Akshay Oberoi Opens Up On Being Related To Vivek Oberoi: 'Koi Rishta Hi Nahi Tha'

Akshay Oberoi, who debuted with Isi Life Mein (2010), has carved his niche in Bollywood without a godfather. Praised for Fighter (2024) alongside Hrithik Roshan, Deepika Padukone, and Anil Kapoor, Akshay’s talent speaks for itself. But did you know, that Akshay is actually related to Vivek Oberoi? Well, neither did most of his co-stars and directors!

Akshay Oberoi addresses his connection with Vivek Oberoi

Recently, in a candid interview with Digital Commentary, Akshay Oberoi reflected on his familial ties in Bollywood and the impact of nepotism on his career. Despite being the nephew of veteran actor Suresh Oberoi and cousin to Vivek Oberoi, Akshay revealed that these relationships did not significantly influence his journey in the film industry. Talking about his relationship, Akshay remarked:

“I don’t think a lot of people even know (that I’m related to them)... most people do not know. Toh actually, ye tag mere upar kabhi laga hi nahi… Ab jaa kar ke because you know, when you get a little bit popular, people want to know more about you. Toh ab jaakar meri kundli pura log nikaal rahe hai."

Akshay Oberoi on the nepotism debate

Regarding the nepotism debate, Akshay candidly remarked that audiences are smart enough to distinguish a privileged actor from actual talent. He believes the audience recognises his prolonged efforts and dedication. He was quoted as saying:

“Audience bhi kaafi smart hai. Audience to bhi pata hai, arey ye to kab se mehnat kar raha hai, kab dekha tha isko, ye jaana pehchana shakal hai, kab se mehnat kar raha hai...jo rasta main khojkar nikal ke aaya hu, aapke saame baitha hu itne saal baad, sabko pata hai yar, audience bohot sharp hai. They know everything. So I feel very relaxed about it. I know ki koi kiska baap bolega ki main nepotism ka wo hu.”

Reflecting on his journey, Akshay expressed a sense of ‘reverse nepotism’, mentioning that he lacked the advantages typically associated with industry connections. He lamented the absence of guidance and access, saying:

“Actually, mere saath reverse nepotism hua hai, to tell you the truth… koi rishta hi nahi tha. I wish ki koi rishta majboot raha, main unse salah mashwara to le leta… ek star ke sang jab aap hote ho to aapko pata rehta hai ki kya karna chahiye aapko, kis tarah ki film karni chahiye, kaun se director se milna chahiye, kaun si party mein jaana chahiye… Or aapko access bhi mil jaata hai…Wo bhi nahi hua… I was almost completely an outsider, plus a negative thing because he (Vivek) was struggling himself in his career.”

Further into the chat, Akshay revealed how even Karan Johar, one of the people in the industry who knows everything about everyone, did not know that he was related to Vivek. These are the factors that never really led anyone to point fingers at him and tag him as a product of nepotism; despite familial ties, Akshay made his way as an outsider with no guiding hand.

On his work front, Akshay Oberoi is currently in the middle of two upcoming projects. His film, Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari co-starring Varun Dhawan and Janhvi Kapoor, is set to be released in 2025.  He is also in the middle of shooting Two Zero One Four, directed by Shravan Tiwari.

Let us know your views on Akshay Oberoi’s response to the nepotism debate.

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