloured and I would use different approaches to my career. But right now I am just thankful for all that is coming my way. Ab joh muhe sachche dil se achcha lagta hai… it’s not about the money, the fame, the script, the banner… just genuinely if I feel like I want to be that character then I say yes. You know your inner voice… your inner talent speaks to you… communicates with you. Because at the end of the day its not your talent… you know jisse hum saraswati kehte hai…yeh vidya hai. And I really believe that it’s something God has given me that resides in me. And as long as you keep it honest and clean like a temple it will communicate with you. And it will leave you if you don’t…so I believe you have to be honest to that talent, to your soul. Woh agar kehti hai ki picture karnee chahiye toh karnee chahiye…and then in the end whether it works or not it shouldn’t matter.
You definitely seem to be in a much calmer and peaceful place today than you were a couple of years back. What’s brought that change?
(laughs) I think I’ve grown a lot…I think failure has been a very good friend. It has taught me all that I needed to learn and it’s strange you know… that when people fail or when someone goes through a rough period… it hurts a lot and they often get weak. But I think what’s also great about it is that in this weakness when you keep pushing this person time and time again… you feel like you have reached absolute rock bottom and you think that this is it and that your spirit can’t take any more. It will break … but what’s beautiful about it is that the human spirit is just so resilient. The more you get pushed, the more you realize that ‘I’m strong man.. I can deal with this.. I can bounce back from here also that I means I have more strength in me’ so it’s a great confidence building measure if you look at it the other way round. It’s fantastic because you realize you are a lot deeper than you thought. There’s a lot more to me below the surface…
Apoorva once told me that ‘Vivek is one of the most misunderstood people in this industry’. Do you agree with that?
I think it’s true partly… and partly its not. I think its partly true is because yes there are quite a few things that I have done for which I am given credit like I said this or I did that or I told someone this or I took a panga with this one which is not true. Maine aisa kuch nahee kiya par agar mujh par bill phatne hai toh phatne hai…and people believe it. But I would like to say is that people also believe it is also because there are lots of things that I have done. Maine he eek neev rakhi hai…I have only laid the foundation for that and people have started using that foundation and begun crediting me with a lot more rubbish than I have, you know, ever done. But its ok because in the past two years… from the time I began shooting for Shootout and Omkara…I found a lot of change in myself. So you could go to the highest roof top and scream that you have changed but unless people experience or witness that change in you themselves it doesn’t work. And that’s why I am so calm…like you mentioned…I know I have changed and now whoever works with me today they say the same thing to me. Like Apu (Apoorva Lakhia) says you have been a dream to work with… and we keep joking that now after two years of working with him I say let me go else we will be addicted to each other! And it’s a good feeling to see people appreciate that change because the other day Karan Johar turned around and said I really like your new approach and I like the way you are looking and I want to cast you in this role. And after reading the script my first question was Karan, why me?! I mean this role is really too good and you know it’s that turn around that comes along…
So when Apu said that I was misunderstood honestly speaking I had done some amount of stuff that deserved that kind of behaviour towards me. And now that I have changed my habits aur apni galteeon ko bhi sudhar liya hai…then the people’s behaviour towards me is also changing. So I think it’s got a lot to do with you…
Talking about Karan Johar… working with Dharma Productions is a big deal in the film industry. It’s almost like a stamp of having arrived. What’s your take on it?
I think it’s fantastic! And apart from being prestigious I’m also really excited because of the role as an actor. It offers me so much in terms of performance…it’s got lovely actors with me like Saif and Kareena in the script. So its great feeling. And apart from that Karan is just a great guy. It’s just wonderful to have someone like him backing you and believing in you. And it’s really nice to have some like that supporting you. He has been lending support to me every step of the way in small small things and that really feels great. He is already talking to me about other scripts and other things that I already feel like a part of Dharma.. and aside from that another great producer who is backing me right now is Tips. They’ve just had some whopping success with Race and today they are investing me. I am doing this really larger than life action movie in South Africa starting July and I am really excited working with them.
So I think its just a matter of time… you know those people who were considered opposition camps or considered who would never work with are now working with me. So I think it’s largely about how you deal with people and the situation… if you come across as a professional… like for the past 3 years and 3 months I have never been late for a single shoot or appearance. I just don’t believe it in anymore. It’s like a game I play with myself – can I be on time today? And its amazing… it feels really good.
Ok now I want to know about home… you are known to be extremely close to your parents. But what’s the atmosphere at home. Do you go home and discuss work because dad comes from the industry too or do you completely switch off?
At home we barely have any work discussion…because once I’m home I’m home…it’s my de-stress factor. I come home and catch up with my family.. like the day I know I’m going to get done early and I will be able to have a meal at home with my family I will immediately call them. So they will all wait for me and we will all have dinner together… even my dogs join us around the dinner table. Everybody will have a full conversation… like even if I am sitting there and my family is there and my dogs are not there, the two of them will bring the house down barking because they feel they are a part of the family and they should be a part of our discussion. In fact it’s so funny that even when we have puja at home my two babies – my boxers Duke and Ivy – will be a part of it whether the puja is for 2 or 4 hours. No matter how long the chanting goes on for they will sit there very quietly… they’ll watch the entire proceedings. We have this joke that pichle janam mein pandit honge…
Finally now that your career seems to be back on track, what are Vivek’s expectations for his professional and personal life? What are your aims now?
You know there was a point in time when I thought fans were just a number… just a static. I always thought that fans were only important to an extent that the number of fans you have is only important from a perspective that how popular you are, how much you charge for a film… that this is the direct co-relation. But today … in my second coming after Shootout… I have realised how important and how amazing this relationship between a movie star and his fan is. How that little word of encouragement and appreciation inspires you to do so much more. So today when I work I think about them. I thank them and my whole agenda is to do so much work.. so much better work with every film that I live up to their expectations or deliver a little more than their expectations. Whether I manage to do that or not is in God’s hands… but that is definitely the effort and the intention professionally now.
And as far as personally is concerned I just want to live every day. I just want to be better and better every single day – that’s a little prayer I say to myself. And I want to be a better son. I think last few years have been very tumultuous and painful and I think I put parents through a lot of pain and misery. You know when a child suffers his or her parents suffer 10 times more indirectly…so I want them to be happy. I want my father to be happy and enjoying life like he is right now. I want my mum to be happy like she is right now… God bless them…and I want to be a better human being. I want to give back a lot. I consider myself really lucky and blessed and I feel I need to share that… that experience!
The actor speaks up about the ghosts of his past...
Vivek Oberoi seems to be a changed man these days. Perhaps he's been through a soul searching escapade and why wouldn't he? He hasn't had a single solo hit since Saathiya and some of his multi-starrers too are loosing their charm. With a lot to bank on with Mission Istanbul releasing soon, the actor is making sure that his karmic slate is absolutely clean.
In an interview with Mumbai Mirror, the actor has reportedly opened up, getting quite candid with his views. He talked about apologising to Salman Khan and justified why he did it publicly rather than privately. The actor hasn't received a response as yet, but his solace lies in the fact that he did his bit.
"Forgiveness is earned. When he feels like forgiving me, he will," says Vivek. "I have done my bit. When Salman feels he can forgive me, I am sure that the equations will change."
Vivek also went on to speak about his budding relationship with the Bachchans, especially Abhishek. He said that it was extremely "sweet" of the actor to send him an SMS appreciating his performance at IIFA.
So what about the Bachchan bahu with whom he has a romantic past? The duo did come face to face at IIFA and at Teji Bachchan's funeral...
"Today she's married and I respect her status in someone else's life," said Vivek. "I respected her in the past and I respect her today."
The actor further went on to clear the air stating that Sanjay Dutt and he never had any problems as was hyped by the media. And that he didn't fire his father as his career manager but simply decided that he had "stressed" him out enough.
"It's time for him to holiday with my mom and play gold," said the actor. "I have given a lot of stress to my parents due to my professional and personal life. It's time they beat their stress
crazy_83
29-06-2008, 12:22 AM
Is Mr Bachchan in?
Vivek Oberoi drops in on the sets of Aladdin to meet Amitabh Bachchan
Vivek Oberoi is in the mood to clean up his life and set straight everything that he had messed up in the past.
After publicly apologising to Salman Khan, the actor is now working on his relationship with the Bachchans.
He attended the funeral ceremony for Teji Bachchan, and met the entire Bachchan family.
Now, to tighten bonds, Vivek is making quite an effort to extend his friendship towards Amitabh Bachchan. He recently dropped by on the sets of Aladdin at Filmcity, especially to meet Amitabh, who was busy shooting there.
Says a source present on the sets, “We were surprised to see Vivek Oberoi on the sets, all of a sudden.
Soon we heard that he intended to meet Amitabh Bachchan. Vivek got out of his car and patiently waited outside Bachchan’s make-up van.
When Bachchan stepped out of his van, Vivek met him and they exchanged pleasantries. Afterwards, Vivek seemed quite glad to have interacted with Bachchan.”
Vivek Awaits To Be Forgiven
By Prathna Tiwari - BollySpice.com
29 Jun 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1332-vivek-awaits-to-be-forgiven.html
If there is someone who knows how wrong things can go in life it has to be Vivek Oberoi. When he debuted, the industry was overjoyed at the discovery of a fresh face and talent that was just waiting to be tapped into. But like they say, all good things come to an end. In Vivek’s case we’d like to stay optimistic and say that his rough patch was not the end, but simply a pause in the journey.
In a recent interview with Vickey Lalwai the actor spoke of his past, present and future.
Referring to the past, he said that whole Salman-Ash-Press-Conference fiasco was the product of an immature and irrational youthful age. When asked on why the public apology to Salman he said that it was the only solution to his wrong doing which also had occurred at a public platform.
Vickey tried to press all the right buttons to get a response against the Bachchans or in particular Bachchan Bahu, but Vivek remained a true gentleman and showed how much had indeed changed. Apparently his relationship with the Bachchans is rather pleasant currently, with Big B himself being rather encouraging to him at IFFA and Bachchan junior commending him on his performance at IFFA. As for Bahu Bachchan, Ash, Vivek said that he respected her and it would be very un-gentlemen like of him to comment on anything to do with their past.
So that was the past and present, what about the future. For now Vivek has appointed someone to look into his work, previously this was done by his dad. The actor feels that he wants to give his parents a stress-free life from now onwards and the best way to do so is to send them on a holiday. On a more personal note, Vivek cleverly responds to questions about link-ups with Jacqueliene Fernedes by saying that she’s just a friend and says that even though that’s a clichéd line, it sounds good. So is that a yes or no Vivek? Only time will tell, for now we wish Vivek all the best as he turns a new chapter in his life.
In the meantime you all will be seeing him soon on the big screen in the action flick of the year, Mission Istanbul!
vivek oberoi who shot for a solo song for Apoorva Lakhia's Mission Istaanbul, personally selected the six Russian dancers who gyrated with him in the track. Lakhia confirms, "Vivek auditioned the girls himself. He wanted the song to look good and I guess Vivek also wanted to hang around with some cute and cool chicks!"
It is learnt that after Vivek got a good response to his performance at IIFA Bangkok. Mission Istaanbul producer Sunil Shetty and director Apoorva Lakhia were so impressed by Vivek that they decide to shoot a solo track with him. The song is Apun Ke Saath Jo Ladega with Mika Singh rendering the track. It's an offshoot of the Aye Ganpat song in Shootout At Lokhandwala.Says Lakhia, "Sunil and I decided to give Vivek the song choreographed by Rajiv Goswami. Originally, there was no solo song of Vivek's as he plays a Turkish commando so we couldn't have him singing and dancing around trees. He danced so well at IIFA it was as if he wanted to prove he could dance too."
Is there any truth to the buzz that Vivek was feeling insecure and had fought with Apoorva as he felt Zayed Khan was being promoted more?
Says Apoorva, "Earlier, people were saying we were not promoting Vivek enough. That wasn't true. It's just that Zayed has a romantic angle and had two songs with two different girls. Vivek has never come to me with any complaints. This is our second film together. We are friends and share a pretty good relationship. Now we have decided to promote only Vivek's song and not the Vivek-Zayed number. I have to be fair. It's a two-hero film."
After confessing to having erred many times in his personal and professional life in the past, actor Vivek Oberoi seems like a man on a mission to mend his fences.
Vivek is in a perpetual confessional mood nowadays. All his interviews are full of candid admissions of his past mistakes – the most prominent of which was that infamous press conference in which he humiliated Salman Khan , the then jilted lover of his then girlfriend Aishwarya Rai who is presently happily married to Abhishek Bachchan.
In a recent interview, Vivek had said he still feels “haunted by the demons of my past mistakes”. To get over these demons, Vivek has been making peace with people he has hurt.
He has apologized to Salman Khan publicly. Though Salman has yet not responded to Vivek’s gesture, Vivek thinks Salman will forgive him when he feels like doing it.
Vivek has also been re-forging his bond with the Bachchans. He surprised everyone when he paid a visit to the mourning Bachchans after the demise of Big B’s mother Teji Bachchan early this year.
Vivek also visited Amitabh Bachchan recently on the sets of Aladdin . The actor met the superstar and had a brief chat.
Not just Big B, Vivek’s bond with Abhishek (whom he befriended while shooting Yuva ) has also begun to thaw. After Vivek’s IIFA performance in Bangkok, Abhi sent him a complimentary SMS.
But ask Vivek anything about Aishwarya and the actor goes into diplomatic mode.
“I respect her and wish her the best,” is all he is willing to say.
Vivek's Girl
02-07-2008, 05:02 PM
Vivek shoots solo song for Mission Istanbul
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com
2 Jul 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1350-vivek-shoots-solo-song-for-mission-istanbul.html
Vivek Oberoi lit up the stage at this year’s IIFA performing to the song ‘Apun Ke Saath Jo Ladega’ from Mission Istanbul. After seeing his brilliant performance, the producers of MI decided to give the hunkstar a solo song in the movie. Originally, there was no solo song planned for him, but only because it did not seem to fit with his character of a Turkish commando.
Apoorva Lakhia said, “Sunil and I decided to give Vivek the song choreographed by Rajiv Goswami. Originally, there was no solo song of Vivek's as he plays a Turkish commando so we couldn't have him singing and dancing around trees."
For the number, Vivek along with six Russian beauties will be seen grooving to the jammin’ track by Mika, who also did last year’s ‘Aye Ganpat’ from Shootout At Lokhandwala. Lakhia revealed: “Vivek auditioned the girls himself. He wanted the song to look good and I guess Vivek also wanted to hang around with some cute and cool chicks!"
Lakhia discounted any rumors that there was a problem with how the film’s stars were being promoted: “Earlier, people were saying we were not promoting Vivek enough. That wasn't true. It's just that Zayed has a romantic angle and had two songs with two different girls. Vivek has never come to me with any complaints.”
Adding, “This is our second film together. We are friends and share a pretty good relationship. Now we have decided to promote only Vivek's song and not the Vivek-Zayed number. I have to be fair. It's a two-hero film.”
Be sure to check out Mission Istanbul when it roars into theaters on July 25th!
Vivek's Girl
02-07-2008, 05:11 PM
2 PICS OF VIVEK ON THE LINK
Vivek Oberoi gets a new look; goes underground!
Posted on Wednesday, July 02, 2008 (EST)
http://news.sawf.org/Bollywood/51596.aspx
As if to go with his new attitude towards life and the happening films he has been signing, Vivek Oberoi will now sport a brand new look too.
Vivek Oberoi in 'Mission Istaanbul'. Photo Credit: Dale Bhagwagar Media Group
July 2, 2008 (Sawf News) - As if to go with his new attitude towards life and the happening films he has been signing, Vivek Oberoi will now sport a brand new look too.
"After keeping his hair shoulder-length long for the role of a Turkish commando in his forthcoming film 'Mission Istaanbul', Bollywood's famous hairstylist Dilshad Pastakia has given Vivek a completely refreshing look last week," reveals the actor's publicist Dale Bhagwagar.
VO has had his hair cut short for his new Tips movie, an action-thriller to be produced by Kumar Taurani and directed by the popular video director Kookie V. Gulati.
So how short has he cut his hair? Is it the earlier Company look or the Saathiya look that he's gone back to?
Vivek Oberoi in 'Mission Istaanbul'. Photo Credit: Dale Bhagwagar Media Group
"That's a secret for two weeks," quips the publicist. Though he leaks out that the strategy is to pleasantly surprise everyone with the new look at the Mission Istaanbul premiere next fortnight.
So would the actor go into hiding till then?
"Yes, from the last few days, Vivek has almost gone underground. It's out with old and in with the new for the actor. He will not reveal his new look till the premiere. And if he has to meet people, he'll be sporting a cap till then," adds Bhagwagar.
Wait guys and girls. The lad has not created another controversy or called a press conference this time.
Vivek, as we all know now likes to be known as the more matured and changed personality now.
The reason why the talented actor is not available for functions or for the media is because he wants to surprise everyone.
And how in the world is he going to do that?
The guy has gone ahead and changed the way he looked by adopting a brand new hairstyle that he likes to reveal only during the premiere of his forthcoming film 'Mission Istaanbul'.
The actor has not done that just to get some attention but for a new action thriller film that he has signed to be produced by Kumar Taurani and directed by the popular video director Kookie V.Gulati.
When Vivek debuted in the film 'Company', he had wavy hair falling on his forehead giving him a boyish look.
Although he has experimented with some ways in which the hair should be styled, the most recent shoulder-length long hair for the role of the elegant Turkish commando in 'Mission Istaanbul' has caught the attention of the whole of Bollywood as the new look suits his facial features perfectly than any other styles he sported before.
Vivek, does not like to bask in the appreciation that his new trendy flowing hair has given him and likes to constantly rework on his overall looks.
When the whole of Bollywood stars have got obsessive on having a fresh look for each of the new project, why Vivek Oberoi must be behind.
If at all he has to say yes to some unavoidable meetings or have to attend any pre-release media meet of his forthcoming film on International terrorism, Vivek will be seen wearing a cap.
Now only one thing remains for the star who has been having a good time lately when the box office collections of his films are concerned.
Vivek's Girl
03-07-2008, 08:08 PM
VIDEO ON THE LINK!!!
'Mission Istanbul' gears up for release
7/3/2008 11:29:54 AM
http://www.timesnow.tv/NewsDtls.aspx?NewsID=10882
Still dazed after the success of ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’, Apoorva Lakhia is all set to release his next directorial venture ‘Mission Istanbul’. The film takes a look at the world of international terrorism and is . The star cast of the movie includes Viveik Oberoi, Shabbir Aluwalia, Shreya Sharan, Zayed Khan, Nikitin Dheer and Shweta Bhardwaj.
The action film --Mission Istaanbul-- starring Vivek Oberoi, South Indian actress Shriya Saran, Sunil Shetty and Zayed Khan is all set to set the silver screen on fire. The film, directed by Apoorva Lakhia also features Abhishek Bachchan in a special appearance.
Produced by Shabbir Boxwala, Suniel Shetty, Ekta Kapoor and Shobha Kapoor, 'Mission Istanbul' is an action flick that deals with modern day terrorism and focuses on the commercial, political and crimal nexus. In other words this is one more film which takes a look at the world of international terrorism.
The story unfolds through a journalist Vikas Sagar's (Vivek Oberoi) eyes and hell breaks loose with the battle of pen and sword comes to the front.
Like his previous venture --Shootout at Lokhandwala-- Director Apoorva Lakhia has once again strived to keep the audience's attention from start to finish. Like 'Shootout at Lokhandwala', 'Mission Istaanbul' too has a pretty good storyline and is action packed right from the word 'Go'.
Mission Istanbul also sees Suneil Shetty's next as an actor and producer hitting theatres on 25th July.
The movie will be released, on July 11 2008, under the Popcorn Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd and Balaji Telefilms Ltd banners. Now the audience will juat have to wait for the movie's release and hope it is asw good as ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’.
Vivek's Girl
04-07-2008, 01:36 AM
Friends Forever: Vivek Oberoi and Hrithik Roshan
By Prathna Tiwari - BollySpice.com
3 Jul 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1360-friends-forever-vivek-oberoi-and-hrithik-roshan.html
One would easily assume that since Vivek Oberoi and Hrithik Roshan both debuted roughly around the same time, there would be a constant fear of one another between the stars. However, we hear there is a very strong friendship that has lasted for years between the two.
Common knowledge is that Vivek has gone through a lot of ups and downs (downs mostly) in the past few years and the support he has received from family, friends and fans has arrived in abundance. A very special person who supported Vivek immensely was his dear friend Hrithik, who gifted him a book titled "Power of Spiritual Love: A Guide to Spiritual Enchantment" by Eckhart Tolle.
Cheesy you say, but don’t be surprised. Hrithik thought so too. When he gifted the book to Vivek, he said that even though it may sound cheesy, it has helped him a lot over the years. Vivek also initially found it cheesy, but when he read it out of curiostiy, it soon changed his life greatly.
Now here is a ‘yeh dosti’ moment! Kuddos for Hrithik for always being himself!
Vivek's Girl
04-07-2008, 02:15 AM
VO gets the pick of the lot!
By: Upala KBRDate: 30 Jun, 2008 07:05 AMPrint Email
http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2008/jun/300608vivek.htm
Vivek Oberoi, who shot for a solo song for Apoorva Lakhia's Mission Istaanbul, personally selected the six Russian dancers who gyrated with him in the track. Lakhia confirms, "Vivek auditioned the girls himself. He wanted the song to look good and I guess Vivek also wanted to hang around with some cute and cool chicks!"
Going solo
It is learnt that after Vivek got a good response to his performance at IIFA Bangkok. Mission Istaanbul producer Sunil Shetty and director Apoorva Lakhia were so impressed by Vivek that they decide to shoot a solo track with him.
Aye Ganpat: Part 2
http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/6458/vivekperformsiifaqm7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Vivek performs at the IIFA
The song is Apun Ke Saath Jo Ladega with Mika Singh rendering the track. It's an offshoot of the Aye Ganpat song in Shootout At Lokhandwala.
Says Lakhia, "Sunil and I decided to give Vivek the song choreographed by Rajiv Goswami. Originally, there was no solo song of Vivek's as he plays a Turkish commando so we couldn't have him singing and dancing around trees. He danced so well at IIFA — it was as if he wanted to prove he could dance too."
A two-hero film
Is there any truth to the buzz that Vivek was feeling insecure and had fought with Apoorva as he felt Zayed Khan was being promoted more?
Says Apoorva, "Earlier, people were saying we were not promoting Vivek enough. That wasn't true. It's just that Zayed has a romantic angle and had two songs with two different girls. Vivek has never come to me with any complaints.
This is our second film together. We are friends and share a pretty good relationship. Now we have decided to promote only Vivek's song and not the Vivek-Zayed number. I have to be fair. It's a two-hero film."
Vivek Presses All The Right Buttons
By Prathna Tiwari - BollySpice.com
5 Jul 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1369-vi...ht-buttons.html (http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1369-vivek-presses-all-the-right-buttons.html)
Its seems that once upon a time the actor who got nothing right is getting everything put back in the right spots nowadays. If there ever was an award for ‘Actor Who Made The Most Dramatic Changes in Life’ there would be no better candidate than Vivek Oberoi.
In his latest interview with Times of India, Vivek continued to show how much he has matured and changed and how much more of it he wants to do.
He starts off by talking about how he had acted in the past when he was serious people pleaser and an out-and-out fake. Today he learns the essence of ‘stop talking and start doing’ and that’s proving to be his mantra today.
The list of apologies that he had to make almost seemed endless, however now he’s proud to have done so much of what he had aimed to do. Directors, drivers and spot boys, the actor claims, were the components of this never ending list. Most importantly, there were two people whose pain was much more magnified than his own, his parents.
Vivek’s mother proved to be the person who one day brought the mirror in front of him in the form of a file that contained his early interviews. Upon looking at these interviews that he had given when he was a newbie in the industry, Vivek saw that he had gone against everything he once believed in. From being a person who claimed to want to be an actor and not a star, he saw today that he was not known for his work. That is exactly what he didn’t want to happen to his career. Thus began the most needed and long journey for Vivek.
Vivek realized that he was being known for anything but acting, and that is the main thing he aimed to change. The only possible way of doing this was by wiping the slate clean. Omkara was the first phase of this change, and we congratulate Vivek in this beginning of a new phase which was certainly evident in his absolutely groundbreaking performance.
Vivek maintains his professional and gentlemanly persona when asked to comment on Ash as an actor. He acknowledges that even though it’s probably the easiest question to answer, he decides to remain silent. May we say smart move! With the media pouncing on his every move/word, this risk just shouldn’t be taken.
In addition Vivek acknowledges the three directors that have shaped up his life today. They are Ram Gopal Verma (Company), Mani Ratnam (Yuva) and Vishal Bhardwaj (Omkara). But wait, that’s not all! Vivek also shares his version of 'Apun Ke Saath Jo Bhi Ladega' (Mission Istanbul) which he completes with "Apun ke saath jo bhi ladgea, apun wahin se mudega" (Wherever there is a conflict involving me, I will change my direction to avoid it).
Well we here at BollySpice want to wish Vivek all the best for this huge mission that he’s taken on board, and from the result of its initial stages, we’d like to congratulate him that he is certainly heading in the right direction. In the meantime, we look forward to seeing the actor create some serious waves on screen with the year's most anticipated action flick, Mission Istanbul!
Vivek Oberoi is making his presence felt in the industry, even if it is via humble bows to the Bachchans, or a sincere public apology to Salman Khan.
But we aren’t too sure if anyone is in the mood to forgive and forget. Never mind that, the one thing that the people can’t take away from VO is his talent.
He did a brilliant job in Shootout At Lokhandwala and has danced beautifully at all award functions.
Talking about the response he garnered in Bangkok, he says, “Bangkok was encouraging, let’s hope they are as encouraging when Mission Istanbul releases.”
Jaya Bachchan had described Vivek as the ‘Man on a Mission’ on Karan Johar’s talk show once. Well, seems like Vivek is on a new ‘mission’ these days. It’s called Istanbul!
You are so much into apologising these days that one wonders whether it’s all to do with Gandhigiri or is an exercise in image-management?
(Laughs) Neither. I admit that two or three years ago, I was into image-management and would try and be a people pleaser. I soon realised that it was too futile and my attempts were fake. Here, let me narrate an anecdote. A lady took her son to a guru and asked him to tell the child not to have sweets. The guru asked her to return with the son after five days when he would say it. When asked why he wanted to wait, he said: ‘I myself used to eat sweets and I had to give it up before I could tell your son to do so’. It makes sense to stop talking and start doing.
Were there times when your apologies were doubted?
Of course. I’ve even had calls from people who said that they hadn’t believed me the last time I had said sorry. I have this huge list of people I had to apologise to. That includes producers to spot boys to drivers.
Did you ever apologise to your parents?
They were the first ones I had apologised to. When I saw myself in pain, I realised that my parents’ pain had
magnified 10 times seeing me go through so much. I cried in front of them.
Since you are now trying to restructure your career, what are the areas that needed your immediate attention professionally?
When I joined films, I was hungry. I’ve been an assistant to Farah Khan and have served tea to those who now dance beside me. I never told people my last name. Much before I attained stardom, I knew what I didn’t want to do if I became a star. The irony is that at 24, I got caught in the trappings of stardom. Mixing my professional and personal life was my biggest mistake. When I was going through a low phase, my mum pulled out a file of the first few interviews, where I had said that I wanted to be an actor and not a star. That’s when I decided to change.
What did you do?
I stopped working and started returning signing amounts to clean my slate. I realised that I had become known for everything else apart from my acting — for my misbehaviour, for attacking people and my high-profile relationships. I’d listen to people who said I can’t be a star unless I arrived late on the sets. And all my late entries on sets were premeditated. Thank God, I was allowed a second chance. I started changing with Omkara. I began playing a game with myself to see if I could arrive five minutes earlier than my call time.
Your song from Mission Istanbul goes like Apun Ka Sath Jo Bhi Ladega... If you were to sing this song in real life, what would the second life be?
(Laughs) Apun Ka Sath Jo Bhi Ladega/Apun Udhar Se Mudega... These days I want to walk away from conflicts.
You’ve been roped in for a Karan Johar production. How strong is the camp factor in Bollywood?
Bollywood is one big jungle and I’m like a hermit sitting far away. People know that I’ve to like the script when I sign a film. I never make excuses of date problems if I don’t like a script.
Can you choose three of your directors and mention how you’ve grown as an actor working with them?
Ramu is my godfather. On the first day of shooting for Company, I was tense because Ramu hadn’t given any feedback about my performance. During lunch break, Ramu walked up to me and said: ‘If I don’t like anything, I’ll tell you, If I don’t say anything, it means I must be liking your work’. Mani Sir would push me to think of ways of
enacting a scene that was different from his own brief. I’ll never forget his comment: ‘I saw your performance while shooting. I saw you acting in the editing studio’. Vishal Bhardwaj gave me a new lease of life. He made me feel the character.
If there were offers to make a film on your eventful life, would you agree?
It’s ambitious to think that I’d reach that degree of importance for people to want to make/watch a film on my life. It would be good if I am portrayed as a good actor. People already know about my life. If I meet a pretty girl, the media starts speculating. That happens even before I get to like her. But I can’t blame the media. Today, I don’t know how you would cry when you are alone. But when I cry on screen, there are so many others in the dark auditorium watching me break down and also crying with me.
Do today’s high-profile relationships break because celebs themselves aren’t discreet enough?
I’ve been single for a while now. If I decide to date someone, I know I’d want to marry her. My past has taught me not to talk about my relationship unless I am sure of marriage.
But every actor who is into PDA believes that the relationship will translate into marriage...
Yes. I guess, It’s a Catch-22 situation.
Finally, how would you rate Ash as an actor today?
It’s very easy for me to answer that question. But I’ll refrain. I’ve always respected her and today, she is someone’s wife. She is an integral part of a family that is immensely respected in India. If I answer this question, many in the media might just take portions out of it and make incorrect interpretations. I’d wish to avoid any possibilities of being careless.
Vivek's Girl
07-07-2008, 04:12 AM
Vivek sports a new look
Divya Unni
Monday, July 7, 2008: (Mumbai):
http://www.ndtvmovies.com/newstory.asp?section=Movies&Slug=Vivek+sports+a+new+look&Id=ENTEN20080056035
Vivek Oberoi may have been in the news more often than not for all the wrong reasons - from his tiff with director Apoorva Lakhia to the not-so-pretty tresses he has been sporting off late for Mission Istanbul.
But now, the actor who seems to have taken enough brickbats for his ever oscillating career graph is set out to do everything that brings him back the luck he kick-started his career with.
To start with, Vivek has a new hairdo.
"Not that the long hair was bringing me bad luck, but I am done with my part on Mission Istanbul and I am now shooting for my next film, which I am very excited about. So, it was chop-chop time for the long hair and I am back to the good boy looks," he said.
Though Vivek did get his due for noteworthy performances as Maya Dolas in Shootout At Lokhandwala, and Kesu in Omkara, his choice of films in the recent past has been a major detterent, doing anything but justice to the actor in him.
And the actor is honest enough to acknowledge his wrong moves.
"Actually it is the exact opposite. After my initial success, I think the fame got to my head. But now I have come back to reality and I hope my viewers make it work for me," Vivek said.
No wonder why he is desperately awaiting his next release Mission Istanbul, where he plays a Turkish commando. He is surely placing all his hopes on the film, which is why he was recently seen knocking on heaven's door, quite literally.. for the film's success.
"My mother wanted to visit this particular temple and I accompanied her and obviosly asked God for all the blessings possible," he said.
And the future so far looks bright for this good, but bad boy who already has two big films in his kitty.
"I am doing a big production with Tips and also doing Karan's next film," Vivek said with a smile.
crazy_83
08-07-2008, 10:47 PM
I'm commitment shy: Viveik Oberoi
He had almost become a walking-talking male Rapunzel with flowing hair. Now sheared, he is also straightening out his career with a vengeance. Evidently memories of liaisons, hurts and beffudlement are behind him. So, here's a new, improved Viveik Oberoi confabulating with Roshmila Bhattacharya.
Hey, what happened to the hair?
(Laughs) I cut it. For the Tips film that I'll be shooting in South Africa I need a short cut. So it was snip, snip. Now I'm more sympathetic to female co-stars when they turn up 20 minutes late.
I know how long it takes to shampoo, blow dry and set your hair. You seem to have lost weight too.
I've been learning a martial arts called Parkour from Dean Alexandrou from London. I'll be doing a lot of stunts, flying through the air without cables for the film. I'm also working with a Thai trainer in Muay Thai, a mix of Thai kickboxing and Akido.
You're playing a superhero or what?
In a way, yes. (Laughs) But I'll be a superhero without a costume. It's a solo hero film after a long time.
You're also doing a romantic film after years, 7G Rainbow Colony, which is a Hindi remake of a Tamil hit. Right?
Mani (Ratnam) told me to see it. His assistant Selvaraghavan directed the original and will be doing the Hindi remake too for UTV. I'm waiting for them to give me the Hindi script.
Have you signed a deal with UTV?
No, it's just this one film. I'm an actor, not a corporate guy. And I'm commitment shy.
Even in personal life?
I knew this was coming. How did I walk into the trap?
Will you ever work with Aishwarya Rai again?
Sure, why not? As a professional I have no problems working with anyone. But I work with directors, not with actors and actresses.
What about Salman Khan? He still hates you for that press conference.
He has reason to be displeased. It's not the best thing I've done in my life. But I have apologised to him.
You've been trying to patch up with the Bachchans. Recently, you are said to have dropped in on the sets of Aladdin to meet Amitabh Bachchan?
I was invited to drop by on the sets by the director Sujoy Ghosh. We worked together in Home Delivery. Sujoy is a friend. Jackie (Shroff) and Riteish (Deshmukh) were there too and we got chatting. Then I heard that Amitji was there as well and I went to his van to say hello.
Apparently, you went on a pilgrimage recently.
It was more a ‘thank you' trip. In our family, whenever something good happens, we first celebrate it with god.. my sister will be getting married soon. I went with my mother to Vaishnodevi and Rishikesh. We walked all the way up.
Were you mobbed?
Wherever I go I'm greeted with calls of "Oye Mayabhai" even though it's been a year since Shootout At Lokhandwala's release. (Laughs) Even the girls go, "Maya, Maya." And I'm not complaining.
Have the real bhais been calling too?
There were a few calls after Company. But now I've become a recluse, I live in my own space.
VIVEK IN NEW AVATAR, GOES UNDERGROUND!
By Eye TV India Bureau
In the News
http://smashits.com/news/bollywood/movie-talk/6783/vivek-in-new-avatar-goes-underground.html
Vivek Oberoi will now sport a brand new look too. "After keeping his hair shoulder-length long for the role of a Turkish commando in his forthcoming film 'Mission Istaanbul', Bollywood's famous hairstylist Dilshad Pastakia has given Vivek a completely refreshing look last week.. He has had his hair cut short for his new Tips movie, an action-thriller to be produced by Kumar Taurani and directed by the popular video director Kookie V. Gulati.So how short has he cut his hair? Is it the earlier 'Company' look or the 'Saathiya' look that he's gone back to? "That's a secret for two weeks," quips his publicist. Though he leaks out that the strategy is to surprise everyone with the new look at the 'Mission Istaanbul' premiere next fortnight. Would the actor go into hiding till then? "Yes, from the last few days, Vivek has almost gone underground. It's out with old and in with the new for the actor. He will not reveal his new look till the premiere. And if he has to meet people, he'll be sporting a cap till then," adds his publicist.
Though there are fierce fights between the leading stars of the tinsel town, there are exceptions too. We may recall that in the distant past, Hrithik Roshan gifted his friend Vivek Oberoi with a book that changed Vivek's life. And, this happened when Vivek was passing through a rough patch, both personally and professionally, He had just then broke his friendship with Aishwarya Rai and was short of good projects. The book was titled 'Power of Love - A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment' by Eckhart Tolle , and was about a spiritual journey. Viveik admits that Hrithik's gift changed his life to a large extent. "
"I play Rizwan, a Turkish elite commando for whom nothing is impossible" - Vivek
By Satish Sundaresan, July 7, 2008 - 14:26 IST
http://indiafm.com/features/2008/07/07/4058/index.html
He was once touted as the 'Oberoi' who towers. His debut film Company set his stocks rising so much that it even put the best of scrips to shame! Added to that was the fact he was also carrying the legacy of the illustrious surname of his respected father Suresh Oberoi. We are indeed talking about Vivek Oberoi, who is all set to repeat history, only this time, he wants his work to do the 'talking'. Talk it will, as he is gearing up for Mission Istaanbul amongst others. One may note that Mission Istaanbul shares its initials with the Hollywood blockbuster Mission Impossible. But what remains to be seen is that will Mission Istaanbul create the same impact or maybe more than Mission Impossible? Well, Bollywood Hungama caught up with this actor and came back tad impressed, but, with just one regret that since he was sporting a cap, we couldn't see his new hairstyle that he will be sporting for his next film. Excerpts of the interview:
Vivek, your forthcoming film Mission Istaanbul (MI) has really become the talk of the town. Sunny days are here again…What say brother?
Thank you very much yaar. I just hope that the sunny days retain itself forever! (Smiles)
"I play Rizwan who is one of the best Turkish elite commandos. Nothing is impossible for him"
For starters, what's with your role in the film Mission Istaanbul that people have just not stopped raving about the new and improved Vivek?
Well, I am playing the role of Rizwan Khan, who is a dude with an attitude. At one point in the film, there's a time when Zayed Khan (who plays the role of Vikas Sagar) tells him that "Rizwan, tum toh bilkul bhoot ho. Kabhi bhi kahin bhi aa jaate ho aur kabhi bhi kahin se bhi nikal jaate ho" (Rizwan, you are a ghost, simply because you squeeze in and out anywhere and everywhere). Basically, Rizwan is a person who is one of the best Turkish elite commandos. He gets so deep into the ring of commercial aspects of international terrorism that it eventually leads him being framed into fake circumstances and thus having him suspended from his post. But that doesn't stop him and that he has got the mission to take them down. There's one point in the film when a certain character's life is in danger and he is running through the Grand Bazaar of Istaanbul with six people chasing him with guns, all of a sudden a hand crops in from nowhere (that's Rizwan) and picks him up and pins him to the wall and says "wait a minute here" and he steps out and completely 'dismantles' the six people who are a threat at that point of time. That's the kind of guy Rizwan is and nothing is impossible for him. He is a cool customer who is a main threat to all the villains and he is also a person who inspires the journalist Vikas Sagar.
"The thing with Mika is that whenever he sings anything for me, it sounds like I am singing it myself"
You are one person who is no stranger to journalists (no pun intended). So, how was it when it came to deal with your co-star playing a journalist?
It is really different I guess. Because in real life, journalists are brave in their own way and they don't crumble due to the threats by the politicians, bigwigs and the industrial figures when they are breaking big story. They come out there and put themselves on the line for the truth. So, I think in that way, it's similar, but, the physicality of this journalist, the physical problem of this journalist that he is going through and how he's constantly running for his life is totally different. The fact also remains that it's not a documentary; hence, it's not so absolutely real. There's no doubt it's a film that's based in the real world of international terrorism but it also has the masala element to it, thus making it a hardcore masala entertaining action flick. So from that prospective, I guess Zayed's character would do little bit of incredulous things in that circumstances. In real life, the journalist would be mentally brave but in this case, this television journalist is not only mentally brave but also physically very brave.
There is news that you have even sung a song in the film. Mission Ustaad….is it?
The answer is, No. I have not sung any song in the film. It's kind of strange, but the fact is that, when my dear friend Mika Mehndi sung the song 'Ae Ganpat Chal Daaru Laa' for me, then people thought it was me who had sung it. And now, he has sung this song which is a follow up to 'Ganpat' that reads as 'Apun Ke Saath Jo Bhi Ladega, Sar Sale Ka Wohi Fatega, Goli Padegi Jo Bheje May, Kaun Maai Ka Laal Rukhega'. He (Mika) has sung the follow of Ganpat with the attitude of Rizwan Khan in the film and this song is the embodiment of that attitude. But the thing with Mika is that whenever he sings anything for me, it sounds like I am singing it myself.
Mission Istaanbul seems like one film which promise to be an out and out action thriller, right from the word 'go'. Action means stunts, and stunts means experiencing some breath taking and breath stopping moments. What kind of action sequences one can look forward to in MI?
The stunts of this film are by Ejaz and Javed, which are simply mind- blowing. They had earlier worked with me in Dum and later Shootout At Lokhandwala. We have done some great stunts and we really had great fun. Apart from blowing up a lot of things, I literally had to jump off the terrace of a building onto a chopper and then the chopper flies onto the ocean and there he jumps off the chopper into the ocean. And as he is jumping down, I had to fire at the chopper to blow it up. My character is someone who is all into doing all these crazy stunts and believe me it was unbelievable to do all the stunts. We have done many underwater shots as well as we also did a lot of explosion! In fact, Zayed and I had one sequence where we are rappelling down from the 44th floor, and here I was giving 4-5 takes of the same shot, even after the shot was Okayed after the first take itself! In fact, the Turkish rappelling expert literally came to me and told me to stop doing so as he did not want to take any chances with me! (Laughs)
"Zayed and I had one sequence where we are rappelling down from the 44th floor, and here I was giving 4-5 takes of the same shot, even after the shot was Okayed after the first take itself!"
Sounds damn interesting Vivek. What were the locations like whereby you have shot?
We have practically shot everywhere, The Bosphorus River, the famous Assk Café, the Blue Mosque and also on some of the tallest buildings. Since I play a Turkish lead commando, we have shot at many places with my character traveling all over the place.
In the climax sequence, I had to run on the tin roof of a very old dilapidated factory that I have to blow up. So I had put all the dynamite sticks everywhere and run on the roof, simply hoping that it doesn't break, because it's like if you stay longer than a few seconds on one patch of roof it felt like you are going to cave in. And by sheer God's grace, I didn't get injured at all. I think I have had more than my fair share of injuries (laughs heartily).
There were also these talks about you getting the six-pack abs. What's the 'status' on that?
It's actually Zayed who is supposed to be getting the six packs as he has to have such a body for the climax. There was a slight confusion about me getting the six packs. But if you see, there's one sequence in the film, whereby Zayed, me and Shweta Bharadwaj take on 30-40 people, who are fully loaded with arms. Shweta was using a baseball bat and Zayed a chain as their weapons. And when I asked Appu (Apoorva Lakhia) about my weapon, he simply smiled and said "Your weapon is your weapon. You are Rizwan Khan. He doesn't need a weapon as he is a weapon in himself!"
"I had picture references even for how a Turkish commando salutes. Even the small things like how their uniform would look like, how they behave, how they load an automatic weapon, I learnt from the experts"
Were there any preparations that you underwent while preparing for the role of Rizwan Khan?
There are very few sequences where I have been shown as a part of the Turkish Regiment, which happens to be in a flash back section. But in the scenes where I had to penetrate in the entire ring of the international terrorist operation, we had to be truly authentic. I had picture references even for how a Turkish commando salutes. Even the small things like how their uniform would look like, how they behave, how they load an automatic weapon, all these little things I sat down with and I learnt from the experts. What I did to do this film is that I learnt parts of Arabic and Turkish. But, unfortunately very few have been left in the film because we felt that somewhere it was getting distracting and unfortunately in our films we can't have too much of sub titles.
As you said that Apoorva wrote MI keeping you in mind, it only becomes needless to say that you will be doing his next film too. Right?
Unfortunately no. Due to the date clashes, I had to (with a heavy HEART though) let go his film and also Prakash Jha's Rajniti.
Let's talk about your performance at the IIFA. It has really taken the country by storm.
Thanks a lot. I'm really happy because people have loved the song and the 'Ganpat' track is really a big legacy to live upto. I'm happy to the reaction this new song has been getting and to top it all I really enjoyed dancing live on stage.
It's kind of ironical that you play a Turkish commando in reel-life and you have gone underground in real life, only to safeguard your new haircut by Dilshad Pastakia for your new movie with TIPS. So, what was the brief that was given to her?
The only brief was that it had to look completely different from anything that I have done before and believe me, it is looking really different. The problem here is that I have to promote MI so I had to step out. But as per my contract, TIPS requires me to cover my hair all the time. So it's been a difficult process to find new kinds of hats to keep my head covered (laughs).
This film is an action thriller which also marks the directorial debut of Kookie Gulati who has shot some of the famous music videos. What's your role in the film?
All that I can say at this very moment is that this is probably THE biggest film that I have ever done in my career. It also happens to be a solo film and I'm really excited and nervous about it. I have been training for this film since the last eight weeks, under a guy called David from Thailand. It's basically a combination of Muay Thai (Thai kick-boxing) and a combination with that of Aikido and Taekwondo.
Besides that, there is Dean Alexandrou from London, who has trained me in Parkour which is a form of martial art and that's to be performed without cables. So I have lost like roughly around 8 kilos from MI for this film. All in all, I feel like a kid in a candy store!
Lastly, what's new on the menu?
Though I cannot speak much on this, all that I can say is that finally, I'm doing one nice romantic slice of life movie. It's in the same league as Saathiya and we will start shooting early next year. It's been written for me and by someone who is a big fan of Saathiya. This was the script that I was waiting for and I'm happy that I am getting to do this film.
Vivek's Girl
09-07-2008, 05:08 AM
I AM: Vivek Oberoi
8 Jul 2008, 0805 hrs IST, TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Lifestyle/Spirituality/Mind_over_Matter/I_AM_Vivek_Oberoi/articleshow/3202360.cms
I’ve changed so much from the time I walked hand in hand with my maker into this industry. At the worst of times, he carried me through my troubles .
It’s so easy to say that times are bad or luck has run out but the truth is, we all shape our lives with our actions. When I was in a bad phase of life, I did everything possible to get out of it. My parents were so upset and sad for me, it was distressing to see. I’ve seen my mother go to temples, consult astrologers, make me wear rings, add an extra ‘I’ to my name and do just about everything to change my fortune. I want to be a good son, I want to make my parents proud. So I changed. I treated all my problems — professional and personal — like exams. Instead of blaming others, I began learning my lessons. And God is on my side.
I have seen failure up close. In fact, failure was my best friend. There have been so many times in the past that I have wanted to walk away from the hitting, the hurting. Life, and my own actions, pushed me into such a tight corner from where there was no place to go. After I reached rockbottom, the only direction for me was up. So I stopped blaming bad luck and bad timing for my predicament and actually began facing my fears. I told myself some tough truths then. This was the time when Shootout... had released and people started accepting me again. On the eve of that success, I decided to learn a lesson in humility. So I went to all those I had hurt and said sorry. I mended my bridges, cut my karmic cycle and made peace with the world. I always say a prayer before I begin shooting. I tell God that you are the medium, I am the art. Prayer centres me.
It’s not easy to say sorry. You have to be really honest with yourself and realise that humility is an asset. Once I began apologising, I felt unburdened. It was like a weight off my chest. Today I am so much happier. Now I’ve stopped acting in real life. In my second innings, I have stepped on fresh ground.
When I was introduced at the age of 24, the money, power, attention and fame knocked me off balance. It was my family, especially my mother, who brought me back to my senses. She reminded me that honesty, integrity and passion for work were the strengths I entered this industry with. I truly believe God made mothers because he couldn’t be everywhere all the time. Today my mom is so happy. I am hungry again for good work. I sleep better and am in a state of constant peace and absolute bliss.
(As told to Anubha Sawhney Joshi)
Vivek's Girl
09-07-2008, 05:16 AM
Vivek Oberoi hiding new look from public glare
Spicezee Bureau
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=454175&sid=ENT&ssid=1
Mumbai, July 09: Vivek Oberoi is into hiding these days! He is avoiding media glare, press conferences and functions. No, this time, it is not because of heart-break or spat with his rival, but it is his hairstyle that has sent the actor into seclusion.
The actor is known for experimenting with different hairstyles. He had a boyish fringe, when he debuted in the film 'Company'. And most recently, he spotted a long mane for the role of a dashing Turkish commando in 'Mission Istaanbul'. But now, rumour has it that the actor is spotting a close cropped look for a new film.
The film is reportedly a new action thriller that is to be produced by Kumar Taurani and directed by the popular video director Kookie V Gulati. Vivek has been asked to show his new look only at the premiere of the film. If at all he is to attend unavoidable meetings or have to attend any pre-release media meet of his forthcoming film on International terrorism, Vivek will be hiding his hair under a cap.
Here is a hope that with the new look, success comes into the actor’s life. We are waiting for the curtains to rise…
A little bit about Mission Istanbul
By Stacey Yount - BollySpice.com
16 Jul 2008
http://www.bollyspice.com/view.php/1410-a-little-bit-about-mission-istanbul.html
On Friday July 25th, Mission Istanbul starring Zayed Khan, Suneil Shetty, Nikitin Dheer, Shriya Saran and Vivek Oberoi will roar into theaters. It is an action film based around international terrorism and how the media is used to contort the truth. With the release just over a week away here is a little bit about Mission Istanbul.
The story of of the film revolves around Zayed Khan’s character Vikas Sagar, a very ambitious journalist, who takes a job with Al Johara, a television station based in Istaanbul. As he begins to work and then investigate Vikas realizes that channel is used by Abu Nazir one of the world’s most wanted terrorists. As he digs deeper his life is threatened and then is saved by Rizwan Khan (Vivek Oberoi). What happens next you will have to find out when you see the action packed flick.
About his role as the journalist Zayed said, “It is very difficult to play a journalist. Every person, even journalists are normal human beings with emotions. The film is about how terrorism has got into the media, how it uses the media to spread propaganda and brainwash people."
Vivek is very excited about his role as Rizwan and has high expectations that the film will be enjoyed by audiences, “My expectations are that we have worked really hard and we had tried to tackle a really difficult subject of global terrorism, a difficult subject and I hope that the people go out and see the film and enjoy it. I also want them to see Rizwan Khan and enjoy him.”
Shirya Saran who plays Zayed’s estranged wife in the film said, “The film is full of action. It’s typical Appu’s (Apoora Lakhia) film which has been beautifully picturized. The story of the film revolves around the serious issue dealing with terrorism. The issues related to terrorism have been beautifully portrayed through this film.” Adding, “Every character has been beautifully scripted. The story-telling of the film is like reading a novel, which, you can’t put down even if you want.”
Directed by Apoorva Lakhia, the film is set in today's world and to give the feeling of reality the director used look alike actors to portray George Bush and Osama Bin Laden, “We have used look alikes in the film so that the audience feels closer to reality. We have tried to be real without being real at all.”
However, Lakhia has no idea if the audience will accept Mission Istanbul, “God only knows what the audience wants. About 130 films have been released this year of which only 3 have gone on to become hits."
From the trailers, Mission Istanbul looks to be a non-stop thrill ride so be sure to check it out on July 25th!
Vivek's Girl
17-07-2008, 02:53 AM
Vivek Oberoi looks for ordinary soul mate to make his life extraordinary
http://www.newsline365.com/20081732/vivek-...fe-extraordina/ (http://www.newsline365.com/20081732/vivek-oberoi-looks-for-ordinary-soul-mate-to-make-his-life-extraordina/)
In an interview , Vivek Oberoi has revelaed that he is a die- hard romantic. He still believes that he will find his soul mate-an ordinary person who will make his life, extraordinary.
“I think I will find my soul mate. I think it will hit me like a star that bolts out of the sky and hits the head.” says Vivek,
After being estranged from a very beautiful Aishwarya Rai, Vivek claims he is enjoying life. “To be honest, I am enjoying it a bit too much. It worries me how much I am enjoying it. It has been a little over two-years now. I am really happy. I love my life and I like being single. I like going out and meeting interesting people,” he said.
Vivek’s career is going great guns with ‘Shootout at Lokhandwala’ followed by ‘Mission Istanbul’ where he plays a Turkish commander. He is waiting with baited breath that his fans like him in Mission Istanbul,” I want it to be a success. I have worked on it for one year and I have worked really hard. I am hoping people like my character. I am hoping the fans will go out and see some action movie and like the whole machismo and attitude loaded stuff.”
He is also exploring scripts other than the action genre. It includes a large project with Tips, based in South Africa and another with Karan Johar costarring Saif Ali Khan and Kareena Kapoor.
Now all he need is a boost in his personal life.
Vivek's Girl
17-07-2008, 02:53 AM
'I was emotionally devastated'
Vivek Oberoi talks about his famous love affair and moving on in life
By Anand Vaishnav . Buzz18 Jul 15, 2008
Vivek Oberoi looks tired. He has just returned from a vacation in Goa and is to leave for South Africa for an outdoor schedule barely hours after this interview. His media manager is getting jittery. But Vivek is calm, composed. This is much unlike the image most of us have seen of him in the media.
And it seems Vivek Oberoi is trying to change his image. He insists he is back to being the hungry actor he used to be.
So we ask him about his work, Mission Istaanbul and of course, the Bachchans, Aishwarya, Salman Khan and whether he still believes in love.
Excerpts from an interview:
It's been almost a year since Shootout At Lokhandwala's success. Are you a little more confident this time before the release of Mission Istaanbul?
It's not about confidence. I am thankful to the people and critics for supporting me during Shootout… But the success of Shootout… kind of gave a new lease of life to my career and most importantly boosted the confidence of the trade in me. With Mission… we have tried to raise the benchmark a little higher. Hope we don't disappoint. [IN PICS: Celebrations at Shooutout]
What do you think worked for you in that film?
I was hungry for success, as I had gone through a complete emotional overhaul. I went back to being the actor I was when I started out, leaving behind all the trappings of stardom. Perhaps it's that passion and conviction that connected with the audience. Even in Mission… I have tried to work as hard as I can. I cannot take this second chance lightly.
So was there a conscious attempt to follow Shootout… with a bigger action film with the same team? In a way carry forward the success you already had…
After Shootout… I took a four-month break just to sit down and enjoy the success. I didn't want to repeat the mistakes. I didn't want to go wayward but instead give my career a sense of direction. There were a lot of people I had to say sorry and thank you to. So I took time out to end my karmic cycles and start all over again. That's when Mission… came along and it was a chance to do something new both mentally and emotionally. [IN PICS: Is Mission Osama's story?]
How responsive were these people who you said sorry and thank you to?
Most of them were completely baffled that I why was suddenly meeting them after four years? They were confused but touched. And everyone responded with a smile.
What mistakes did you make post-Company, which you don't want to repeat this time?
Oh there is a long list of them. Basically I allowed a lot of people to change who I am. A lot of outside influences changed my thinking. But people close to me helped me get back to being the Vivek I was when I started out.
Has the industry perception towards you started changing slowly? For the positive I mean…
Nobody likes a person full of himself. I made a lot of enemies due to my high handedness. Initially, I decided to give interviews and make calculated apologies. But soon I realised I should just be myself and people will warm up. You can't grow if you are constantly looking for conflict. So today I have lots of friends in the industry and ask anyone, they will say I am the easiest person to work with.
NEXT PAGE: Vivek comes clean on Teji Bachchan funeral episode
Akshay Kumar. He has been a pillar of strength. Akki is a frank guy without any agendas. What you see is what you get. Hrithik Roshan's another wonderful friend. Shah Rukh Khan has also always encouraged me and given me right advice when I have needed it the most.
You been very open about your emotional state be it conflict, charity or making up sessions. You think that's worked against you?
I don't give a damn. The only way of life I know is honestly. I take pride in my integrity. A lot of people are very fickle but if I am wrong I will shout form the rooftop. And if I am right I'll stand by my decision. Some of the stuff reported during the Teji Bachchan funeral was ridiculous.
Does it hurt when you are still the laughing stock in the media and butt of most jokes?
Live and enjoy your life. I am the first person to crack a joke about myself. Life is far too chilled out to take yourself so seriously.
And do you still believe in love?
Absolutely. I am an absolute romantic. Of course I have had some really bad experiences with love. But love is my greatest inspiration in life. I still write a lot of poetry.
How did you cope with the Aishwarya Rai episode?
It was emotionally devastating. You feel hurt, pain when such a twist of fate happens. But I believe in love stories. And who knows someone who will read this interview might be one for me?
Now the industry has changed a lot in your new innings. So do you view Ranbir Kapoor, Harman Baweja and Imran Khan as juniors or are they competition?
Not too long ago I was a newcomer. So I am happy the industry has got so many new faces. I have met some of these guys and they are really nice people.
But I am very clear about my competition. My focus is to better myself and my previous best.
Some gossip columns keep publishing stories about your wild lifestyle. So are you the Casanova in town?
I do party, go out and date. They call me the rock star - not because of any musical talents mind you! You know when you party with me, the rule is you cannot leave before sunrise. So yes, I meet lots of wonderful women but I am just a normal guy who parties.
Would you say Shahid and you gave your relationships more importance than your career and faltered?
To certain extent yes. But you can't blame everything on one aspect. I can only speak for myself, but Shahid is a talented boy. And I am very happy with how he has come out of whatever has happened. I think I lost track of that actor in me who went on stage for the first time at the age of five.
Do you have any advice for the current hot couples being talked about in the media?
I think it's extremely difficult to maintain a relationship in such a scenario. It is imperative to build your own private world where it's just the two of you. It is unnatural for any relationship to face so much media attention and scrutiny. Don't let anyone intrude on your heaven.
You have known Abhishek Bachchan for long. How have dynamics of your friendship changed after his marriage to Aishwarya?
We are completely all right with each other. We are mature individuals who made our choices. It's like any self-respecting mutual friendship.
But have the Bachchans been equally receptive to you?
I'd like to say Amit uncle, Jaya aunty and Abhishek have all been very encouraging. They openly applauded for me at a recent award function.
But whenever people ask me questions about the Bachchans and Aishwarya, I say remember she is someone's wife now. So I know my boundaries and respect that.
Have you got a chance to speak to her?
No we haven't interacted. [MUST READ: 'I respect Aishwarya' ]
And Salman Khan?
No. Except for that one sided outburst and the apology after that. But I have done my bit by apologising on a public platform. So I am at peace. The weight is off my shoulders. [IN PICS: Vivek's public apology]
There were reports of your being upset with Zayed Khan getting more footage in the promos of Mission Istaanbul…
No! There is nothing of that sort. I was always clear about my role. I play a Turkish commando who always has this naughty smile on his face. My part has lot of action and style. But once again I don't have a girl opposite me. So maybe since the music promotion has been on for long, the focus is on Zayed. [MUST READ: Apoorva lashes out at the media]
Are you open to working with Abhishek Bachchan in the future? You'll were reportedly going to shoot a music video together.
Abhishek has been very sweet and done a promotional music video for us. But it's just him. You see I am an actor. I work with directors not co-stars. We are professionals so if a chance comes I don't think anyone of us will have a problem.
Do you see yourself directing a film anytime soon?
Let me concentrate on being a half decent actor first before thinking about anything else.
Vivek's Girl
17-07-2008, 02:56 AM
I am a diehard romantic: Vivek Oberoi
Varsha Pillai / CNN-IBN
Published on Wed, Jul 16, 2008 at 00:27 in Entertainment section
http://www.ibnlive.com/news/i-am-a-diehard...oi/68929-8.html (http://www.ibnlive.com/news/i-am-a-diehard-romantic-vivek-oberoi/68929-8.html)
Mumbai: After Shootout at Lokhandwala, now actor Vivek Oberoi has moved on to another mission which is another film called Mission Istanbul, where the actor plays a Turkish commander.
CNN-IBN: You have been resting on the laurels of Shootout at Lokhandwala for a year. You desperately want Mission Istanbul to do well. Don't you?
Vivek Oberoi: Yes. Absolutely. Honestly, I want it to be a success. I have worked on it for one year and I have worked really hard. I am hoping people like my character. I am hoping the fans will go out and see some action movie and like the whole machismo and attitude loaded stuff.
CNN-IBN: You are moving from Shootout at Lokhandwala to Mission Istanbul. Don’t you think you are slotting yourself into the action genre?
Vivek Oberoi: I have done just two movies in one year . I am taking it very slow consciously, mainly because I wanted to do different kinds of scripts. I wanted to do scripts that I liked and I think those doors have opened for me now. The film that I am doing now in South Africa with Tips is a huge solo film and it is a great opportunity for me to do something completely different. The film I am doing with Karan Johar is with Saif and Kareena.
CNN-IBN: Is it tough being single or are you enjoying it?
Vivek Oberoi: To be honest, I am enjoying it a bit too much. It worries me how much I am enjoying it. It has been a little over two-years now. I am really happy. I love my life and I like being single. I like going out and meeting interesting people. But, somewhere inside I am a diehard romantic. Somewhere inside, that poetry needs inspiration. I think I will find my soul mate. I think it will hit me like a star that bolts out of the sky and hits the head.
CNN-IBN: What kind of a girl are you looking for?
Vivek Oberoi: Very honestly. I am looking for someone very simple and someone from the ordinary world, who would make my world extraordinary.
Oberoi's new mission, and he takes it seriously!
IndiaFM | Monday, 21 July , 2008, 10:45
http://sify.com/movies/bollywood/fullstory.php?id=14720010&cid=2359
Vivek Oberoi is on a high these days because his director thinks Mission Istaanbul is his best work till date.
So, Maya is back after Shootout, to complete his Mission. What say Vivek?
I am really excited. Maya was a big bad boy who ended Shootout. Rizwan Khan (Vivek's character in Mission Istaanbul) lost his own family, his wife, and his child to a bomb blast in Ankara. He takes an oath that he will try and protect as many innocent lives he can from the dreaded terrorists. That's his mission, he is the hero and the good guy. But having said that, his attitude is a real bad one and that's what I love about him.
Gabbar Singh's famous dialogue Jo Darr Gaya, Samjho Mar Gaya has been transformed by Apoorva Lakhia, which reads Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai. So who's right?
Gabbar Singh was a legend and that line is part of history. You don't mess with legends. But as far as Darr Ke Aage Jeet Hai is concerned, it rocks for us. Rizwan Khan (Vivek Oberoi) forgot to get introduced to fear. He is that kind of guy. There is a situation where Vikas Sagar (Zayed Khan's character), tells Rizwan Khan which is my character, Wahan pe bees armed security guards hain yaar, andar kaise jaayenge? to which Rizwan smiles casually and says, Pahuncha doonga. And the next moment, they both are in. He breaks through everything and lands up killing the bad guys in the terrorist network. He is in the cold zone where 40 people are staring at him from their work desks and are shocked to see how this guy came there. Rizwan then comes in and casually looks at all of them, loads his automatic weapon and questions, Bahar jaaoge ya upar?
Chiseled looks, bulging biceps and long hair is what we haven't seen much of from Mr. Oberoi. What went into creating such a look?
Rizwan Khan is such a cool guy that in terms of the clothing, styling and everything was an extension of his personality. When I read the character itself, it was so cool. I mean, he is the kind of guy who'll land up anywhere, anytime. That is precisely what Vikas Sagar tells him. Dilshad who is my hair stylist, did my hair, and Falguni Thakore did the clothes and designed the entire look. On the other hand, Apoorva was working with both of them in tandem to create the entire image of Rizwan.
What went into your exercise regime? Did you have to build your six-pack and then shoot the film?
The first thing that Apoorva narrated to me was a scene where Vikas Sagar is running through the grand bazaar with six guys after him to kill him. And just as you think that he is going to get killed any minute, in the nick of time, a guy comes from nowhere, grabs him and pins him up against the wall and takes care of the six baddies in thirty two seconds single handedly. Rizwan is that strong. Apoorva wanted me to be strong and think strong to act strong. Therefore, there was little more that went into my training, even though we actors have to stay fit. Here I had to stay extra fitter.
When I spoke to Apoorva last week, he said that he had Abhishek Bachchan in mind before he signed you for the role of Rizwan. Do you consider yourself lucky?
You know, it's been strange. I think many people don't know this but my first two films - Company and Saathiya both had Abhishek Bachchan in the lead. I got a break because Abhishek didn't do Company and then I got Saathiya for the same reason. Even in Apoorva's previous film Shootout at Lokhandwala, he had considered Abhishek to do a full fledged role but only managed a special appearance. So all this is rather quite interesting. People remember that Saif Ali Khan did Hum Tum after I said no. I couldn't do that film. I think it's destiny for all of us. Someone's loss is another's gain.
We have seen you at your best in Company and Shootout. In between, you have a bit of Masti as well. But then again you are on a Mission. Should we change your name to 'versatile' Oberoi?
Many critics tell me that I should stick to roles like in the two films you mentioned. Critics will always be critics but the point to remember for me everyday is that I'm a greedy actor and I like to do every kind of role whether it's action or comedy. Recently, at the IIFA Awards in Bangkok, I had twenty pretty girls apprehend me. They grab hold of me and told me that we are going to threaten the action hero. The point they conveyed to me was that if I didn't do another love story for them, I'd be in big trouble. They said, "We supported you through Shootout, we are supporting you through Mission Istaanbul and are going to see it but it's time you do a love story.” So yeah, I am doing different stuff now. I'm doing a big film in South Africa with Tips and that's a huge solo hero film for me. After that, I'm doing Karan Johar's film with Rensil De Silva directing and writing it which also stars Saif and Kareena in it. And there is this love story which I am doing and is being developed in the first quarter of next year.
You will remember this interview as it's your last before you check in the immigration to go to South Africa. So who and where is the leading lady of the film?
That's a big surprise.
This is your first film where you've performed some daring stunts all by yourself. Were you willing to take such a risk??
That's actually untrue. I've been performing stunts from my very first movie. Infact, I earned the nickname, Tiger, because on my very first schedule in Kenya for Company, I was challenged to leap across from a six-storey building to a five-storey one. I went across the entire length of the road and landed on the other side. In Mission Istaanbul, too we are coming down from a 44-floor building. That was mad and insane but had to do it.
Does Mika's Apun Ke Saath start from where Ganpat ends?
Absolutely. It was always meant to be a follow up to Ganpat. Ganpat was such a rage and such a big sensation that we wanted to take it to the next level and promote Mission Istaanbul. Apun Ke Saath shows the attitude of Rizwan Khan.
I have to be a bit biased here Vivek. But what do you have to say about the young Gujarati boy Chirantan Bhatt who is just 21 years old and has given chartbuster hits like Mission Mission and Nobody Like You?
I didn't even know that Chiru's name is Chirantan Bhatt. We call him Chiru. But I'm really happy for Chiru and Hamza who have worked with him in both these songs. They have done a great job and very happy with not only the two songs you've mentioned but the entire album. I think, by far my favourite is Apun Ke Saath. The kind of dynamics, lyrics and cool quality that Mika has come up with after Ganpat and the kind of response it got at the IIFA Bangkok is truly unbelievable. Everywhere I go now people associate me with this song.
One of the most clichéd questions for you Vivek. How was the experience of working with Zayed Khan?
All these guys were cool. They were fun to work with and we worked pretty hard, partied pretty hard too. All in all a great experience.
That's a short answer.
Well, that doesn't make it clichéd, does it?
Mission Istaanbul is a film, which will have its own target audience. Do you think the film will work in the overseas?
One never thought that Shootout would do very well in the overseas audience. But it did. In the Middle East, it did terrific business. The audiences mindsets are changing. They are accepting change. There are liking different kind of cinema. So we're hoping. Overseas has a big audience and are important for the success of our films. If Mission works in the overseas, we all will be very happy.
Any plans of having a premiere in Istaanbul.
Apoorva always wanted that. I don't know how much of that is going to be possible. At the end of the day, one wants to have a big premiere in Mumbai and then fly off to Istanbul the very next moment. It's not as easy as it looks. If it happens, it will be exciting and awesome. But that really isn't my call. It's between Apoorva, Suniel Shetty and Balaji.
Besides filming, what were you up to in Istanbul?
We had a blast. I am a complete party animal. When I get days off, I love to club all the way through the morning. One of the other nicknames that I've earned from college days is Rockstar. That's not because I'm musically inclined in anyway. I can't play any musical instruments. If I party, I've got a golden rule. I don't come back before seeing the sun next day. You party all night, see the sun, and then go home.
Aren't we going to see any romantic side of you in Mission Istaanbul?
No man, not this time. You'll just have to wait a year more.
Your director says that Mission Istaanbul is going to be your best performance till date. What are the odds?
I am really excited about that statement. It's a really big statement to make. But I don't know. I've given my best, worked an entire year, I've not done anything else and focused only on Mission Istaanbul. I hope what Apoorva says is true. He keeps telling me that. I haven't even seen the film yet but I have faith and belief in Apoorva.
Any message for your fans before you board your flight to South Africa.
A big thank you straight from my heart. When I was not doing well in films, the one thing that kept me going was the belief in my fans and the support, which they have shown for me. Every little 'I love you Vivek' which comes out from them makes you feel so special. My fans aren't just statistics for me, they are the reason for who I am today and where I am.
Vivek's Girl
03-08-2008, 01:24 AM
Tinsel town hunk is aiming to hang ten
Taschica Pillay
Published:Aug 03, 2008
http://www.thetimes.co.za/PrintEdition/News/Article.aspx?id=813825
Bollywood heart-throb Vivek Oberoi has taken on a challenging new role — as a surfer dude.
The Indian actor, who is in Durban shooting his new movie Prince, is learning to ride the waves with the help of a local surfer.
Oberoi, 30, who will be spending a few months in South Africa for the movie shoot, said surfing was “like a drug”.
“I can’t get enough of it. The waves are amazing. The water is a little cold for a Mumbai boy, but it’s worth it and fun,” he said.
“Apparently I’m a natural. So says the guy teaching me. The very first day I went out on a board, I was standing up.”
He had also been inspired by a “really pretty” surfer girl.
He is even having a surfboard custom made with his initials and nickname, “Rock Star”, engraved on it.
“I earned the nickname in college. And it’s not because of any musical ability, but the energy I have to shoot all day and party all night. When I party, I party till the morning. I cannot go home without having breakfast and watching the sunrise.”
He said he had “fallen in love” with South Africa and its people on his first visit to the country. He was “overwhelmed” by Durban’s beauty and was considering buying a property in the city.
“I am going to get my parents and sister to join me here soon to spend some time. I have looked at some places in Umhlanga and would need to take a decision whether it’s going to be just an investment or a home.”
He was missing his mother’s home-cooked meals, but had found comfort in Nando’s.
“I am enjoying Nando’s peri-peri. Extra hot always, just like the Indian palate. We like our food and our women extra hot.”
He said he enjoyed interacting with his fans.
“This week, while trying to shop at Gateway, I spent 90% of my time signing autographs and posing for pictures, but it was worth it. I believe that I am where I am because of them.”
Asked if he was involved in a romantic relationship, Oberoi, who was once linked to Aishwarya Rai, said he was single and happy.
“I am a commitment-oriented guy. I was in two long-term relationships, and I believe it depletes you when it doesn’t work out.”
His co-star, British actress Aruna Shields, will make her Bollywood debut in Prince.
Vivek's Girl
03-08-2008, 01:24 AM
Vivek Oberoi is jumping like monkeys
July 28th, 2008
http://www.realbollywood.com/news/2008/07/...roi-monkey.html (http://www.realbollywood.com/news/2008/07/vivek-oberoi-monkey.html)
Vivek Oberoi is working and sweating out a lot these days to acquire a good physique for his next Tips film directed by Kookie Gulati. Vivek is been trained in martial arts and is learning parkour (type of martial art) from London based Alexandroun, while David was flown down from Thai to teach the actor ikido muay thai (Thai kickboxing) and Tae kwon do.
Vivek is being training for six hours a day. He says it’s a very rigorous schedule which requires him to practice 1500 kicks a day. He starts his day at 6 in the morning. His main focus is on weight training. Vivek says he needs to acquire fitness and shape for his character. Vivek adds that he wants to look good in every film. So in order to be fit he is undergoing training by Satyajit Chourasia also.
Vivek’s parkour type of jumping came into picture by the famous and Hollywood’s sexiest man, Daniel Craig in his movie Casino Royale. Daniel brought parkour jumping into picture and it proved to be quite famous. Parkour jumping is basically a kind of jumping where one jumps off buildings to buildings.
After the Hollywood hunk, its turn for our Bollywood hunk to show some jumping acts (jumping in a big sense). Hope Vivek does all the jumping well and doesn’t trip or hurt himself. -(SAMPURN)
crazy_83
16-08-2008, 12:39 AM
vivek's stardust interview
As I await my interview in the Oberoi office space various trophies that are vying for a few inches of space grab my attention. They speak of a career that had started off in illustrious mode.
Going a bit into flashback I realize that the trophies have lost their shine; the dust of controversy and brickbats that come with it seem to have made them lose the glitter.
Today when Ash is a Bachchan and box-office is a willful mistress, Viveik too has not restricted himself to monogamy. The Casanova tag that he seems to be desperate to cultivate also seems to be a far cry in the absence of a steady beau.
Perhaps some of us are meant to lead lives of struggle and strife and that is why we tend to squander a good thing when it comes our way. Viveik Oberoi is building his new sand castle and we only hope that he does not bring it down before the tide turns once again. Here’s catching Viveik on an upswing in this month’s Court Martial.
SD: Why did you choose to remain quiet for so long considering that one would always relate to Viveik Oberoi as a paper tiger of sorts?
VO: It was intended that I would be quiet. In fact till ‘Shootout At Lokhandwala’ released I was not keen to sign another film. So there was nothing to speak about. I seriously believe there is a difference in how you perceive yourself and how the market perceives you and that perception is always on the basis of the film you have done. When I signed ‘Shoot Out…’ it was nothing. Apoorva was coming out of ‘Ek Ajnabee’ and I was coming out of ‘Naksha’, definitely not projects that we could put on our resumes in bold letters.
So before the release of ‘Shootout…’ I was not getting the kind of projects I was looking for. The last film I’d shot was ‘Omkara’ and I used this time to get a tremendous amount of clarity. I knew what I wanted and I learnt to say no whether it was to a magnum opus like ‘Om Shanti Om’ or a smaller film like ‘One Two Three’. Things changed with ‘Shootout…’s success.
I did not want to do something similar as I did not want to be slotted and ironically that something different that I was looking for came again with Apoorva’s ‘Mission Istaanbul’. Here I play a good guy who deals with bad guys in a bad way and there is this whole enigma about him. I worked on my body and look for four months for ‘Mission…’. I simply sat at home while all this happened. I had become very selective that is why it took this while.
SD: Weren’t you worried about the fallouts of saying no to a biggie like ‘OSO’ especially since the producer and Bollywood power center Shah Rukh Khan is not known to take rejection very kindly?
VO: Both SRK and Farah were so absolutely nice and encouraging through this whole process that even I was taken aback. I know them and did not expect them to be vicious. But I didn’t think they would be so graceful, this just strengthened our relationship. I will always respect and thank them for that. But at that point in time I did not want to do that role because personally that was not the direction I wanted my career to go.
They respected that and we are still great friends and we do spend a lot of time and have a lot of fun together and Farah still maintains that I was the first guy who told her that the film would be the biggest hit of the year and of her career. She sent me an sms saying that when the film was released and declared a mega hit.
The second thing is that for me to say no to ‘OSO’ should have been the scariest moment of my life but it turned out to be the most secure and fearless moment. Because if the project was so big and I could say no there because of the firm conviction I had in my head, then I had a lot of clarity. It was a great role for someone who wanted to do it but not for me.
For over 6 months I had not signed a film, yet I played a gamble and it paid off. Things are different today, ‘Mission Istaanbul’ is getting a lot of hype in trade circles. I have been getting a lot of positive feedback for my look. Also now I am getting big filmmakers and production houses to back me up and sign me.
SD: Today when you make an appearance for a Kolkata Knight Riders’ match and cheer the team in full gear, is it your way of saying to SRK that I might have said no for the film but I am ready to bend backwards for you?
VO: No, it is an honest way of saying thank you for being so wonderful and not allowing a professional decision to come in the way of personal friendship. Tomorrow if I became a senior star and subsequently a producer, I would take a page from SRK’s book.
Whatever your decisions might be professionally, he does not treat you personally on the basis of that. If he does not like you, he will not invite you. Let us be honest, at the stature he is at today, someone like me will not even matter.
SD: The latest buzz is that you have parted ways with your dad professionally and that is why he no longer looks after your work. The high handed manner in which he was handling your work was bringing you lesser projects and this was your attempt at damage control
VO: This is crazy. My dad is the pillar of my career and he has guided me this far. See, in the past I was not doing well but today by God’s grace I have signed some big projects. In terms of money and standing I am comfortable.
Today I don’t want my dad haggling with producers for dates, he is a star himself. He stepped down from the pedestal I put him on to sort things for me when the going was bad. He had to step down from being a star and do managerial duties, that has taken a toll on him and he has had no time to pursue simple pleasures like playing golf.
For almost a year he has not been able to play since he has been doing this rubbish work for me. That makes me really feel guilty as a son. I want to see him live like a king. So he chose the company that would take care of my work and even now he administers my career but from a distance. He is now the head of team Viveik Oberoi.
My management company called ‘Surge’ looks after my work professionally and are not our typical filmy secretaries cause I hate the whole lalapuchi angle, ‘Sirji aap toh kamaal hain’ prototype. Everything is on email and powerpoint presentations for me. Now dad’s got his time off and I feel its time he did some acting again, so we are all getting together and finding him a script. Fathers are always selfless, its time that sons learnt the same lesson.
SD: Speaking of big films, you have recently signed Karan Johar’s next with Saif and Kareena. That was a big league announcement that came out of the blue. What did you do to bag it?
VO: Apart from being a friend, very few people know that Karan has always been there for me. He has always told me that things will look up for me since I am a talented actor. When he approached me for this film I will not deny that I was apprehensive. I was thinking with Saif and Kareena in the film it would perhaps be a miniscule role.
Right through, Karan had this cryptic smile on his face. After I read the whole script he told me the role I was playing and I could not say anything, but thank you. I did not expect such an author backed role. It was like giving me a hand and pulling me up and I really owe him for that. He gave me respect as an actor and showed faith in me as an individual.
In fact, I was a little iffy somewhere down the line and wondered if I could pull it off and he assured me that I could do it. Today I was dubbing and he told me about the progress of the film. I mean he is Karan Johar, he need not tell me about the happenings about his massive production house. But he made it an involving and enveloping process that is why actors who work with Dharma feel pampered.
SD: In the movie, aren’t you supposed to play the main lead while Saif plays the negative character?
VO: It’s not my prerogative to talk about the script. It’s the producer’s or director’s prerogative considering there are such large thrills and mysteries surrounding this film. It’s a fantastic script and I wouldn’t want to be a spoiler. I wouldn’t wanna make any comment on it. The more vague, the more mysterious it gets, its better for the film.
SD: Does ‘Tashan’’s fate scare you to think that the big films are touted to be this and that but turn out to be damp squibs?
VO: It doesn’t scare me, but they are reminders that no one in this industry is invincible, no matter how powerful you are. It’s a great leveler, this industry. It gives you lessons in humility. Everyone who has had success and failure understands the value of failure today. No one can decide the fate of the film. You just gotta give it your best. Do what you believe in.
There are some movies of mine which I watch now three years later and wonder, ‘why did I do that movie?’. But at that point I believed in it. I thought it was the right move to make. Whereas today that’s what’s changed about me. I stopped believing in calculations, I just believe in cinema now. I just believe in doing my very best, giving my every little bit, do what I believe in. Don’t try and create formulas, so and so said that to me, market says this. It never works.
SD: There was a time when you were said to be the next best thing after sliced bread. Today Ranbir Kapoor is the new entrant, who is the toast of the tinsel town, something you were a few years ago. What would be your advice to someone following in your footsteps so to speak?
VO: Ranbir’s got a very solid family background and he is 80 percent there already. He’s got parents who love him, parents who’ve been stars, parents who’ve seen highs and lows and he appears to have a very nice and honest relationship with them. He’s got people around him who’ll guide him correctly and so he’s 80 percent safe, for the rest of it he comes across as a really nice guy.
I’ve not met him or spent any time with him, but what I have seen of his work he seems very very talented. As long as he doesn’t take his success seriously and make mistakes that I made, doesn’t go into the whole invincible trip where he starts feeling invincible, he should do fine.
SD: Did you take yourself too seriously and feel that you were invincible?
VO: Ya, I took a few things too seriously- success, relationships. I’d put my focus off the game, I put my focus off what brought me there in the first place; what took me to that level of success in the first place, all these awards etc that I got were the result of one thing, my work. The mistake I made was I focused on everything else but my work.
crazy_83
16-08-2008, 12:46 AM
part 2
SD: You seem to have a knack of getting into a tiff with someone or the other. Has the whole thing with Sanjay Dutt over Manyata sorted out now? From my end there is no problem. I have reached out, spoken to him, said, ‘if there is any problem, I’m here at your beck and call, give me a call and I’ll be there at your place and sort it out’.
VO: My last conversation with him was that there was no problem. A lot of hugs and lots of love was exchanged at his house and we said good night. That was the end of it. I think there are a lot of people in the industry who have a lot of free time. I have no clue where the rumours come from. I get dragged into a lot of these fictitious things. I don’t even know Manyata, I’ve met her once at Sanju sir’s house when I was invited there. I met them both, I said hello to her and left. I’ve never met her besides that.
SD: Did you meet her at the gym?
VO: Never. No clue where that came from.
SD: From a one-woman man you’ve got into this state where women at parties are claiming that you come on to them.
VO: Operative word is claiming. I am single, I love to party, I think I am more of a charmer, flirt by nature, harmless flirt. Like I would flirt with a seventy year old grandmother, have a great laugh and that’s just about it. That has been disadvantageous for me from the point of certain women who are just seeking publicity or want to be put on the map, and are spinning things up. There are girls whom I’ve never met or even know who claim that I’ve asked them out or even that I’ve had relationships with them. I’m very selective about who I date.
I am generally a very selective person, over the kind of cinema I make, the kind of friends I keep, women I date. For me a woman that I date has to fascinate me. Otherwise I’m a celebrity, I’m single, I’m decent looking, I get quite a lot of female attention, I get hit every time I go out to a party or a club by a lot of pretty females. If it was just about wanting female company, they are for the taking, as much as you want to, for any actor, not just me.
I don’t have to go out of my way to hit on someone, actually they are making me sound pretty lazy as if I’m losing my skills. I’m inherently a very shy guy when it comes to relationships. If I don’t like someone, I can laugh, joke and be flirtatious. But on the other hand, if I like someone or have a crush or an infatuation for someone, I can’t talk. I get completely caught up, tongue tied, lost for words.
It’s stupid, it’s school boyish, but its still there. My friends know I like a girl, only when suddenly I go quiet, or monosyllabic. All these stories about me walking upto people and hitting on them is total bullshit. I don’t even need to do that. I can’t get past the idea of dating someone who’s just physically good looking; I now have reached a point where it’s important that I hold a conversation with someone.
SD: Abhishek is doing a guest appearance in ‘Mission Istaanbul’. Earlier he was supposed to do your co-star Zayed’s role?
VO: Never. Bobby perhaps, at one point of time, but not Abhishek.
SD: But the rumour has it that he backed out of the project because of your presence in it. And he is only doing the cameo for his friend Apoorva Lakhia who is directing the film.
VO: Not true to the best of my knowledge. Because if that was true why would Abhishek be even doing the guest appearance? Besides Apoorva and he are older friends than Apoorva and me. And Apoorva is a very loyal kind of a guy, he would never create that problem between his friends That’s the best thing about him, he is a loyalist. If anything, Apoorva’s been trying to bridge the misperception of Abhishek and Viveik’s so called problem.
SD: There are talks about you dating Dia Mirza…
VO: Absolutely not.
SD: Whatever you do, good or bad draws a reaction from practically everyone and it’s usually not complimentary. You received bad press for apologizing to Salman in public.
VO: People keep asking me why did I have to say sorry to him in public, and I say that when I attack him I do that publicly and I wouldn’t then quietly squeeze in from behind the world’s back and apologize. That’s not me. I am evolving as a person and the last two years have really seen me grow as a person.
If I had done this apologizing before the success of ‘Shootout…’ then I would have been perceived by people as ‘ok you know, I am in serious trouble, I need help, I need to patch this up, and because I would be facing problems for you being against me and certain camps not working with me’. But I really don’t give a shit about that, I am just too fearless a person that’s why I am here. I don’t’ believe in bowing my head unless it’s out of respect. I never bow my head out of fear.
A week or ten days after the success of ‘Shootout…’, after it had become a huge hit and I was getting great reviews, phenomenal fan reaction and people were getting back to me. That’s when I felt it was the right time to do it. And if I am humiliated because this thing happened publicly then it was the best way to reach my own karmic cycle. The best way to cleanse my Karma. I left it at that. After that I did not want to approach him or anything. From now on whatever happens the ball is in his court.
That is what I needed to do to make me feel right, I needed to break my pattern. A book that Hrithik gave me helped me a lot. It changed my life and the way I started thinking. I started thinking about the sub conscious mind. Besides I wanted to teach myself a lesson in humility. I had the strength to stand there after the success of the film and apologize. For me it ended there. He wants to carry it on, he can. To forgive or not to forgive is his prerogative; you can’t demand forgiveness, you earn it.
SD: Ajay Devgan, one of your few friends in the industry has turned to direction. Do you want to move in the same direction?
VO: No way, I would love to work in a film that Ajay directs no matter what the commercial fate of ‘You Me Aur Hum’ has been; I think he is phenomenally sensitive; he has a keen eye and is a really intelligent guy. I’m a little biased because I really love the guy. He has done five films with me; I’ve gotten to know him and grown a lot observing him. He has seen me in different stages of my life.
He’s always been there as a barometer to look up to. Direction is for masochists. You have to have so much patience, have people’s skills and tact to be able to be a director. And it’s painful. I see these guys, trying to be so nice to their actors and keep them in happy environment. You have to have immense tolerance. I’d be in so much pain.
SD: What does success mean to you? Is it weighed in the embarrassing amount of money say a Shah Rukh Khan or Akshay Kumar is offered?
VO: I don’t even have to wait to reach that stage to answer your question, I can answer it right now. Success to me is valuing the amazing little foothold you’ve been given in this industry. You can’t take it for granted because no matter how big your success is, its just a foothold. It’s just one slip away.
A million people vying for that foothold and half a million of them waiting to pull you down. I know there are actors who are way more talented than I am, but success has smiled on me. And that is pure luck. It’s a blessing. You don’t pick success, it picks you.
SD: You think you are ready to be in a serious relationship again?
VO: If my mom is reading this interview, yes. On the contrary actually, I’m really enjoying myself. I suddenly got so accustomed to freedom and strangely developed amazing friendships. When you are in a serious relationship there is a period till you are married and find a rhythm with each other, that you invest so much in the relationship. It takes so much of you.
Now I have all that extra energy to invest in myself and people I get to know, people who fascinate me, my friends. When I’m in a relationship my entire world revolves around the other person. Maybe next time around I’d do it differently, I’d value my friends even more and try and bring her into my world and not have my world wrapped around her.
SD: Amongst all the names being thrown up in the same breath as yours, one name that keeps coming up is ex. Miss. Sri Lanka and Bollywood aspirant, Jacqueline Fernandes.
VO: She’s pretty, she’s attractive, she’s talented. And I really hope she makes it. She’s working really hard to be an actor and I think she should be really successful in time to come. But apart from that there’s really nothing there. And even if I was dating someone, I am too much of a gentleman to talk about it.
I think its ungentlemanly to go out in public and say I had a scene with this one or I had an equation with that one. Unless you are sure about something and want to take it to another level and declare it to the world that, ‘I’m taken’ then you can talk about it. I don’t like guys gloating about women in
a derogatory sense.
SD: Would it be an awkward moment if you bumped into Aishwarya, and you’ll were stuck in an elevator?
VO: Very honestly, to some degree it would be awkward. I haven’t really interacted much with her after we split up. She’s gotten married. And there is that sense of respect that today she is married, settled and I wish her all the happiness in the world. But apart from all the good wishes for her, I have never been in communication with her or had a normal conversation with her after we split. It would be awkward from that perspective, that you were so close to someone at one point in time and you don’t even speak any more.
SD: Do you think exs can be friends?
VO: I sure would hope so. You invest so much in a relationship as two individuals, that you want the other person to be in your life at whatever level. I have three exs in my life. I don’t speak to two of them. If it were up to me, I’d like things to be normal but every day is not a Sunday and every person is not the same. You can’t really have it all. Somewhere I’m happier with the status quo, the way it is.
But yeah, I do have an ex girlfriend who I’m great friends with, she’s well settled with someone else and we have a great relationship. She’s always a phone call away if I need her. And it’s a nice feeling, to make friends. The relationship didn’t work out, doesn’t mean there should be any animosity between us. I don’t know, I’m not really ready to write a book on relationships yet.
SD: You seem to be a magnet for ‘user-friendly’ women? You tend to attract certain type of women?
VO: I feel like a Nokia phone. I’m user friendly. Noooo… I’m done with that. If
I feel I’m being used by anybody, a friend, girlfriend, its over. I’m done with being the martyr, the knight in tin can armour. I’m done with it. I don’t deserve it. I’m a nice guy. I’ve been honest with everybody I’ve been in a relationship with, been sincere with and faithful to.
I have only made someone happy, made them smile, made them feel like the queen of my world. And if that’s not enough then I’m sorry. I know I’d make a very good husband and a very good father. That’s what I’ve been told. I’ve been told that even by girlfriends as we split up. So its quite confusing.
When they say, ‘Oh you’re a really nice guy, I don’t deserve you. And you feel like telling her, ‘yeah you don’t’. When I give so much of my soul to another person, the only thing I don’t want is lying. I don’t want anything fake, I don’t want anything unreal. Everything real is attractive, every flaw is beautiful, every mistake is adorable as long it’s real, its honest. I don’t want people saying something and pretending to be something else.
I just can’t deal with that. That’s why I am very particular about who I date. I don’t even want to spend time with someone who is fake, why should I? As it is the world is full of plastic things nowadays. Over and above that you have plastic souls, plastic personalities and plastic smiles. No, I’m totally done with plastic. Best thing to do about plastic is to recycle it.
SD: When somebody you love leaves you for somebody else, is it some kind of an ego downer?
VO: No, I don’t think about it at all. I think relationships should be beyond ego. It shouldn’t hurt or affect your self respect in any way. When she tells you, ‘I’m not good enough for you’, then believe her, she is not good enough. Because I gave much more than she deserved.
The only measure to know if someone deserves your love is their ability to love you back with that much sincerity. The perfect relationship is when the constant question in your mind is, ‘does she love me more or do I love her more?’ And that’s the most beautiful relationship you have. That’s what I am looking for. I’m single, I’m still looking and very happy.
SD: You do know the questions about Aishwarya will cease the moment there is one girlfriend.
VO: But they should cease already. She is married, she is someone else’s. It’s just mucky, ungentlemanly and not nice to bring her into anything.
SD: Only when Salman began dating Katrina was his link with
Aishwarya overlooked.
VO: No, my link with her is over. We have both moved on.
Vivek's Girl
16-08-2008, 04:46 AM
tfs!
Vivek's Girl
16-08-2008, 04:47 AM
Vivek Oberoi: Party time!
15 Aug 2008, 0000 hrs IST,TNN
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_B...how/3363921.cms (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/India_Buzz/Vivek_Oberoi_Party_time/articleshow/3363921.cms)
While we are suffering the rains, potholes and traffic jams, Vivek Oberoi we hear, is having a blast in South Africa, shooting for one of his forthcoming films.
“The non-show of his film, Mission Istaanbul hasn’t really dampened his spirit and every day, he’s having a blast shooting and partying till late in the night,” says a unit member.
We wonder what he’s celebrating, though... the flop of his own movie, or his bachelorhood? Maybe both...
"Adi said I could be Shah Rukh Khan" - Vivek Oberoi
By Joginder Tuteja, September 5, 2008 - 11:57 IST
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/2008/09/05/11878/index.html
No other actor in the recent times has seen a star status being taken away from him no sooner than it was bestowed upon him. After films like Company and Saathiya, sky was there for an asking for Vivek Oberoi who could have fit in comfortably into action as well as lover boy role. However, that was not to be! What went wrong? In a heartfelt conversation with Sajid Khan in 'Sajid Superstars' show, Vivek Oberoi bares it all! At Bollywood Hungama, we bring some exclusive tidbits on what to expect from the show:
- This is one conversation where Vivek Oberoi is said to have bared his soul out when it comes to professional as well as personal matters. He talks about what went wrong in his career, the kind of mistakes he made over last few years and how he is looking forward to making amends in years to come.
- In the current times, no talk with Vivek gets completed without mentioning the name Salman Khan. He apologizes once again for the bad blood shared between the two a few moons back and promises that he would continue to ask for forgiveness till he is actually forgiven!
- There is an emotional moment in the show where Vivek talks about what prompted him to meet Salman Khan's mother when she was sick and hospitalized. As per him, he could understand the pain she may have gone through when Salman Khan was attacked from all ends because he has seen his own mother suffering with all sorts of things being written about him over last so many years.
- On a lighter note, Vivek also reveals how he was Sajid's junior in college and entered his gang for the single most reason of 'pataofying' girls!
- Getting candid, Vivek (like no other actor in the recent times) admits that he lost his bearings the moment his initial films turned into a success. He reveals that the moment he became a star, he started calling the shots on the film's sets and didn't even allow some of his directors to look at the monitor and check the scenes. However, now in the hindsight, he says that he values success because he has seen failure. Talking about how it feels like sitting at home and waiting for that elusive phone call for work, Vivek appreciates the importance of this second innings which he has kick started!
- It is known to quite a few film followers that there was a time when he was offered films like Hum Tum, Bunty Aur Babli and quite recently even Om Shanti Om, which for reasons known to him, he refused! No wonder, Aditya Chopra had remarked - 'Vivek, you have in you to become Shah Rukh Khan. However, you can't be because today itself you think that you are Shah Rukh Khan!"
- Things turned a little lighter though in the Q&A session wit
Vivek's Girl
06-09-2008, 11:22 AM
"Adi said I could be Shah Rukh Khan" - Vivek Oberoi
By Joginder Tuteja, September 5, 2008 - 11:57 IST
No other actor in the recent times has seen a star status being taken away from him no sooner than it was bestowed upon him. After films like Company and Saathiya, sky was there for an asking for Vivek Oberoi who could have fit in comfortably into action as well as lover boy role. However, that was not to be! What went wrong? In a heartfelt conversation with Sajid Khan in 'Sajid Superstars' show, Vivek Oberoi bares it all! At Bollywood Hungama, we bring some exclusive tidbits on what to expect from the show:
- This is one conversation where Vivek Oberoi is said to have bared his soul out when it comes to professional as well as personal matters. He talks about what went wrong in his career, the kind of mistakes he made over last few years and how he is looking forward to making amends in years to come.
- In the current times, no talk with Vivek gets completed without mentioning the name Salman Khan. He apologizes once again for the bad blood shared between the two a few moons back and promises that he would continue to ask for forgiveness till he is actually forgiven!
- There is an emotional moment in the show where Vivek talks about what prompted him to meet Salman Khan's mother when she was sick and hospitalized. As per him, he could understand the pain she may have gone through when Salman Khan was attacked from all ends because he has seen his own mother suffering with all sorts of things being written about him over last so many years.
- On a lighter note, Vivek also reveals how he was Sajid's junior in college and entered his gang for the single most reason of 'pataofying' girls!
- Getting candid, Vivek (like no other actor in the recent times) admits that he lost his bearings the moment his initial films turned into a success. He reveals that the moment he became a star, he started calling the shots on the film's sets and didn't even allow some of his directors to look at the monitor and check the scenes. However, now in the hindsight, he says that he values success because he has seen failure. Talking about how it feels like sitting at home and waiting for that elusive phone call for work, Vivek appreciates the importance of this second innings which he has kick started!
- It is known to quite a few film followers that there was a time when he was offered films like Hum Tum, Bunty Aur Babli and quite recently even Om Shanti Om, which for reasons known to him, he refused! No wonder, Aditya Chopra had remarked - 'Vivek, you have in you to become Shah Rukh Khan. However, you can't be because today itself you think that you are Shah Rukh Khan!"
- Things turned a little lighter though in the Q&A session with other celebrities. Anil Kapoor asked Vivek about the better actor between him and his dad Suresh Oberoi while Malaika Arora asked him to talk about how he could stay away from controversies for so long! However, the cake was taken by Sajid Khan who gifted him the book - "How to influence people and win friends?" Also, in a special segment of this episode, Vivek also did a stand up comedy with the spotlight entirely on him.
- Last but not the least, a pointed question popped to him was - 'In last 7 years of his professional career, which are the three incidents that he would want to change?'
What did Vivek reply? To know about this, tune in to Sajid's Superstars at 8:00 PM, Saturday on the newly launched channel COLORS!
I would continue to ask Salman for forgiveness, confesses Viveik!
Spicezee Bureau
http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=46...&sid=ENT&ssid=1 (http://www.zeenews.com/articles.asp?aid=467112&sid=ENT&ssid=1)
Mumbai, Sept 06: Viveik Oberoi doesn’t seem to be getting over his act of contrition with Salman Khan. The actor has once again grabbed headlines, of course not for any of his films, but for his attempts to cut the animosity between him and Sallu.
Viveik, who recently featured on Sajid Khan’s TV chat show ‘Sajid’s Superstars, promised that he would not stop asking Salman for forgiveness, till he is actually forgiven.
Getting candid with Sajid on the show, Viveik got really emotional as he revealed what provoked him to meet Salman's mother when she was sick and hospitalised. The actor said that he could actually sympathise with her and could understand the pain and trouble she may have gone through when Salman was targetted by one and all. The actor claims of having gone through the same dilemma after seeing his own mother experiencing the same agony over the outburst against Viveik.
Here’s hoping that Salman will soon pay some heed to Viveik’s humble requests!
Vivek's Girl
24-10-2008, 05:11 AM
Vivek: The wedding planner
By: Upala KBRDate: 2008-10-22
Mumbai:
http://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/2008/oct/221008-vivek-oberoi-wedding-plans-meghna-oberoi-bollywood-suresh-oberoi-vasundhara-oberoi.htm
Vivek Oberoi wishes there were two of him. The demands from his work and from his family are stressing him out. Presently, the actor is busy with the shooting of Kookie Gulati's untitled film; and when he is not on the sets, he is busy planning his little sister Meghna's wedding to Amit (last name withheld for privacy) who belongs to a business family.
The groom's family is from Mumbai and run a transport business. They provide big specialised trucks to transport vehicles from manufacturing plants to the showrooms.
Meghna dotes on her bhaiyya and wants his approval on everything, so Vivek is making sure he's there for her, despite the gruelling 9 am to 9 pm shift he's pulling.
No circus for me!
The bride's parents, Suresh and Vasundhara, are in Delhi organising everything else. The wedding held on the banks of the river Ganga will be a small and exclusive affair. There will be diyas (candles made of earth) lighting up the background. "Vivek's family is very spiritually inclined and Meghna wanted to avoid the circus that is the hallmark of a 'film family' wedding in Mumbai. Vivek and his family are very proud of Meghna's decision. The bride and groom's relatives will be flying in to Rishikesh from India and all over the world."
After the wedding, Meghna will also spend some time with orphans at an Uttaranchal ashram. "The children stay and study at the ashram and Meghna plans to make a donation there. It's the most important day of her life and she wants the special feeling one gets by giving to people."
After the wedding, VO fly off to US for Karan Johar's next. Both his producers, KJo and Kumar Taurani, have been very accommodating and have worked out his dates so he could be present for the wedding.
Vivek's Girl
30-10-2008, 11:16 PM
I’m not a womaniser: Vivek Oberoi (Interview)
October 31st, 2008 - 8:54 am ICT by IANS -
http://www.thaindian.com/newsportal/entertainment/im-not-a-womaniser-vivek-oberoi-interview_100113309.html
Mumbai, Oct 31 (IANS) He is single and doesn’t mind flirting, but talented actor Vivek Oberoi clarifies he is not a womaniser.”I’m absolutely single. I’m not a womaniser. I do flirt. I like verbal flirting. It always backfires because if a girl reciprocates, I get scared,” Vivek, who has put the problems of his past behind him and is charting a new territory for himself in Bollywood, told IANS.
Before joining films Vivek was engaged to long-standing girlfriend Gurpreet Gill, but the two parted ways for reasons unknown. After that he dated Aishwarya Rai, who later married Abhishek Bachchan. Currently, he is not seeing anyone.
“Not that I’m afraid of commitment. My resolve to find a soul mate remains unchanged. I’ve always been a romantic at heart. I’m waiting for the right person. I’m waiting for an ordinary girl, who will make my life extraordinary. I’m high on this drug called life. Every day I wake up thanking god,” said the actor who started his career with hits like “Company” and “Saathiya”.
For quite some time Vivek’s career was going downhill, but the actor re-emerged as Maya Dolas in superhit action thriller “Shootout At Lokhandwala”.
After that he has signed some good films, including a film for Karan Johar’s production house that is being directed by Resnil D’Silva. He has teamed up with Kareena Kapoor in it.
Excerpts:
Q: You went into a shell and then emerged from it lately.
A: Sometimes in life everything seems uncertain. So I began to see my life in a new perspective. I went through that defining moment of clarity. Now I’m very happy with my life. I wouldn’t say I’m content because I’m very ambitious. I’m a kid in a candy store.
Q: Why are you so low profile and yet rubbing so many people the wrong way?
A: I’m not low profile any longer. For the last two months I’ve been accessible thanks to my last release, “Mission Istanbul”. I don’t know why there’s a perception that I’ve gone underground. As for rubbing people the wrong way, on the contrary I find a great deal of love support and encouragement.
I’ve made so many new friends - Karan Johar, Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri have been extremely kind to me. Also Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, Riteish Deshmukh and Akshay Kumar have been a huge support. In fact, after my performance at IIFA (International Indian Film Academy) awards, Amitji (Amitabh Bachchan) came up to encourage me. Jaya aunty was clapping when I danced. Abhishek also sent me an SMS which was really sweet of him.
Q: What other films are you doing?
A: I’m doing Karan Johar’s film directed by Rensil D’Silva and it is a brilliant role. When I read the script, my first question to Karan was, why me? He laughed and said it was because I was talented and I could pull it off. And I love working with Kareena. We share a great rapport after “Yuva” and “Omkara”. We share a great chemistry.
And I also look forward to working with Saifoo (Saif Ali Khan) again. I called him Langda Bhaiyya throughout ‘Omkara’. And Rensil is a fantastic writer. It’s going to be on right after the Tips’ movie, which I’m shooting in South Africa. Then I go to New York to shoot for Karan-Rensil’s film. Neither the Tips’ film nor Karan’s film has a title yet. I am excited about the work I’m doing.
Q: Is Vivek Oberoi single?
A: Absolutely single. I’m not a womaniser. I do flirt. I like verbal flirting. It always backfires. Because if a girl reciprocates I get scared off. Not that I’m afraid of commitment. My resolve to find a soul mate remains unchanged. I’ve always been a romantic at heart. I’m waiting for the right person. I’m waiting for an ordinary girl, who will make my life extraordinary. I’m high on this drug called life. Every day I wake up thanking god.
Q: Your career is not handled by your dad any more?
A: Correct. For four-five years my career hadn’t stabilised. Now it has. Dad was just not able to enjoy life because he was busy looking after my career. I felt terrible, like a bad son. Now Amit Chandra’s Surge Entertainment is looking after my career, but dad still has the last word. Now I’m happy to see him relax, go out with mom.
Q: Do you still live with your parents?
A: Yes, it’s funny. Twice they bought me a place of my own. In three months, I ended up selling my new homes and coming back to my parents. I missed them so much. Today, I’m more sure of who I am. I don’t have to try to be anything. By god’s grace I continue to do good work for the underprivileged.
Vivek's Girl
02-11-2008, 01:07 AM
"After my performance at IIFA, Amitji came up to encourage me" - Vivek Oberoi
By Subhash K. Jha, November 1, 2008 - 08:43 IST
http://www.bollywoodhungama.com/features/2008/11/01/4464/index.html
Vivek Oberoi at his candid best with Subhash K Jha.
You turned 32 this month. How was your birthday?
Well, I'm working really hard in Cape Town. I totally partied like a rockstar with my entire unit and celebrated my birthday all night.
You went into a shell and then emerged from it lately.
Sometimes in life everything seems uncertain. So, I began to see my life in a new perspective. I went through that defining moment of clarity. Now I'm very happy with my life. I wouldn't say I'm content because I'm very ambitious. I'm a kid in candy store.
Why are you so low profile and yet rubbing so many people the wrong way?
I'm not low-profile any longer. For the last two months, I've been very accessible thanks to my last release Mission Istaanbul. I don't know why there's a perception that I've gone underground. As for rubbing people the wrong way, on the contrary I find a great deal of love support and encouragement. I've made so many new friends. Karan Johar, Shah Rukh and Gauri have been extremely kind to me. Also Farhan Akhtar, Zoya, Riteish...Akshay Kumar have been a huge support. In fact, after my performance at IIFA awards Amitji came up to encourage me. Jaya Aunty was clapping when I danced. Abhishek also sent me an SMS which was really sweet of him.
What other films are you doing?
I'm doing Karan Johar's film directed by Rensil D'Silva. Again a brilliant role. When I read the script my first question to Karan was, why me? He laughed and said it was because I was talented and I could pull it off. And I love working with Kareena. We share a great rapport after Yuva and Omkara. We share a great chemistry. And I also look forward to working with Saifoo (Saif Ali Khan) again. I called him Langda Bhaiyya throughout Omkara. And Rensil is a fantastic writer. It's going to be on, right after the Tips movie which I'm shooting in South Africa. Then I go to New York to shoot for Karan- Rensil's film. Neither the Tips film nor Karan's film has a title yet. I am excited about the work I'm doing.
How much of what one reads about you is true?
Some of it is baseless. But some of it might be true. I haven't held any talk about my linkups and affairs against anyone. I laugh them off. Sometimes I get interesting insights into my own life and personality through what's written about me.
Is Vivek Oberoi single?
Absolutely single. I'm not a womanizer. I do flirt. I like verbal flirting. It always backfires. Because if a girl reciprocates I get scared off. Not that I'm afraid of commitment. My resolve to find a soul mate remains unchanged. I've always been a romantic at heart. I'm waiting for the right person. I'm waiting for an ordinary girl who will make my life extraordinary. I'm high on this drug called life. Everyday I wake up thanking God.
Your sister Meghna, what does she do?
She paints. She's doing really well. Her exhibitions are all sold out. I'm really proud of her. She was in two minds about singing and art. She finally chose art.
Your career is not handled by your dad any more?
Correct. For 4-5 years my career hadn't stabilized. Now it has. Dad was just not able to enjoy life because he was busy looking after my career. I felt terrible, like a bad son. I wanted him to relax, play golf instead of fire-fighting for me. At that time my working pattern was wrong. Now Amit Chandra's 'Surge Entertainment' is looking after my career. But Dad still has the last word. But he has now allowed me to go out in the big bad world. Now I'm happy to see him relax, go out with mom.
Do you still live with your parents?
Yes. It's funny. Twice they bought me a place of my own. In three months, I ended up selling those places and coming back to my parents. I missed them so much. But I've grown as a human being. Today I'm more sure of who I am. I don't have to try to be anything. By God's grace I continue to do good work for the underprivileged.
How do you know God is a He?
The only She-God in my life is a my mom.
Is the pain all gone?
Long back.
The Mission Istaanbul team seemed very unhappy with you?
That's absolute rubbish. I don't know where that perception has come from. Some people believe I was unhappy with my role. In fact Suniel Shetty called me and said, 'You were great in the film, Tiger. You're rocking in it.' Even the director Apoorva Lakhia called me to say he loved my work.
Apparently you got your valet to sms the producer saying you can't make it for the press conference? That's completely untrue. I got my partner Amit Chandra to call on my behalf because I couldn't get through from South Africa.
Zayed Khan thinks you're unhappy with your role in Mission Istanbul?
Zayed was away shooting for Blue for a long time. When he returned to Mumbai he must've been wrongly influenced by some people. Zayed is a great guy. And we had a great time working together in Istanbul. Unfortunately, I've had no time to speak to him and sort it out. I soon will. Once we talk it will be fine.
So you're happy with your role?
Completely. Before Apu gave any other actor the script he gave it to me. He gave me the choice to play whichever role I wanted. I chose Rizvan Khan because it was an awesome role. According to me my character was the film's hero. My character saves Zayed's life and inspires him. It's a very heroic character. I wanted to move to the other side of the morality line after playing the gangster in Apu's Shootout At Lokhandwala. For me it was always Rizwan Khan, and no other character.
Vivek's Girl
15-11-2008, 11:49 AM
TALKS ABOUT VIVEK!
'I can't work with Vivek'
by Sonia Sharma
Thursday, 06 November, 2008
http://www.masala.com/8206-i-cant-work-with-vivek
Kat's purring these days. And with good reason. Not only is she waiting for her love's labour "Yuvvraaj" with beau Salman Khan to release but has also bagged a film with the biggest Khan in Bollywood today, Shah Rukh.
The fact that Salman and SRK are katti for now hasn't dampened her enthusiasm one bit. In fact, it was at her birthday that the two friends became ex-pals. Salman called SRK a matlabi and King Khan in turn made nasty cracks about his ex-girlfriend Aishwarya Rai. Much noise was made about the spat in the media and poor Rani Mukerji too got caught in the two Khans' fight when she urged them to bury the hatchet (not into each other).
Given all this, how did Salman allow Katrina to work with Shah Rukh? "See, whatever happened was between the two of them. I wasn't involved. Both have come out in the open and spoken about it to the media. But at the end of the day, they're senior professionals from the film industry and they have been around much longer than I have," Kat says. She asserts that there's no awkwardness between Shah Rukh and her due to the fight and so, none in her relationship with Salman either.
However, one person who the original hot bod of Bollywood just wouldn't let her work with is jaani dushman Vivek Oberoi. Salman still hasn't forgiven Vivek for calling a press conference and accusing him of threats over Ash. Not that Katrina minds not working with Vivek. "There's only one person whom Salman has made his displeasure very clear about for which he has a very valid reason. I think he is very uncomfortable with his friends being around Vivek. Everyone knows about it because Salman has spoken about it," says the pretty actress. Seeing the way Vivek's career is going, that may not be such a huge loss.
But for Vivek it sure is. Her career is soaring, she's the modern-day King Midas. The lady's been belting out hits after hits and now, in "Yuvvraaj", she's paired with Salman. The promos are heating up the screens and she's sporting an interesting look in the film as well. "The role is a wonderful one of a cello player. I was told to play the cello in the film like I was dancing. I moved my fingers the way I would use my feet to dance and it worked. The scenes came out great. Anyway I had a great teacher to show me how to play the instrument," she says excitedly.
Katrina's pairing with Salman in the film is looking pretty fresh, even though they have starred together in "Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya" and also "Partner".
"It's great to be paired opposite someone who you know and who has been close to you. This film is a little more special to me in the sense that it is looking very good. It has a good story and it is a film which I think is going to be on celluloid forever. It has the makings of a romantic classic."
The film is special to Salman too, not only because he's paired with his lady love but also because he's working with producer-director Subhash Ghai for the first time after their very public brawl. Salman had actually slapped Subhash eight years ago in a suburban hotel. But his father Salim Khan dragged him over to the director for an apology and the two have patched up since. "Salman has a special equation with Subhash Ghai. They have had their ups and downs and so Salman wanted it to be a very special film," Katrina says.
She's lately been pretty thick with Akshay Kumar, and has given back-to-back hits with him. So what does he have to say about his favourite leading lady being paired with someone else? "Akshay is a sweetheart. He is a great friend of mine. But then when we are not on the sets, he hardly calls me up for a chat. He is a very busy person. He does not have the time to call up people and talk to them. Every minute of his time is managed to due to his commitments," she says, sidestepping the question. The answer seems to be that Akki has nothing to say about her new film sans him.
Katrina wants "Yuvvraaj" to continue her hits spree that began with Namastey London. She's given nothing less than six hits in a row. "I am praying for one more hit now. Yuvvraaj means a lot to me and the destiny of the film is in the hands of the audience," she finishes.
The audience seems too mesmerised with her to resist her films.
Vivek's Girl
15-11-2008, 11:49 AM
Vivek in SRK's company!
12 Nov, 2008 12:55 pm ISTl
Urvashi Ashar/INDIATIMES MOVIES
http://movies.indiatimes.com/articleshow/3703624.cms
It's official guys... after being repeatedly snubbed by Salman Khan, the Oberoi boy has moved over and joined hands with Salman's bete noire Shah Rukh Khan. We spotted him at a fashion show hobnobbing with Gauri Khan and her friends.
"Vivek is a regular in SRK's house and has found a place on their invitee list, too. He also seems to have been accepted by their inner circle of friends," we're informed.
So after Arjun Rampal, SRK has found another friend in Vivek 'Obey-roi'. As for Vivek, his mannat surely seems to have been granted. Looks like his ear-holding apologies to Sallu will now cease, as he enters the hi-league and palatial domains of King Khan!