Time doesn’t erase memories, but it can change how we hold them. Actor Vivek Oberoi recently revisited one of the most challenging chapters of his life: the 2003 controversy with Salman Khan. In a candid conversation, he didn’t just talk about the infamous press conference or the professional fallout. He spoke about the human cost—the sound of his mother’s tears and the threatening phone calls that followed. What makes his story compelling today isn’t the drama, but the perspective he brings after twenty years. This is not a story about a feud; it’s a story about what comes after.
The Incident That Changed Everything
To understand the weight of Oberoi’s reflections, we need to briefly look back. In 2003, at the peak of his career following the success of Company and Saathiya, Vivek Oberoi called a press conference. He alleged that Salman Khan had made threatening phone calls to him. The event became a media firestorm.
The immediate aftermath, as Oberoi now recalls, was brutal. He says he started receiving “threat calls,” creating an atmosphere of fear. But the professional repercussions were even more significant. The industry, it seemed, chose sides. “The phone, which was ringing off the hook with film offers, suddenly went silent,” Oberoi has implied in past interviews. This period marked a sharp decline in his career trajectory in mainstream Bollywood.
The Deeper Scars: A Son’s Perspective
While the professional setbacks are a matter of public record, Oberoi’s latest revelations highlight the personal trauma. The most poignant part of his account isn’t about lost movies; it’s about his family.
The Memory of a Mother’s Tears
For Oberoi, the most difficult part to move on from is the pain he saw his family endure. “It’s difficult to move on from my mother’s tears,” he stated. This single sentence shifts the entire narrative. It’s a reminder that public controversies have private, emotional casualties. The image of a parent suffering for their child’s struggles is a universal pain point that adds a profound layer of humanity to his story.
Letting Go of the “Poison” of Bitterness
The central theme of Oberoi’s current outlook is the conscious decision to release bitterness. He explicitly says he holds “no bitterness” now. He describes holding onto anger as a “poison” that harms the person carrying it, not the target. This mindset didn’t come easily; it was a choice made over time for his own peace and well-being.
Life After the Storm: Resilience and Reinvention
Vivek Oberoi’s career path is a study in resilience. After the fallout, he carved a niche for himself with impactful roles in films like Shootout at Lokhandwala and Rakta Charitra. He found success in the digital space with the web series Inside Edge and made a powerful comeback in Southern cinema with the blockbuster Vivegam and the critically acclaimed K.G.F: Chapter 2.
His journey demonstrates that a career isn’t defined by one setback, but by the ability to adapt and persevere. He shifted his focus, explored new avenues, and built a sustainable career on his own terms. For more on his filmography, you can visit his page on IMDb.
FAQs: Answering Your Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about this chapter in Bollywood history.
What exactly happened between Vivek Oberoi and Salman Khan in 2003?
Vivek Oberoi alleged that Salman Khan made threatening phone calls to him regarding his relationship with actor Aishwarya Rai, who was previously in a relationship with Khan. Oberoi detailed these allegations in a press conference, which led to a major public feud.
Did Vivek Oberoi’s career really suffer after this?
By all accounts, yes. Oberoi was one of the most promising newcomers of his time. Following the controversy, the flow of big-budget Bollywood offers slowed down significantly. While he continued to act, his career in mainstream Hindi cinema did not follow the trajectory many had predicted.
What is Vivek Oberoi’s relationship with Salman Khan today?
Oberoi has stated that he holds no bitterness, but there is no public information to suggest they are friends or have reconciled. His comments indicate a state of peaceful detachment rather than an active relationship.
What is Vivek Oberoi doing now?
He continues to act in films and web series. He is also an active entrepreneur and philanthropist, involved in various business ventures and social initiatives through his company, Oberoi Mega Entertainment (internal link example).
Conclusion: The Takeaway on Peace and Moving Forward
Vivek Oberoi’s story today is less about a two-decade-old conflict and more about the long, difficult journey toward peace. It’s a powerful reminder that healing is a personal choice. You can acknowledge the scars—the professional setbacks, a mother’s tears—without letting them define your present.
His experience offers a valuable lesson, both in and out of the spotlight: holding onto bitterness often hurts you more than anyone else. Letting go isn’t about forgetting; it’s about choosing to move forward, unburdened.
What are your thoughts on finding closure after a public or personal setback? Share your perspectives in the comments below.
