Compared to Ranveers/Varuns we have today, he was more handsome when he debuted. Even with the limited opportunities, he has shown his acting skills. He has portrayed contrasting characters in Saathiya and Raktacharitha, both brilliantly. He had string of hits too. (Company, Yuva, Saathiya once). Suddenly he fell.
Reasons?
His lack of professionalism: Early success went to his head, which made him arrogant. He changed himself to good later. But crucial time had passed.
Poor judgement: He let go Hum Tum, though Kunal was his friend. That made Saif's career.
Personal life clouding professional life : Aish was clear, it was not love from her side. But Vivek was not. (May be he was young to realise). I don't think, it was love from his side too. It was more of an infatuation. (Suddenly the so called "most beautiful woman in Earth" happened to be his girlfriend). People who are in real love don't flaunt their girlfriends the way he did.
For him, she was a trophy he won.
Bhai's connection : Before corporates entered, Bollywood was mainly run by underworld money. Salman was their friend. (Whether Salman influenced them or not cannot be proved. May be they decided themselves, they will not invest on a person who insulted their friend). So, whoever may be the producer, they would have thought twice to cast Vivek.
Most of the things we can accuse Vivek (arrogance, temper), even Salman had it when he was young. (Now also he has). May be his fights did not involve the investors. He survived.
Even today, Vivek seems to have been under boycott by a big gang. He acted with Saif and Kareena In Kurbaan. Next year when he was getting married in Bangalore, both Saif and Kareena were in Bangalore. But they chose not to attend, instead they partied in a club. Though KJo is not a great friend of Salman, he never considered casting Vivek. May be because, Vivek is his enemy's student. (Vivek debuted with Ram Gopal Verma's movie and continues his association). But then, KJo is nice with Bacchans who act in RGV's movies. May be, it is easier to pick on soft targets.
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