Vivek Oberoi, who was once considered one of Bollywood's most promising talents, has seen a significant shift in his career trajectory, leading him to explore avenues beyond acting. While several factors contributed to this transition, one major reason appears to be the industry's internal dynamics, including lobbying and favoritism.

Oberoi's career began with a bang in 2002 with his debut film Company, which earned him critical acclaim. He followed it up with successful films like Saathiya and Yuva, solidifying his position in the industry. However, his career took a tumble in the mid-2000s.

One of the most talked-about reasons for the decline was a public fallout with Salman Khan in 2003. Oberoi held a press conference where he accused Khan of threatening him, which reportedly led to an "undeclared blackballing" that significantly impacted his career. He became "the guy nobody was supposed to work with".

In a candid conversation with Indian Express, Oberoi revealed how the industry's dynamics affected his acting career. Despite delivering strong performances, he found himself sidelined. He stated that after Shootout at Lokhandwala in 2007, despite winning awards, he didn't receive many offers and "sat at home for 14 to 15 months".

Oberoi felt disillusioned with the film industry, believing it often prioritized familiarity over genuine talent and lacked a collaborative spirit. He felt stuck in a repetitive cycle that lacked creative empowerment. This prompted him to look at other opportunities, and he began focusing on business.

Oberoi's entrepreneurial instincts took shape long before his cinematic debut. He dabbled in voiceovers, emceeing, and the stock market in his teens. By 19, he had launched a tech startup, which he sold by 22.

Today, Oberoi oversees businesses in tech, real estate, and retail. He has raised a staggering $1 billion across 12 companies, with two of them eyeing IPOs. He co-founded Svarnim University and is an angel investor in startups. His net worth is reportedly around ₹1,200 crore.

Oberoi credits his business success for enabling his creative freedom. He says that acting is his passion, and business is the enabler, giving him the freedom to pursue his dreams without compromise. He continues to balance acting with entrepreneurship and was recently seen in the web series Indian Police Force.

While Oberoi faced setbacks and a perceived "boycott" in Bollywood, he has rebuilt his career and found success in the business world. This transition showcases his resilience and ability to reinvent himself, proving that success can be found beyond the confines of the film industry.