'In finding Maya, I found myself'

In a candid interview, Vivek Oberoi says he has regained a sense of creative satisfaction with his role in Shoot Out At Lokhandwala

Vivek Oberoi

How do you see Maya?

When I started researching for Maya's role, it excited me a great deal. It brought me back to the basics. It brought me to a point when I went to interview criminals, cops, convicts and murderers.

Did you meet anyone from his family?

I spoke to a few people. I cannot disclose names, but yes, I met a lot of people. I even met the people who killed him.

Inspector Javed Sheikh is still in the ATS; I even met Mr A A Khan and Mr Kaleem at a physiotherapy session at Nanavati Hospital.

For us, 1991 is such a distant memory, but for Mr Kaleem, it's not. He has to go to Nanavati for physiotherapy every single day, as he is still suffering from the bullet wound in his arm. Mr Shaikh told me that the film is long overdue.

Let's talk about your research…

I went through several police files and there's also documentary footage on the incident. I went through newspaper clippings, articles, pictures, books.

Mr A A Khan has written a book called Surrender and it has some very interesting details. The book said that Maya was from Ratnagiri, and I went there and discovered that it's in the Konkan and people from there don't have much body hair.

So I got that cleaned out. Most people won't notice little things like that on screen but it worked for me to portray the character better.

Isn't your look as Maya similar to that of Chandu from Company?

No, I think they are extremely different. For Chandu's character, I remember working on the look and paying attention to little things like the colours Chandu wore. For me, they were representative of his vulnerability.

Sure, he kills people, but in a weird way, there is some degree of innocence to him too. On the other hand, what was really challenging about Maya was his fearlessness.

He was really dark and never justified what he did. He got high on conflict. I have tried to bring that across in the film.

Does the film say that the police masterminded the Lokhandwala incident?

All I will say is that I like (director) Apoorva Lakhia's take on the film. He isn't spoon-feeding the audience and telling them, 'Look, this is what happened.

' He's presented the film in a very journalistic fashion. He's given them all the facts, the information, the rumours and the actual footage to make what they want of it.

Of course, he has taken some creative liberties, but that's because he's making a film at the end of the day.

How confident are you about holding your own in a film packed with big names?

The way I look at it, this is a film with opportunity and a great role. I played it to the best of my potential. I've gone back to my old ways and will be doing only one film at a time.

So while doing Shoot Out, I took a complete break from everything else and really focussed on the part. I hope the audience will be able to appreciate that.

Tell me, is it true that you've refused 25 films recently?

You know, that sounds like a really large number if you take it at face value. But when you take into consideration that I haven't signed a single film in the last one-and-a-half-year, it's really not that big a number!

Do you think it makes people perceive you as being difficult?

I don't care about people's perceptions. I care about my own perceptions.

So what films do you have after Shoot Out?

None.

That doesn't worry you?

Worrying is a waste of time.

You were offered a small part in Shah Rukh Khan's Om Shanti Om, which you turned down.

It wasn't a small part and I was extremely honoured that Farah Khan (director) and Shah Rukh (producer) wanted me to be a part of their film, but sometimes you make certain choices and stand by them. I've been known to be crazy that way… making irrational choices.

Ever regretted an irrational choice later?

You know, when you step back and look at it, you sometimes go, 'Damn. This was good.' But at the time of making a choice, it seemed like the right thing to do so I went with that.

Are you in Ajay Devgan's home production?

Ajay is a really dear friend and he has been there for me. We are constantly chatting about projects that he is putting together, but I've been taking my time to accept anything. It's a conscious decision. I want to take one film through before taking on another one.

It's rumoured that Amitabh and Abhishek skipped the Lokhandwala launch because of you.

I don't know about that.

Was it difficult working with them in Shoot Out?

Firstly, we didn't share any scenes in the film. Secondly, I had a fantastic experience working with the Bachchans.

Mr Bachchan is a brilliant actor and I've worked with him before. Abhishek and I got along really well during the making of Yuva and I still don't see a problem.

What do you think Jaya Bachchan meant when she said you were 'a man on a mission' on Koffee With Karan?

To be honest, I haven't been able to understand that comment, but I'm sure she meant it as a compliment. I'm sure Jaya aunty would only wish the best for me.

So what's going on with Kim Sharma?

(Laughs) What… is that the only name you have on your list? I've been linked to a few more ladies than just Kim! Those rumours aren't true.

We were on the same flight and I was sitting 20 rows ahead of her. I don't even deny link-ups anymore. It's just that sometimes it makes things awkward in relationships.

Like with the Manayata (Sanjay Dutt's gal) story?

Yes. It upset me but hats off to Sanju Sir for his maturity. He called me and said, 'Bro, it's cool. Don't worry about it.'

A lot of people chose to side with Salman in your fight with him because he was the bigger star. Ever regret the decision of taking him on?

For the purpose of growth, you should own up to your responsibilities, not withstanding circumstances, influences or any catalysts in the event.

You should own up because at the end of the day an incident happened and you did what you did. Rather than regret it, you do something about it so that it doesn't become a regret anymore.

Ramu says he won't work with you again. What went wrong there?

I have no idea. As far we're concerned, we're very good with each other. He's always reached out to me every time he has seen a promo of my film.

Recently, he sent me a message about my look in Shoot Out and I really appreciate that. He is one of the greatest filmmakers we have and I can't thank him enough for the films he gave me.

You were edged out of Guru because Ash and Abhi were not comfortable working with you.

Let's not talk about history. All I will say is that I saw the film and, as usual, Mani (Ratnam) Sir has made a brilliant film. Abhishek was fantastic in it.

Did you expect an invite to the AbhiAsh wedding?

I have no expectations and no complaints.

You haven't remained friends with your exes, Gurpreet and Ash. Is that deliberate?

It's never been my decision to cut all contact.

Do you think they blame you for the break-up?

I truly believe I have never given anyone a reason to blame me.

How do you describe your current love life?

Very colourful!