Vivek Oberoi's Journey from Teen Entrepreneur to Bollywood Crorepati
In the fickle world of Bollywood, it's common for stars to diversify their income by investing in real estate or starting their own businesses. Actor Vivek Oberoi is a prime example of someone who understood the importance of diversification early on. Despite coming from a wealthy family, Vivek's success as an entrepreneur is a testament to his hard work and determination.
While making an appearance on the Dubai Property Insider podcast, Vivek opened up about his business ventures and the role his father, Suresh Oberoi, played in his life. He revealed that his father only served as a mentor and never provided financial assistance. “My father would bring me a product and ask me to create an entire business plan about how I was going to sell it. I started understanding the nuances of business from the age of 10 because I was going from door to door to sell that stuff,” he said.
Vivek's father often reminded him, “I am a rich man; you are not. You will get there, but you have to do it on your own.” This approach instilled a strong work ethic in Vivek. While his peers were enjoying their school life, he was already delving into the stock market. By the age of 19, Vivek had raised $3 million for his first company. He not only made a significant profit for his investors but also for himself. By the time he was 23, he had sold the company and continued to build his business empire.
According to Forbes India, Vivek Oberoi's net worth as of April 2025 is Rs 1200 crore. His diverse portfolio includes investments in BNW Real Estate, Solitario, Impresario Global, Rutland Square Spirits, and ReadyAssist, among others. Despite his early success in business, Vivek's entry into Bollywood was equally impressive. He made his debut in 2002 with Ram Gopal Verma’s 'Company' and became a household name with 'Saathiya' (2002), directed by Shaad Ali.
Vivek's journey from a young entrepreneur to a successful actor and businessman is a testament to his resilience and strategic thinking. He has taken nine companies public on the Indian stock market and plans to take four more. His story is an inspiration for young entrepreneurs and a reminder that success is often the result of hard work and smart decision-making, rather than just financial backing.
Vivek's approach to business and life is a valuable lesson for anyone looking to build a sustainable career. By starting early and learning the ropes, he was able to create a robust foundation for his future success. His story is a powerful reminder that with the right mindset and a lot of effort, anyone can achieve their goals, regardless of their background.