Archive · 12 Aug 2026
Why Vivek Oberoi Lived in Mumbai Slum for Three Weeks
Vivek Oberoi is an actor in Bollywood, the Hindi film industry.
His very first movie was called Company.
The director, Ram Gopal Varma, first said no to giving him the role.
He thought Vivek looked too polished for the character he would play.
So Vivek decided to really become that character.
He rented a small room, called a kholi, in a poor Mumbai neighbourhood or chawl.
He lived there for three whole weeks.
He changed his clothes, his habits, and even his body language.
When he came back, the director did not even recognise him.
That is how he proved he was right for the role.
Vivek Oberoi was initially rejected by director Ram Gopal Varma for the role of Chandu Nagre in his debut film Company.
He rented a kholi (room) in a Mumbai chawl and lived there for three weeks to understand his character.
Oberoi turned down the option of being launched by his father, Suresh Oberoi, choosing instead to prove himself and struggling for 18 months.
His transformation, aided by a struggling photographer, made him unrecognisable and convinced Ram Gopal Varma he was right for the role.
Oberoi is now a successful businessman with a reported net worth of Rs 1,200 crore and will next appear in Ramayana Part 1 as Vibhishan.
- Who
- Actor Vivek Oberoi, with director Ram Gopal Varma and his father, actor Suresh Oberoi, involved in the story.
- What
- Oberoi lived in a Mumbai slum for three weeks to prepare for his debut role in the film Company.
- When
- Before his 2002 debut film Company, following an 18-month struggle after giving up a comfortable launch option.
- Where
- Mumbai, in a rented kholi (room) in a slum or chawl.
- Why
- He was initially rejected for being too polished and wanted to transform himself into the rugged character Chandu Nagre.
- Actor
- Vivek Oberoi
- Film
- Company (debut, 2002)
- Character
- Chandu Nagre
- Director
- Ram Gopal Varma
- Preparation
- 3 weeks living in a Mumbai kholi
- Reported Net Worth
- Rs 1,200 crore
- Next Project
- Ramayana Part 1 as Vibhishan