Bollywood actor Vivek Oberoi has found himself navigating a storm of online criticism after a comment he made regarding the enduring relevance of megastar Shah Rukh Khan ignited a fiery debate across social media platforms. The remark, which went viral almost instantly, prompted a robust defence of SRK from his legion of fans. In response, Oberoi has now issued a detailed clarification, asserting that his words were severely misconstrued and that he remains a steadfast admirer of Khan.
The Clarification: Context Over Content
Addressing the controversy during a podcast session with Dr Vivek Bindra and financial influencer Sharan Hegde, Vivek Oberoi expressed his frustration at how his statement was presented. He argued that while the spread of his comment was efficient, the context was completely lost. “I would like to say that whoever spread this statement, I would give them 100 points for volume, because they did a great job and that too, very quickly. But for context, I would give zero..minus hundred points. Content was delivered, but context wasn’t,” Oberoi stated emphatically.
He used the opportunity to underline the personal bond he shares with Shah Rukh Khan, describing a relationship built on decades of mutual respect and affection. “I am a big fan of Shah bhai. And, not only as an actor, but also personal life. He has been there for me. He has given me so much love,” Vivek shared, adding that Khan continues to offer him support and blessings. He highlighted their familial connection, noting how they share joy in each other's and their children's successes.
Legacy Versus Transient Stardom
Oberoi explained that his original intention was to spark a philosophical discussion on the nature of fame versus lasting impact. He drew parallels beyond cinema, using the example of billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk to illustrate how positions at the top are often temporary. “Superstardom, money, all these things are transient,” he remarked.
He extended this analogy to Indian cinema, pointing out how legendary figures from past eras, while revered by older generations, might not hold the same immediate recognition for today's youth. “Once upon a time, Dilip Kumar sahab and Raj Kapoor sahab were superstars, legends, but today’s generation knows Ranbir Kapoor. They don’t have Raj Kapoor’s context,” Oberoi explained. His core argument was that while superstardom fades with generations, the legacy of good deeds and meaningful contributions endures far longer, citing industrialist Jamsetji Tata as an example.
Elaborating on his point about Shah Rukh Khan specifically, Vivek said, “So, I said that Shah bhai is a superstar, legend for our generation… for me... But, after 25 years, will people remember him as a superstar? I don’t know. But will people remember his good deeds? He did good deeds, people remember that generationally.”
Origin of the Viral Statement
The controversy stemmed from an earlier interview with Pinkvilla, where Oberoi pondered the perception of stardom across different eras. He had questioned how icons are remembered over time, using a hypothetical scenario about the future. “2050 mein log bolenge kaun Shah Rukh Khan, shayad (In 2050, people might ask, ‘Who is Shah Rukh Khan?’, perhaps). Like people today might ask, ‘Who is Raj Kapoor?’” he had said, suggesting that history can sometimes relegate even the biggest stars to obscurity for newer generations unfamiliar with their work.
On the professional front, Vivek Oberoi was last seen in the historical action film ‘Kesari Veer’. He has a packed lineup of upcoming projects, including the pan-India film ‘Spirit’ by director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Nitesh Tiwari's epic ‘Ramayana’, and ‘Mastiii 4’.
