Vivek Oberoi's Bollywood Exit Tied to Devastating Accident Injuries
Celebrity fitness trainer Vinod Channa has shared new insights into Vivek Oberoi's gradual disappearance from Bollywood. Channa, who once trained the actor, points to a near-fatal accident as a major reason for Oberoi's reduced film appearances.
The Accident That Changed Everything
Speaking to Hindi Rush, Vinod Channa recalled the early 2000s when Vivek Oberoi suffered a terrible accident. "He had a very bad accident which caused him a lot of injuries," Channa stated. "This was one of the biggest reasons why he left the industry."
Many people assumed Oberoi's departure resulted from depression or industry politics. Channa clarifies this isn't the full story. "People must have assumed it was his depression that caused him to leave the industry. That's not fully true. He also left because of his injuries."
Oberoi's Own Account of the Terrifying Incident
Vivek Oberoi himself described this near-death experience during an interview with Mashable India. The accident occurred while shooting for his 2002 film Road in Rajasthan.
"I was shooting in Rajasthan for Road," Oberoi remembered. "We were going from Bikaner to Jaisalmer. Beautiful roads, beautiful drive, but it was at night."
Oberoi repeatedly warned the driver about speed and visibility. "I told the driver at least 15 to 20 times to drive slowly; 'it is night, visibility is low, drive slowly.'"
The actor was sitting in the front passenger seat. "I reclined my seat and suddenly there was a huge crash, a massive sound."
A camel cart carrying metal rods suddenly appeared on the road. "The rods smashed the windshield," Oberoi explained. "If my seat had been straight, those rods would have gone into my body. I couldn't get out of the car because the rods were above me. But I was unscathed. Almost died."
This traumatic experience left a lasting impact. "After that, I decided not to travel at night," Oberoi revealed. He also stopped sitting in front seats altogether.
Beyond Acting: Oberoi's Business Acumen
Vinod Channa also praised Vivek Oberoi's talents beyond the silver screen. "He is a very talented guy," Channa said. "He is the best business tycoon. His business management skills stunned me."
Channa highlighted how MBA professionals seek Oberoi's advice. "He is called by MBA people. He has very different level of talent."
This business success explains Oberoi's current net worth of approximately Rs 1,200 crore despite his reduced film career.
Industry Challenges and Personal Resilience
Vivek Oberoi has previously spoken about facing industry challenges despite early success. In an interview with India News, he described a difficult phase.
"There was a phase in my life where my movies were hit, performance was appreciated, yet for other reasons if you are not getting any role at all," Oberoi said.
He addressed becoming "the victim of a system and lobby." Oberoi explained this left him with two options: "where you get all depressed or take it as a challenge and write your own destiny."
Legacy and Current Status
Vivek Oberoi remains a frequently discussed figure in Bollywood circles. His early 2000s success and highly publicized personal life keep him in public memory.
While his acting career hasn't matched the longevity of some contemporaries, Oberoi has carved a different path. The accident injuries, combined with industry dynamics, shaped his career trajectory significantly.
Today, Vivek Oberoi appears in films only occasionally. His primary focus seems to have shifted toward business ventures where he has found substantial success.
The revelation from his former trainer adds important context to understanding Oberoi's career evolution. It wasn't just industry politics or personal struggles, but physical injuries from a life-threatening accident that contributed to his reduced screen presence.
