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Vivek Oberoi is far from being written off. He is confident about his future and has bigger plans for a better future. As his latest film MISSION ISTANBUL releases, Vivek comes clean on his career, films and his philosophy towards life in a chat with our correspondent.
You have been missing from the scene for quite some time...

Yes, I was because I was shooting but I am going to bug you people now. MISSION ISTANBUL is releasing. I have been doing quality work and have changed a lot.

Changed a lot?

I am different from what I used to be...now I have changed...completely. My attitude towards life and work has completely changed. And I thank god for all this. I am a happy man today and am enjoying every bit of my life.

So you were not happy?

No, I wasn't. I have seen a lot and that is why I was also under pressure. There have been a lot of ups and downs in my life. I had hurt many people, at the same time I also believe that there were many who did not give me the right advice at the right time.

Does that hint at your personal life?

It was both personal and professional. (Chuckles) At the same time I have overcome everything and I am happy that I did it all on my own. I self assessed and rectified my faults. I went to all those people whom I had hurt and apologized to them.

And did they forgive you?

I am a god-fearing person. I did my duty. It was my duty to apologize. I believe in karma, so I was never bothered whether they forgave me or not. But I am sure they did. I am right now concerned only about my career and the moment I get success, I will feel that my life has come full circle.

Right... but you had tasted success initially...

Yeah...yeah... but that was for a short period. SAATHIYA and COMPANY were hits but success also turned my head. I now realize that all my decisions and career moves were not right.

Was that why you thought of keeping yourself out of everything?

I wasn't out of anything. I was just trying to solve all this problems. I am a happy man now...be it life, my family...everything. I take one thing at a time and then take a decision. This is something I have learnt with time.

But you also shied away from the media...

I hated them but now it's not that. I thought they were after me trying to identify faults with me. But now I don't blame them. I have realized that it's because of them that I am here today. They made me what I am...

So new films...new way of looking at life...is this a new beginning?

It has already started.

You mean MISSION ISTANBUL? What do you play?

Well. It's a dream role. I play Rizwaan Khan, a Turkish commando who is on a mission to save the world. The role attracted me a lot. When Apoorva Lakhia came to me with the script and asked me which role would I like to play, I instantly said "Rizwaan Khan" and he said, "I knew it and that's why I wrote it for you."

So you got your dream role?

I worked a lot for this role. I changed my looks, worked on my body and everything. I also have a lot of action sequences on the streets of Istanbul. I am sure this film will be a hit.

In SHOOTOUT AT LOKHANDWALA too you sported a similar look...

Come on (smiles)... now don't tell me that. I look damn cool over hear with a better body. I have also grown my hair and after all this is a positive role.

But why not solo hero projects. Only SAATHIYA saw you in a solo hero. The others did not quite work out...

That was my bad luck. But I don't select films like that. For me a good role is a role. I have two solo hero films coming up. One is by Tips and also one with Saif and Kareena.

Okay...now one last thing... You say you are enjoying life, so when are you getting married?

Ha..ha..ha... So let me enjoy Na...you don't like seeing me bachelor.